hi. the tranquilizers/antipsychotics are sometimes used in ADHD, more for "behavioral control" (read: shut that kid up!) than treating any core problems.

The thing about "mental illness" is that there are no brain scans, lab tests, etc. for diagnosis. Its subjective. I say this as someone who takes Abilify and Lamictal every.single.day and benefits from "standard treatment" (Bipolar I).

The anti-seizure drugs generally have a calming effect. They're not the best drugs in terms of cognitive function, though. Not all ADHD/ADD people are treated w/ amphetamines or ritalin. Other, "off-label" treatments include: high dose effexor, some tricyclics, Provigil, NuVigil, Wellbutrin. I seem to recall reading that some shrinks have used the "less addictive" stimulants marketed as diet pills for mood disorders and ADHD/ADD. Kinda makes sense...less paperwork for them, since those can be refilled w/o a new, written prescription.

Anyway, I don't think its either/or. Plus, some people are prescribed stimulants w/o a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. Older people w/ depression, depressed people on multiple meds b/c of health issues, etc...are often given stimulants, as are other people w/ "treatment-resistant" depression.

I have a friend who takes Lamictal and Adderall. Works well, covers all the bases. A good psychiatrist should be able to adjust treatment w/o having to rework the whole diagnosis.