Has anyone developed ADD following CFS/Fibro

[Can'tregister]

I am curious about the numbers who developed ADD as a consequence of developing chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia compared to those who were either diagnosed prior to CFS/fibro onset or recognise ADD symptoms retrospectively from their childhood .

In my own case I believe I had inattentive symptoms in childhood and like many inattentives did reasonably well academicaly but had atroucious study habits often motivated by last minute panic and fear . Also I was aware at the time that my memory was poor .

Later my concentration seemed a lot worse as was my memory once CFS developed . I was always worse in winter and improved once I started to spend 3 or more weeks in the tropics in the middle of each winter.

Recently my concentration (and energy , I am a good deal less lethargic this summer ) has improved with a combination of reboxetine ( an NaRI like straterra )and penylalanine .

[scarygreengiant]

You don't just "get" ADHD as an adult. I imagine chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylgia might look like ADHD-PI. CFS or fibromylagia could worsen symptoms in someone who already has ADHD but it doesn't cause ADHD.

[QueensU_girl]

Yes and No.

Inattention problems can develop following viruses (one theory of CFS) and with Fibro, yup.

In the Fibro model of neuro-endocrine dysfunction, it has to do with LT changes in the HPA axis.

For example, the stress chemical cortisol is secreted in Fibro, which is known to alter memory and orgranization and planning abilities in the brain. (LT cortisol exposure affects hippocampal function. Some memory funciton is there.)

Another issue with Fibro is that people do not sleep well. (Lack of Stage 3 and 4 sleep. This impair memory formation ('learning') and STM. We consolidate memory and learning in our sleep.)

SCARYGREENGIANT is correct in that the DSM-approved "ADD/ADHD" diagnosis doesn't just 'show up' as an adult.

(This "diagnostic criteria" of needing to be present 'before age 6", is all political, really.)



We know though, that many disorders can cause inattention and hyperactivity: e.g. delirium, head injuries, stroke, various types of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.

[Can'tregister]

Scarygeengiant said

You don't just "get" ADHD as an adult

Undoubtadly the case according to the DSM criterion however Dr Daniel Amen in his book Healing ADD suggests that a head injury to the frontal cortex can cause ADD type symptoms and even could respond to stimulants .For an example google Phineas Gage who following an iron bar being driven through the front of his head changed from a diligent hard worker to a feckless drunk .

In addition Hallowell in Delivered from Destraction writes that he diagnosed a patient with ADD as a consequence of chemical sensitivity and suspects he may have missed many others .

I asked the original question because where ADD and CFS/ fibro are linked its not always clear to me if ADD type symptoms predated or if they developed as a consequence of fibro/CFS or even for some that stimulants aleviate their CFS/fibro symptoms and that their ADD type symptoms are relatively minor .

See the following links for examples of the above;

http://addfibro.com/index.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...gdbfrom=pubmed






QueensU_girl said

In the Fibro model of neuro-endocrine dysfunction, it has to do with LT changes in the HPA axis.

For example, the stress chemical cortisol is secreted in Fibro, which is known to alter memory and orgranization and planning abilities in the brain. (LT cortisol exposure affects hippocampal function. Some memory funciton is there.)


QueensU_girl you suggest that there is increased cortisol in fibro . Do you have a definitive referance for this . I understood that in both fibro and CFS mild hypocortisolism was the issue in the LT dysregulation of the HPA axis .

[Mary]

ADD and Fibro are caused by the same lack of serotonin. ADD is present from birth... and Fibro can be...but it can also be brought on by a severe viral infection.

Children have been diagnosed with fibro as early as their teen years.

Read the book.. Fibromyalgia for Dummies and check out these websites: http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer

http://www.fmnetnews.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fib...79/UPDATEAPP=0

p.s. I have fibro and CFS.... but I'm not ADD.

[mrsmith]

For me, most of my typical "ADD" symptoms are connected to "Fibro" (like a stiff neck). Though reading forums like this it seems ADD medication often helps Fibro, indication that Fibro is "cause by" ADD (For me stimulants often makes my ADD worse, by stiffening muscles, as stimulants normally do)

Valentine