Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 1/25/2010

Question
Dear Dr Levine,
i am a 39 year old male.  When i was 12 i was sent to a remedial school as i had major learning difficulties.  I know i was diagnosed with hand eye co-ord problems, but more than that i do not know (my mother passed away and the school has destroyed past records so i do not know what else was wrong).
I have battled all my life with being able to move ahead and achieve.  Everything is a task; reading, writing, concerntration, organization, spelling, handwriting, focusing on the task at hand,not being able to prioritize, head is a jumble, low self esteem,impulsive - but not hyperactive.  My wife, a GP, has suggested that i may have ADD.  I took the WHO test (6 questions) and it was pretty conclusive that i do have ADD.  I am now going to see a specialist.  My concern is that i battle with insomnia on a good day.  If i drink coffee in the morning i will still be buzzing at 12AM.  I am hoping that the medication such as Concerta will lift this burden off me once and for all and allow me to follow my dreams, but what if it stimulates me so much that i won't be able to sleep.  My Q's:
1) if a stimulant will make the insomnia worse, what alternatives are there?
2) do you think i have ADD?
I am desperate to move forward with my life now.  I hope you can offer some suggestions.
Regards,

Answer
From your description I also suspect, as your wife does, that you have ADHD. If you have and it is causing problems you should have it treated. The insomnia is not a problem because it is managable with correct medication in a treatment program. Untreated ADD/ADHD will often result in depression which in turn will cause insonmia. If depression is also part of your problem it must be treated together with the treatment for ADD/ADHD. I notice you are from S.Africa. Where do you stay? If your wife is a GP she is welcome to contact me to discus your problem with your permission.