Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/depression and ADD

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Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 6/23/2006


Question
Dear Christine -

My 17 yr. old son has been on Zoloft since March.  Prior to that he was on Lexapro for a very short time before becoming suicidal. This past year all his teachers (before he was diagnosed) commented that all he did was doodle in class. He's very bright, but has known to "blow off" easy classes (and challenging ones) in the past. Anyway, it wasn't as bad as this year. He couldn't concentrate even after the medication, still doodled. His psych. dr. suggested ADD and wants to put him on Concerta. He's already taking Amitriptline for headaches. I'm afraid of the depression returning and the side effects (headaches is one). He still gets headaches with the Amitriptline. What do you think about the medication? I also know that depression is common with ADD, but do you know anyone who is taking drugs for both depression and ADD? Thanks, Kathy

Answer
Dear Kathy,

Thanks for asking me your question. I am not very familar with the medication you mentioned, and you did not mention whether or not the headaches were migraine headaches or tension headaches or another type.  

I currently take medication for Migraine headaches and an anti-depressant, however the medication is intended to prevent migraines.  I used to take Zoloft and Depakote, now they have swithed me to Lexapro and still I take the Depakote.  

It is not unusual to take medications to treat both ADHD & Depression.  Zoloft & Lexapro work on a neurotransmitter called Seratonin, while stimulants like Adderall, Concerta & Ritalin likely work on Dopamine, Seratonin & and Norepinephrine.  They work a little differently in the brain so both may be beneficial.  

It is unlikely the depression will return as a side effect of starting stimulant medication.  The real question is how does your son feel about how his life is.  If he does not feel he is doing well and would like an improved sense of productivity and self-esteem, then it may well be worth trying a stimulant this summer to see the effects.  

Good Luck,

Christine

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

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Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP

Expertise

My expertise is both personal and professional. I am an adult with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and I am an ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist. I worked in the school system, giving direct theraputic servies to children with both language difficulties and attention deficit disorder. (I am very familiar with the IEP process and the IDEA.)I have consulted on-line, in person and via the telephone with a number of parents of children with ADD.

Experience

My area of expertise lies in my holistic approach to ADD and other similar neurologically-based conditions including Non-verbal learning disorders. I am a researcher of medical treatments, studies regarding concrete documentation of the geographical differences in the "ADD" brain (PET scans, SPECT scans, etc.) herbal treatments, functional organizational strategies for children and adults (stuff that'll get you through the day; sensory techniques for relaxation and stress relief; and organizational tools - from the technological to the home-grown type. I am also a researcher of other conditions that are frequently co-existing with ADD. I have read extensively about women's issues and am an empathetic individal who would like to share strength, hope, experience and education.

Organizations
I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

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