Hello!

I can relate to you in that I've experienced manic/hypomanic behavior and also have been diagnosed with ADD. I take meds for both conditions, as well as for other issues. (Sometimes I feel like a walking medicine cabinet! )

But despite the many meds I take, I feel fortunate because they now work well, overall. However it sure took some time before my pdoc (psychiatrist) and I were able to put together a good combination of meds to fit all of my needs. Right now, I think I'm doing quite well, the best that I've had been doing in a long time. I do still worry about stigma, and for that reason I don't share my private issues (like the fact that I take meds) with most people. But if people were to find out, I suppose it doesn't matter too much because after all im doing all right.

I want to put in a word about bipolar disorder and ADD. Many times doctors are hesitant to prescribe stimulants -- those are ADD types of meds -- because the stimulants may trigger mania. However, that hasn't happening my case. I feel blessed that my pdoc prescribes meds for my ADD because it helps so much with things like executive functioning, helping me get things started and done (so I don't feel or get stuck being "lazy," which I am not), and it also helps with things like making decisions and getting started with tasks in the first place. Both bipolar disorder and ADD share similarities in those types of issues. But in other ways, they are quite far apart because bp is a mood disorder and ADD is a neurological disorder.

Sooooo ... There's so much to look at when trying to find the right meds for you. I hope you have a good doctor to work with. I've been fortunate to have been with the same pdoc for almost 18 years, during which we've tried many med adjustments.

Anyways, best to you. And thanks for sharing your story.

ScribblingScribe =^..^=