Just got back from the Psychologist

[SoonToBeMommy]

We discussed my home life and things I have been diagnosed with in the past. She thinks its a possibility that what I think are abscence seizures are actually just me spacing out from my ADHD I have had since I was a kid. I can't say I quite agree with this, but who knows. She thinks I may have pseudo seizures for the fact they are not just on type of seizure. I heard that was more likely epileptic when you have more than one type of seizure, but once again I don't know. She started me on Strattera for ADHD because of the fact I can not sit still I am always typing my foot or finger and that is how I can concentrate. Has anyone been on Strattera? or does anyone know how it may affect seizures? I have only been on Ridlein (spelling?) when I was 10 for my ADHD. She had me sign a release for the EEG I had this past summer and the doctors notes. She is going to look at that and see if I might need to be on an anxiety medication. She was shocked they didn't do a sleep deprived EEG or anything like that. I told her about my jerking which she said nothing on. I see her again in a month so I guess we will see how things go.

 

[LJ-Bain]

I'm so glad that your psychologist is continuing to look into things to really get some answers.
I don't know anything about Strattera but if this helps you concentrate then that is a good thing, right?
How do you feel about anti anxiety medication? Do you think that it might help? All these seizures that you have been having are enough to give anyone anxiety that is for sure.
You know your body and listen to your instincts.
I hope the next month goes well for you!

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

I am too and she is super nice, I just don't understand of her concept of they seem more like pseudo seizures because of how many different types I have. She didn't elaborate much though. It would be nice if it helped me concentrate, but where do we go if it is actually absence seizures not adhd space outs I have no idea. I would try the anti-anxiety meds if she felt it was appropriate. I am at the point I will try ANYTHING! I still don't agree with the diagnosis of pseudo seizures though.

 

[Cint]

Did you see a psychologist or psychiatrist? A psychologist has a doctorate level degree in psychology and can make assessments, but in most states, cannot prescribe medications. Only psychiatrists can do that. They must earn an M.D. in order to prescribe meds.

My son had ADHD and saw a psychiatrist who prescribed Ritalin and then Adderall. Ritalin made him a zombie and Adderall they resell in college as a stimulant he later told me. But he said he refused to do that. All I can say is that as his mother, because of ADHD, he was always tapping his foot or never could sit still for a few minutes, at home or school until we had him on some medication. The Adderall is what worked better for him and helped him with concentration. He graduated magnum cum laude. I don't know much about Strattera, but here is a website: http://www.drugs.com/strattera.html

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

Oops yes I meant Psychiatrist I always get the two confused. Ritalin did the same to me, so my mother took me off that after a few months. That was when I was 10 and haven't been on anything since. Tomorrow I start the Strattera I am just worried because she told me "This very well could increase your seizures" it's just like great that is what I am trying to avoid. But, I will see how it works for me. And thank you for the link.

 

[Nakamova]

I don't think the psychiatrist is accurate in saying that having multiple seizure types is a characteristic of PNES. I would say that reverse is true: Folks with PNES primarily tend to have seizures that mimic tonic-clonics.

Either way, I hope the Strattera helps with your symptoms. Strattera isn't a stimulant, so it should theoretically by safer than Ritalin in terms of seizure triggering. But you should pay close attention to how it makes you feel, and keep track of any symptoms/side effects in your seizure diary. It takes about a week for any benefits to kick in, and you should give it a least a month or two to see how you feel, (assuming there aren't side effects or seizure issues that make it problematic).
Unlike many meds, you can stop taking it fairly quickly if need be. I hope it helps and that you feel better.

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

Yea, that's what I had heard. I really hope that it does and that way we can really see if the 'absence seizures' are actually 'ADHD fits' which I think will help with diagnosis. Yea she told me if any problems occur with it to let her know right away and we can try something else. That is good to know it can be stopped pretty quick if necessary.