Have you asked your doctor about screening you for bipolar disorder? I'm on SSD but not for ADHD (which I have) but for bipolar disorder. It is a chronic, lifelong disorder and many times it goes undiagnosed--usually written off as a 'personality' problem or chronic depression. It is even mistakenly dx'd as ADHD (especially if it not the inattentive type). Stimulants can make things far, far worse--even with a dual dx of ADHD, they are almost always avoided as treatment. Wellbutrin and Strattera have been shown to be effective and have a much lower risk.
Some psychiatrist (despite the evidence)that bipolar disorder in an adult is just a morphed form of ADHD experienced as a child. Not true even though distinguishing the two can be difficult--takes a good p-doc to tell the difference. Wellbutrin and Strattera have been shown to be effective and have a much lower risk.
Finding answers can be extremely difficult. Despite the often striking patterns of mood cycling and other symptoms, it is missed again and again. Even with severe problems, I didn't find out what was going on until 11 years had passed since the first episode. By that time, the illness had chewed up a large portion of my life--stable now and putting the pieces back together.
Many other people with this disorder have had the same experience. Divorce, family conflict, and job loss/poor performance are common in untreated cases. It is a chronic, relapsing disorder but it can be greatly helped by medication. Psychotherapy can also help by aiding a patient to make changes in their expectations, lifestyle, and emotions about having a disorder like this.
If you want to learn more try
[url]http://www.mcmanweb.com/
After you have read some of the things there, you might want to talk to your doctor about it.
I am not a doctor, mental health specialist, social worker, or nurse. I have learned a lot but I am by NO MEANS saying that you do have this disorder or any other. I have no knowledge, authority, licence, or anything to diagnose you or anyone else. Only a psychiatrist that you see as a patient can determine this and treat you for it so I urge you to talk to your doctor for more information.
