Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 12/21/2004

Question
Dear Christine,

I have never been diagnosed with ADD, and I never really had much of a reason to suspect that I have it. However, I recently started taking the medication "Adderall" prescribed to people with ADHD, and I was able to focus and learn better than I ever had before. I got so much done and felt wonderful. About a year ago I was dealing with some stuff resulting from sexual abuse when I was little, and I took Zoloft to help me. I haven't had any depression medication since then, although I still feel down a lot of the time. When I took Adderall for the first time, it made me feel better than and depression meds ever did...My point is, I have found Adderall to be much more helpful in treating my "depression" and I'm not really sure whether I am slightly depressed, or if perhaps I do have ADHD. It might be a combination of the two (I often have trouble focusing on tasks at hand because I am on a different emotional level...)I am only 17, but a senior in high school. I have always been a good student, and I have been accepted to college already, so I doubt my parents would agree with me if I claimed to have ADHD at this point.  What do you think about this? Do you think that I should see if I might have ADHD? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Holly Lutz

Answer
Dear Holly,

Thanks for asking me your question.

The question I have for you is how did you come to take Adderal.  If it was not prescribed for you, please do not continue to take it.  

ADHD is a disorder dealing with a chemical imbalance and there for you may be putting yourself at risk if it is not take under a doctor's supervision.

To answer your question simply - ADHD first can be very mild to very severe.  It can also co-exist with depression; however, the post-traumatic stress of dealing with sexual abuse can appear similar to ADHD.

A 'differential diagnosis' seems best in your case.  You are no doubt very smart- but you want to be emotionally & physically healthy as well.  Talk with your parent about every thing that is going on with you the stresses in your life and suggest seeing a psychologist who has experience with ADHD, depression and recovery from sexual abuse.

I have a history of molestation, however my symptoms with ADHD pre-date the molestation and the family history supports the diagnosis as well.  A qualified professional will take those factors into consideration.

Christmas Blessings.

Christine

P.S. My sister is also 17 & a senior & has been accepted into college.  Good luck.