Depression, ADHD or both

[Happyme3]

I am really confused as I have being seeing a psychologist for my depression and they thought I may have a

ADHD as I am struggling to concentrate. I have been reading all the symptoms and it really seems to fit me. My psychologist then sent me to another centre who are specialists in ADHD for an assessment. The second I said that my issues with attention only came about when I was 18 made the psychologist stop within seconds and tell me that it was not  likely it was ADHD but just the depression creating the symptoms. Whilst it is true that all my issues only started when I was 18 and till then I was excellent at school and was very organised and attentive, since leaving school and having my depression I can't focus or complete things. I was told that the symptoms needed to be present before the age of 12 to be considered a developmental disorder like ADHD. They did say that I could still complete the therapy program to help me focus and get more organised but recommended better therapy for the depression. Now I am confused. I have been in therapy for over 8 years and I am very reliant on my therapist. The centre were very kind and didn't disrespect my therapist and encouraged me to continue but I was given the impression that I needed more skills training. They recommended something called CBT and ACT therapy along with their mindfulness and executive program.  I am feeling torn!! Any advice would be great!

[geoff]

dear Happyme, CBT is cognitive therapy, while I'm not sure about ACT.

Google this site ' can you have adhd and ocd at the same time', as it describes people with ADHD also have OCD and there is a lot of information, so please read it and see what you think.

I have OCD but not ADHD, but I am curious about these diagnosis from these psychologists, although I am not a trained psychologist, but have had OCD for 54 years.

The information from these psych's is confusing and it's no doubt that you want another opinion.

Have a look at this site and see what you think, and then get back to us. Geoff.

[Chris_B]

Hi Happyme3, ACT is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  There's more about how it works here: http://www.actmindfully.com.au/acceptance_&_commitment_therapy . And CBT here: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cognitive_behaviour_therapy

I think the important thing here is to try and not get distracted by diagnosis labels. In mental health, the labels act more like signposts towards treatment rather than definite stamps: ie. you have high cholestrol, therefore we prescribe you statins. 

If you've been seeing your therapist for eight years, it sounds like you have a really good relationship.  Set some goals for your therapy; speak in terms of the symptoms, problem thoughts, patterns etc that you're experiencing and then the therapist can look at what skills you can use to work through them. 

best
CB

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