Originally Posted by tedrlord

I was diagnosed with ADD (inattentive type) about two years ago. It took quite some time because I also have bipolar disorder and they have similar symptoms. Once I finally learned to get my bipolar symptoms under control through what I later learned was self-imposed cognitive therapy, I really ran into a wall with the ADD symptoms. My case is rather severe, to the point where I can hardly accomplish daily activities. It turns out that most of my depression seems to stem from that, rather than my concentration problems stemming from depression as the doctors always told me.

Getting to the topic, I've tried practically all the ADD medications out there. I was on Wellbutrin before the diagnosis, and though they say it's supposed to help, I didn't find much relief other than a general sense of greater awareness of my surroundings. I couldn't concentrate any better. I took Adderall and Concerta (long-acting form of ritalin) but they made me really edgy and uncomfortable. I tried Strattera, hoping that a non-stimulant would help me more, but unfortunately it doesn't react well with the albuterol inhalers I use for asthma, and I ended up with panic attacks and very high blood pressure. Right now, I've been taken off my other stimulant medications and weaned myself off all caffeine (difficult, since I used that to concentrate for many years) and am starting on Adderall again. It seems to be helping.

In other areas, I'm working on getting more exercise, since that's said to help with ADD, and I'm taking fish oil and ginkgo biloba, which I hear good things about but don't seem to help me much. Next, I'm going to look into changing my diet, since some think certain foods have an effect on ADD. I'm also looking into Zen meditation, which can increase focus and help keep the mind on track.