Is there a point to getting diagnosed with ADHD?

MuddyBoots · Sep 27, 2020 at 02:50 PM

My therapist brought it up at one point last year that she thinks I have it, and so have a bunch of friends and family members. Only I have substance use issues and am prone to mania so I couldn't go on any stimulants, so is there a point in asking my pdoc if I have it?

quietlylost · Sep 28, 2020 at 06:50 AM

It's a great question to ask your doctor. Research has shown that people with ADHD can have higher rates of substance use disorders but that once treated (even with medication) the rates of substance use can actually decrease. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD. It would be worth a conversation with your provider.

I had been very skeptical of ADHD in the past, even thinking it was a bogus diagnosis except in extreme cases. However, I was diagnosed with it as an adult and I can tell you it's like seeing the world with glasses. Medication for it has helped so much, so has taking the time to learn about the diagnosis, learn ways to manage some of the challenges, and connecting with a community of people who also deal with ADHD.

Bottom line, it's worth talking with your provider about. At least getting more information and looking into the symptoms to see if you think the diagnosis makes sense. There are also non-medication treatments for ADHD including CBT and coaching.

sarahsweets · Sep 28, 2020 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapien

My therapist brought it up at one point last year that she thinks I have it, and so have a bunch of friends and family members. Only I have substance use issues and am prone to mania so I couldn't go on any stimulants, so is there a point in asking my pdoc if I have it?

I am not a doctor so this is just mu opinion. Like someone above said there is a much higher rate of substance use disorder in people with adhd. But the evidence is overwhelming that medications are a first line treatment for adhd. I know there are risks of mania with stimulant treatment and other conditions like bipolar but IME as long as you are closely monitored in the beginning you can look out for those types of feelings and possibilities. In fact treating adhd with medication-particularly stimulants- as been shown to reduce substance abuse issues and avoid relapse. But I know that people that have had issues with amphetamines in their past can sometimes have a hard time with that risk. I just do not want you to discount them as a possibility. Obviously your doc is the best one to give you advice on this I just wanted to share my experience.

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MuddyBoots Monster on the Hill Member Since Sep 2020 Location: by the river Posts: 4,093 (SuperPoster!) 3 4,819 hugs given	Sep 27, 2020 at 02:50 PM #1 My therapist brought it up at one point last year that she thinks I have it, and so have a bunch of friends and family members. Only I have substance use issues and am prone to mania so I couldn't go on any stimulants, so is there a point in asking my pdoc if I have it?
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