Theory on ADD/ADHD/Bipolar Disorder

LaughinMan · Jan 23, 2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcinus_of_chell

Yes it is, but laughfinman isn't using it for support. He's either using it to field test a theory (which is, if I recall, against the forum rules) or troll (As stated earlier, though not a classic case, too smart) or perhaps he's a sockpuppet(also against the rules).

Sorry for the extremely long delay in a response, however, allow me to clarify my intention. NO. Perhaps it is because of the way I presented my thoughts that caused you to retaliate in a hostile manner but, know that I posted this thread with serious intent. I'm 18 years old, still in high school, with not even basic knowledge of psychology. I only meant to share my "theory" (which was only intended to be seen as an idea; not an actual theory with any scientific basis) in order to see if any other members of this forum shared similar views. I apologize for the misconception. Personally, I myself found the idea to be rather radical, which is exactly why I posted this thread. Know that I am very naive in the field of psychology and that because of that, my points may appear to be illogical (and more than likely are).

Honestly, my original post was rather vague, so allow me to expound (and perhaps edit a few points). What I believed (not "truly" believed, but say more, curiously thought) the correlation between repressed emotions and ADD/ADHD/Bipolar disorder was that the repressed emotions causes a disturbance in the neurotransmitters of the brain which then manifests itself as said disorders. If such is the case, wouldn't repressed emotions not be a plausible cause? Now, whether or not this actually makes sense, I am honestly unsure and apologize if it doesn't but I wonder if repressed emotions are capable of actually causing some form of chemical imbalance or change in the brain. It probably would've been more appropriate for me to address this before posing my "theory" but, too late now I suppose.

I admit that what InnerZone posted threw me off. It was to my understanding (a poor one) that individuals diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and Bipolar disorder share similar symptoms, particularly symptoms not associated with the episodic nature of Bipolar disorder, before the age of onset (in other words, similar symptoms of ADHD and Bipolar disorder were present before manic or depressive episodes occurred). But according to InnerZone, he exhibited no symptoms of ADHD before being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. So considering this, I suppose I was wrong to say that ADHD and Bipolar disorder are the same disorder only at two different stages. However, with what I said about repressed emotions, I still feel that they are related. Also, I'd like to retract what I said about ADHD/Bipolar disorder not being genetic disorders. I just meant that they're not completely genetic disorders. There is definitely varying levels of genetics at play.

Yet another radical thought. AniManiac said "One of the difficult things about being bipolar is that I can't repress these overwhelming emotions if I tried." What if Bipolar disorder is some sort of "defensive mechanism", where the subconscious can no longer continue to repress emotions. The individual then uses the chemicals in the brain at its disposal in order to perhaps "contain" the emotions or to keep them stable entering periods of depression and mania where the individual recuperates dopamine and the chemical depression while in either state.

Last paragraph was a joke. Others were not.

MotherMarcus · Feb 04, 2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Queen of Chaos

I KNOW, beyond a shadow of doubt, I've had ADD almost my entire life. I hate to brag

but I'm an intelligent, creative, sensitive person and I can definitely and sadly say my life has been one of repressed emotions that continue to a great extent today.

I actually live a very productive and generally positive existance except when it comes to o-n-e relationship - mine with my 90-year old mother. I don't know how many people could or would remember a childhood and teenage years that grew into adulthood where they were emotionally/mentally and sometimes physically dominated to the point where their emotional feelings had to stay repressed in order to survive.

I've seen psychiatrists off and on for probably 25 years and none have ever mentioned bipolar. I was first diagnosed with chronic depression approximately 40 years ago...yet not one antidepressant I've taken in all that time has ever helped one iota. In 1998, I was diagnosed (after extensive testing/interviews, etc.) with ADD. Stimulant drugs make me feel calm, content, I can focus, I finish tasks, etc.

This theory, something I've never heard of nor considered before, might answer a lot of things that haunt me still - I've known for most of my adult life what my upbringing did to me in the past and that no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try...the fact of the matter is my mother's dominating personality still impacts my life. I'm 65 years old. I never feel comfortable being who I really am when I'm with my mother.

I find the possible correlation interesting. A child raised by an overbearing parent or in any circumstances where they instinctively shutdown emotionally as a way to make their loneliness and inability to be themselves less painful is bound to damage or compromise the way their minds function. What is one of the major things we always hear about children - "their impressionable young minds". We all know what stress does to an adult, doesn't it stand to reason that unending, immeasurable stress, demands, and pressure to repress their true emotions would do irrepairable damage to a child's mind?

My brother was diagnosed as ADHD as a child - I've never had a "hyper" day in my life. I've always been the daydreaming, quiet child lost in some other realm of existance, some imaginary place where I felt happier and less fearful. Maybe a child figures out or maybe it just happens but the mind has to find an alternative safe harbor when it cannot express natural emotions...then, in time, it becomes almost impossible to escape the daydream, switch gears and focus on the real world.

Very insightful post. Well spoken.

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