Newly Diagnosed

I was evaluated today and I now have a diagnosis of ADD along with Anxiety and OCD, both of which may be caused by the ADD. The doctor that evaluated me actually said the OCD probably came about as a coping mechanism for the ADD.

She is having me try the lowest dose of Bupropion/Wellbutrin to see if there is any difference. She said I am right on the borderline of needing/not needing medication and that eventually I may not even need medication for it.

I feel happy because now I have an actual diagnosis to go with why I'm the way I am. Hopefully I will notice a difference for the better!

Is there anyone else going through the same thing? Any suggestions for how to handle it/stay on track to improvement?

Hi SpicedLatte

I am glad you have this diagnosis too.

I completely agree - it is just so important for our treatment that we are aware of what we are being treated for.

I do not have your diagnosis per say that you are asking about here.

But I just wanted to say hang in there.

And hopefully some members can come forward with some strategies that they use for staying on track.

I have the same diagnoses. I was first diagnosed with severe OCD with resulting depression. That's the primary reason I went to a professional in the first place- I was basically unable to function in daily life. I was treated for the OCD and the depression, including a 7 week residential treatment program. Those problems were very much alleviated. However, I was still feeling distracted and it was compromising my school work. I ended up going to a specialist and was diagnosed with ADHD.

Personally, I feel that when I am on my ADHD medication, it lessens my anxiety and any OCD symptoms and urges as well. I feel more in control when I'm on it. So yes- I definitely think that undiagnosed and untreated ADHD symptoms may have exacerbated the OCD. I personally feel that the two diagnoses often go hand in hand.

I have never been on Wellbutrin but my pdoc suggested it among the other meds. I spent about a year on Strattera but was on the maximum dose and still felt that it was not helping enough. I know another non-stimulant that can be used is Provigil.

My advice would be to stay clear of the stimulant medications if you can help it. Your pdoc probably already explained to you that stimulants can exacerbate OCD and anxiety. I tried Concerta and Methalyn and both made me jittery and irritable and anxious. I've been on Focalin XR for the past two years and it's really been the wonder drug. More effective than Strattera but doesn't give the bad side effects as the other stimulants that I've tried.

Anyway, hope you find something that works for you

P.S. I'm not sure what you mean by your last question. If you mean staying organized- I would set an alert on your phone on something so that you remember to take your medication. I had issues with that but your ADD symptoms may not be as severe. Use a planner. Make sure you are honest with your doctor about the effects of the Wellbutrin. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find a med that really works. Educate yourself about your diagnosis. Most importantly, remember that you are not your diagnosis. That separation is really crucial if you ever start feeling overwhelmed by it all.

yes! I was just diagnosed last week and I am on Vyvanse. I have gone 22 years of my life not knowing that I actually have ADHD.

I am on wellbutrin now to treat adhd symptoms although I don't have an official adhd diagnosis yet because my pdoc thinks it's too complicated to diagnose adhd in someone who has bipolar like I do since the symptoms overlap a lot. But I too have found myself turning to (mild) OCD type rituals and obsessions to cope. I think it makes sense. It's something to grasp a hold of when your mind is so scattered you feel like you can't hold onto anything for long. At least that's the way I look at it.

Also I've heard that wellbutrin is not very good for adhd and it hasn't helped me with focus at all yet but it has helped with motivation and energy which is good because I was depressed before. Mainly it's just an antidepressant.

Congratulations on finally finding out what's going on! This is the first step of many to taking charge of your life

I don't have any experience with Bupropion/Wellbutrin, but the rest of what you said I do.

So, I just want to say, at the beginning of finding out a diagnosis, one of the most important things is having a support circle! It is so important! and it can make all the difference.

First comes understanding and education, then comes change
Don't be suprised if you end up sucked into the world of mental health and disorders though, lol, OCD is a s.o.b for that.
It will take time to improve, but you WILL improve