Quote:
Originally Posted by chaotic13
YES, when I am not on medication and the world gets really busy my anxiety worsen. I tend to get agitated and aggressive more so than fearful.
Now that I think of if my T sessions are usually in the afternoon when the Adderall is likely at its highest level. This probably helps me mentally but I wonder if this contributes to my physical symptoms? Hmmmm I might try changing when I take it this week to see if it has any affect on my anxiety symptoms during therapy.
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I used to get (and admittedly sometimes STILL do from time to time) very AGITATED as a result of the ADHD and anxiety. The less sleep I had, the more disconnected from the real me I became, and the more agitated I would get--of course insomnia is often a part of both ADHD, and anxiety disorders. ADHD causes a low tolerance threshold for frustrations (and the frustrations are as individual as the person--something to do with sensory input overload), which makes many of us experience frustration and agitation easier and faster (although we all express it and experience it in different ways).
The Adderall probably doesn't contribute to your anxiety if the anxiety predates the anxiety symptoms, but it is a possibility. Usually for us ADHD people, the stimulants make us actually able to slow down our minds long enough to complete thoughts and follow through, also making us physically calmer and more awake. The only problems I have with the stimulants during session is if the stimulants are wearing off for the day. I purposefully try not to schedule appointments when I know it will be during that timeframe. The Adderall in your case is pretty new (if I remember right), so I really don't think it agitates your anxiety per se, but as I understand it, Adderall can have a side effect of giving stomach upset symptoms and nausea (commonly). Interesting... maybe give it a try without the Adderall--but I'd first ask your T what he thinks.
I really should try a different drug to see if it is smoother for me, but I'm always afraid to mess around with a medication that actually works on more days than not. I've also been on it for about two years now, and I'm sure there would probably be some minor withdrawal symptoms involved due to the length of use. I'm writing myself a note to talk to my T about that.