Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/14/2010

Question
I am in my mid 30's and was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago.  I am currently on adderall, taking 60 MG daily.  I have had poor reading comprehension for almost as long as I can remember.  In the last few years though, it seems to have gotten MUCH worse.  I haven't been able to really read for enjoyment for quite some time.  I can read and understand all the words.  (I can sometimes stumble on some similar words such as desert/dessert scared/sacred, but can easily figure it out with the context)  I have typically always been able to read, but when I get to the end of the paragraph I will often have no idea what it was that I just read.  Within the last few months, it often seems like I can't even read at all.  I will start reading something, and mid sentence, I will just completely lose interest and move on to something else.  This is really starting to interfere with my job, my schoolwork, and my personal life.  My girlfriend is very supportive most of the time, but she has her own disorders that often make her unable to help.  What advice can you offer?

Answer
98% of cases of ADHD who have problems with comprehension and memory have poor concentration needing stimulant medication. Very occasionally it is poor memory and not concentration. In these cases stimulant medication is needed as well as medication for poor memory.   DDAVP (vasopressin) can be very effective. Check with your doctor first to see if the  Adderall is at an optimal level and add Vasopressin on a trial basis if needed.