[nirvanaf909]

Ever since I can remember I haven't had the best attention span but I had usually been able to concentrate enough to watch tv, read, tlk to someone etc. Well the past couple years it's gotten worse and worse to where I'm getting mostly C's and D's in school, when I used to get A's B's and maybe a C. Well during the whole month of August and into September I was dealing with a lot of depression, I wasn't suicidal but it was still bad. My big problem was not being able to concentrate and being super tired during school. Well I was depressed for a little bit, about 2 weeks then I was normal, then depressed (worse this time) then I became "higher" than normal, and now I'm feeling normal again. Well my attention and concentration problems have gotten super bad. I can't sit down to read, it's hard for me to follow conversations with people, and I started day dreaming while driving the other day and almost drove off the road!! So my question is..could ADD have caused my depression? One thing that really makes me sad is not being able to concentrate then getting bad grades and disappointing my parents. Or is my inability to concentrate after affects of depression?? I'M SO CONFUSED!! Please help.

[theotterone]

It's hard to tell if this is ADHD or a symptom of depression.

ADHD does tend to run in tandem with depression or anxiety. I struggled with clinical depression and anxiety disorder for over half my life before being diagnosed in August with ADHD and started treatment. As I have been on medication for ADHD and working with an ADHD Coach, my depression and anxiety have gotten much better.

That said, with depression, increased distraction is part of the issue. Your best bet would be to see a mental health professional or doctor about being tested so you can get a clear diagnosis. It's hard, especially if you don't have a close relationship with the doctor, but it's very important to be as thorough and honest as possible. If you need to, write a list of symptoms, when they tend to get worse/better and bring it with you. I often have to create a list of what I want to go over with my pdoc before I see him. Otherwise I will be half way to work after the appointment and suddenly remember something I was going to bring up or ask...

Good luck!

ADD, in my experience, can be horribly depressing. Not being able to concentrate sucks. Especially if concentration is required, like in work or school.

My advice: take your ADD med, get used to the experience of being focused, and hopefully learn to replicate the experience without medication at some point. Ritalin allowed me to experience mental focus long enough for me to 'learn' to do it myself. To some extent, that is. Mike

[Dallas Carter]

Ive asked myself the same question and i would say undenyably yes. At least in my case because i have been suffering with ADHD symptoms since i was a child but i never wanted to accept that it was a legitmate disorder. I wanted to make sure that it wasnt a lack of willpower on my end. I was told that i had ADD when i was ten...IM 30!!! And im just now accepting this reality in my life because i have done all that i can to "make sure it wasnt just me" and i have developed a world of anxiety and deppression to accompany what i was already dealing with. Im in treatment now thank GOD! Good Luck to you and please wish me the same...

[TheDeliciousDish]

I have the EXACT same problem! I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, but not ADD or ADHD. My grades made the same drops yours did right about when I started to go through puberty. First from A's to B's and C's... then the last few years I've started hitting D's and E's.

I'd say follow your own advice you gave me... We can go see a doctor and get tested/get medication together

((((((nirvanaf909)))))

[theotterone]

Something that everyone should maybe keep in mind... and this was something I struggled with when I first started Adderall.

The medication itself is NOT a cure! While it can (an probably will) help with focus, this does not give someone the skills they were not able to learn.

With behavior therapy, ADHD Self-Help books or a life coach, you can then learn the tools to function better in an non friendly ADHD world.

I got a little depressed after I started the meds since I was not suddenly a great organizer, time manager, etc. While the medication has helped greatly, I have had to put a lot of work to get to where I am now, and my journey is no where NEAR complete!

I just don't want anyone to have expectations and then get depressed when they are not realized...

[emailer_1999]

This is my first post so bear with me. I was recently diagnosed with AADD although I was aware of the symptoms most of my adult life - I just didn't have a name for it. From the books that I have read, you may have ADD symptoms with depression. The two often accompany each other. I did poorly in subjects that were boaring and I didn't like, but did well in subjects that I found of interest ( like psychology). The poor self esteem that I suffered related to the AADD made the anxiety and depression unbearable. I saw a psychiatrist for the first time yesterday and he's starting me on a stimulant type drug. I'm also going to work with a support group. Although I'm sure that I'm old enough to be your parent or grandparent, we have similiar symptoms. Just remember that AADD or depression or anxiety are medical conditions that can be treated. I've found that even inexpensive books (ADHD in Adults by Paul H. Wender) can provide lots of insight and treatment options. You may now be at the lowest point in your life with tremendous potential for improvement. Make sure you are diagnosed correctly. There are many people who will be glad to help. There are also many mental health clinics available for those that don't have insurance. Some clinics will see you without contacting your parents if you believe that is necessary. Take care.

imo, I believe that it does affect your depression, but doesn't cause it. I think it gets you frustrated to the point where you'll become sad about it and it will just add on to your sad feelings..(my suggestion: talk to a doctor )

[monica28]

Originally Posted by nirvanaf909

Ever since I can remember I haven't had the best attention span but I had usually been able to concentrate enough to watch tv, read, tlk to someone etc. Well the past couple years it's gotten worse and worse to where I'm getting mostly C's and D's in school, when I used to get A's B's and maybe a C. Well during the whole month of August and into September I was dealing with a lot of depression, I wasn't suicidal but it was still bad. My big problem was not being able to concentrate and being super tired during school. Well I was depressed for a little bit, about 2 weeks then I was normal, then depressed (worse this time) then I became "higher" than normal, and now I'm feeling normal again. Well my attention and concentration problems have gotten super bad. I can't sit down to read, it's hard for me to follow conversations with people, and I started day dreaming while driving the other day and almost drove off the road!! So my question is..could ADD have caused my depression? One thing that really makes me sad is not being able to concentrate then getting bad grades and disappointing my parents. Or is my inability to concentrate after affects of depression?? I'M SO CONFUSED!! Please help.

Try changing your diet! Talk to your parents let them know how you are feeling...i don't know how old you are, but you must be under 18 if you are worried about your grades and parents reaction. Try acupuncture/holistic measures combined with better food choices. A good book choice, which will lead you to other sources is The ADD Answer, by Dr. Frank Lawlis. If you have a book report to do or some sort of research paper tackle ADD/ADHD and the relation it can have with depression and anxiety.