ADD and hypothyroidism

[SquarePeg]

Hi, I am new to this site. My 13 old son has just been diagnosed ADD and reading all the info makes me feel that I could have it too.

Well around 15 years ago I went to the doc with because of my memory problems, lack of concentration, motivation, making constant errors, depression and was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid.

My bloods came in at .1 out or range but I had all the symptoms.

Despite taking medication for 15 years, nothing has changed, if anything I am worse.

So as well a thinking I have ADD I am now thinking I don´t have thyroid problems.

any ideas. thanks

[Beekeeper]

I would get another full work up done and take it in to see a pdoc. That would give concrete evidence that your issues most likely aren't caused by your thyroid. A good pdoc will take it from there.

Good luck!

[Zevispaz]

My mom has an under active Thyroid and I swear she has all the signs and symptoms of adhd some days. So your thyroid can really throw off everything.

[Ipsofacto]

My wife has Hashimotos, and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. The ADHD was (I think) apparent because of a history of impulsiveness, and family history of ADHD. My with was messy and easily disorganized long before her thyroid problem.

[meadd823]

15 years ago I was simply hyperactive ADHD now I am less hyper and more inattentive due to the addition of hypothyroidism - as if the two weren't enough, just as I get the thyroid straighten out I begin menopause - blah

Stopping the thyroid medications will only serve to muddy the waters of diagnosis - Remain on the thyroid as prescribed and seek a medical professional regarding the remaining issues that lead you to believe you are ADHD.

It is possible to have both thyroid problems and ADHD.

[NorhShore604]

I have HYPERthroidism. It crept up on me, and was only really diagnosed when my Dr made me get a prenatal blood test because I was getting to the age to consider having kids (have kids before 35, because it gets harder later on).

It's only a part of what's wonky with my brain, but it fits like a puzzle piece. And then comes a stressful situation or PMS, stomping around like a 2 year hold having a temper tantrum.

ADHD?
Yeah.
But at least I'm not BORING.

[cathy2]

I am undiagnosed adhd, I do have Hashimotos and was relieved to have an answer for my tiredness, memory, concentration, unmotivation, flitting from one task to another etc. I too have been on thyriod medication now for a number of years with my levels now sitting at a good level, yet my symptoms have not gone away.

My mum, my sister and my brother all also have Hashimotos, the more I learn about my sons issues the more I think we have DAMP, the symptoms have been there long before the thyriod decided to crash and attack it self.

My sister's memory is so bad at times she has thought she could have alzheimer's, she commented to me the other day that her daughter had came to visit when she knocked off work, she offered to make her a cupper, put the kettle on then went to her room to pop something away.

Once in her room she decided to check her computer, half a hour later her daughter came in and said I'll catch you later, my sister said "ow sorry I forgot you were here", she told me she must get her thyroid re-checked, I said I think it could be less about the thyriod and more about the distractablity of adhd, this is just an example of our daily life.

[SquarePeg]

Originally Posted by cathy2

My sister's memory is so bad at times she has thought she could have alzheimer's.

The reason I went to the doc in the first place was because I thought I could have alzheimers. I forget everyday words, I would be in the car and not know where I was driving to or how I had gotten their.

I couldn´t even make a cuppa at times. I would put the tea bag next to the cup and pour boiling water on the counter, or I would fill up the cup, no bag and throw the lot in the bin.

I put my hands in the hot oven twice without oven gloves and cleaned a blade with my thumb.

[cathy2]

Yep, sounds very similer, one day she had spoken with someone at work earlier in the day, then later when speaking with them again she didn't even recall talking to them let alone any of the conversation.

Your thyriod definently has a great impact on your body when it is not working properly, my thoughts are though, if your levels are were they should be why do we still have all the syptoms?

Not directing that question at anyone here as I don't expect an answer, just that I have asked my Dr and not really been given a response, mind you I have never brought up the idea of adhd with my Dr either, this is just becoming more apparent.

Squarepeg are these difficulties better for you now since getting your thyriod under control? or do you still have periods were you make these careless mistakes?

[SquarePeg]

Cathy


I have tried different combinations of thyroid meds including natural armour (porcine) and mixing t3. Thyroid meds are t4 and the body converts t4 to t3 by taking off an iodine molecule. Some people don´t convert well, therefore I tried adding t3. I´m happy I have tried everything. In the end I gave up and just take the meds that seem to work best.

I was diagnosed 12 years ago with hashimotos and now have been diagnosed with adhd PI. Like you say some symptoms remained, despite thyroid meds, but these have further been improved by ADHD meds.

However I still make loads of careless, thoughtless mistakes but nowhere near as bad.

[cathy2]

Yep, I am hearing you, I am glad that you have had further improvement, it is terrible when you are at your worst and you don't think it will get any better.

I am glad you have your ADHD PI diagnosis, I think it helps to know why you do the things you do or why your brain works differently.

Cheers.