Is it ADHD

[Rolly]

Hi,

I'm diagnosed ADHD and cyclothymia.

I'm stuck with the depressive moods that could also be related to ADHD but I would like an advice.

I can be well and a small incident happens and I feel so frustrated and angry. I play poker tournaments and if I get taken out I blow steam inside so bad and then I get depressed due to my reaction. Actually I've done this as long as I know and I'm 62..

For me the mornings can be very stressfull (anxious & down)

I can be well one day and full of pep and and bang, I change in one minute.

So is this bipolar or ADHD?

Thanks
I

[Zonulin]

Hi -

Before anyone sticks any more labels on you (!), here is a link to the "official" diagnosis for ADHD from the DSM written by psychiatrists, but bear in mind that this is not "science" - it is a list of perceived, observed, subjective behaviors: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:
ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.


I "often squirm in my seat" after reading the "medical" criteria for prescribing mind-altering drugs to children. The Pfeiffer Clinic in Illinois has done millions of lab tests for people suffering from various mental ailments, and have come up with classifications for people with "bipolar/schizophrenic" behavior - here is some of their information:

Both Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder have identical symptoms - Bipolar Disorder is characterized by mood swings; Schizophrenia involves behavioral cycles. I guess you have to be a medical professional to tell a swing from a cycle (no comment) -? Dr. William Walsh of the Pfeiffer Clinic told us that "Schizophrenia" is an all-encompassing label given to several different conditions, but they all involve a genetic predisposition, an environmental insult of some kind (toxic metals, pesticides, etc.), and oxidative stress. Neurodegeneration occurs (slow and gradual loss of brain cells in the cortex) unless nutrient therapy is provided. Through lab testing, researchers at the Pfeiffer Clinic have identified 4 types of biochemical "Schizophrenia":

Histapenia (overmethylation): Low blood histamine, overmethylation, elevated serum Copper, high Norepinephrine (a stress hormone). After lab tests are run, patients are provided folic acid, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Zinc, Manganese, and other bionutrients.

Histadelia (undermethylation): Elevated blood histamine, elevated absolute Basophils, undermethylation, low Ceruloplasmin (a blood glycoprotein to which Copper is bound during transport and storage). Nutrient therapy for the patient includes L-Methionine (amino acid), Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and other bionutrients.

Pyroluria: Severe B6 deficiency, severe Zinc deficiency, low Arachidonic Acid Levels (Omega 6). Nutrient therapy includes Vitamin B6, Zinc, Manganese, etc.

Gluten Intolerance: Involves 4% of all psychosis cases, and caused by an incomplete breakdown of gluten proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. Gluten has short peptides with opioid properties. Treatment is a gluten-free diet.

It might be a good idea to ask your doctor to order a Copper/Zinc Ratio test (blood test) and a test for Metallothionein (blood test). Metallothionein is responsible for the development of brain cells and synaptic connections, and does the primary filtering for mercury, lead and other metal toxins at the intestinal and brain-blood barrier. You might also request a third blood test - the Immunoglobulin Panel test, which will tell you whether your immune system is within the normal range. It is easier for the doctors to tell us to pop a pill for our symptoms, but what we really need to know is WHY this is happening!

Karen