should i see a doctor for a racing mind?

[giddy]

Hi,

I’m an 18 yr old, I know I’m pretty smart, I’m a self taught computer
geek and a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, I also spent
sometime teaching programming at a computer institute and everything I
know I learnt on my own. However, when it comes to school work, I’m
terrible. We’ve had family problems since I was a pre teen, they’ve
just been escalating since then and my academics have been taking a
steep slope down. Last year, my schizophrenic father got violent with
my mum and now they don’t speak to each other at home anymore, also,
since my dad is a pastor, my parents cannot separate. I finally
landed rock bottom by failing my 12th grade! And I failed miserably in
four out of six subjects, I have to give a re exam now by March and I
fear I the same thing will happen again.

Problem is , I cannot pay attention to anything I’m studying for more
than 2 minutes. My mind wanders off so incredibly fast, I think of
just something random associated oddly to something I might see or
hear, then I jump from one thought to another, it’s like my brain is
over firing any neural network that’s lit up. Example: Hey an airplane
in the sky-> reminds me of Top Gun->Tom cruise is a great actor->He’s
has a kid right-> What would my kids be like when I grow up-> Oh I
would want a big house in the suburbs ->……….

And the madness goes on, after 5-10 mins I realize I was dreaming, I
then wonder how I landed on such an elaborate thought, then my mind
fires again back tracing everything I just thought, I cannot stay
attentive for even 2 mins. And I cannot study a THING! It takes hours
to read pages!

I’ve tried, praying hard, reading the bible, reading the bible in
French and English (I have a French exam) listening to music while
studying, studying with breaks, study at odd times, polyphasic sleep,
harsh exercise, self injury, try to “like what I read”, reading books
on how to read, reading tips like “open your mind” or count downward
while reading! Nothing works, and someone suggested going to a
doctor! Would I happen to be bipolar? People tell to me stop whining
but I really can't get my brain to pull through.

Should i see a doctor? Do i have some problem or is this all a fabrication of my mind?

Thanks

Gideon

[Dr. Adams]

While prayer and obsessive thought are not themselves unhealthy, you are attempting to solve your conflicts (which involve obsessive thought) with more obsessive thought. Since you cannot independently work through this conflict with your family, you are going to need to talk with someone else (professionally). So, yes, you do need to schedule an appointment in your community to see someone.

Additionally, be aware that the marital problems are imposed upon you and not of your making. It is something for which your parents should be seeking professional assistance.

Most of what you describe about yourself is a very sedentary lifestyle. You spend your time "thinking" (obsessing) with no reference to physical and/or social activities.

[giddy]

hi Dr. Adams,

Thanks for the reply.

There were some people that suggested that I could have ADD or ADHD? Is that possible?

I know my family problems are imposed on my but i feel like they will always be cuffs on my hand till i leave home,(which is why i want to desperately study abroad) A few months ago my parents couldn't come to a money settlement, so i had to come up with a household budget, also, my parents don't really care about the pressure their fighting, talking rashly about each other or saying things like "we never should have married" puts on me and my little sister. IOW, they mostly act like they don't care.

I recently took this up with a Head pastor, who came down here to visit, we sat talking 3-4 hours for a couple days and whatever they promised to do is all in the dirt, they only show their hatred for on another regularly, especially my dad. So my parents aren't really going to resolve anything, and they aren't going to separate either.

I more specifically want to see someone that is qualified to give me some medication if necessary. I used to see my school counselor and she would give my the same "stop whining" advice. I don't think talking is going to do much.

Yes, my life is very sedentary, I don't have any friends and I think I've just passed an age where I can't really make any, the guys would rather hang out with other girls, and the girls are confused about what I want. I'm not completely socially inept, I have made friends at college, at work, and even when I was camp counselor once, but, eventually the earlier mentioned complication takes place and people don't keep in touch after a while. Programming somehow is the only thing I "live" for, It makes me feel super powered, I have similar trouble while reading/studying computer books but somehow I manage to study with a lot of practical trial error and research.

That however will not work for my exam in march, i know i will feel like killing myself if i fail again this year.

Thanks so much.

Gideon

[Dr. Adams]

ADHD can be an over-hyped diagnosis as can Bipolar Disorder and only a doctor in your area can confirm those diagnoses. It sounds more clearly that you do not have an appropriate means of discharging the appreciable anxiety in your life. You are isolated and brooding. Likely there are groups who share your interest areas which would be more conducive to your discharging anxiety. We are a social animal and need a marketplace in which to function. We are also an animal that needs activity. Brain chemistry is different in active vs. inactive people.

You mention getting into another environment such as studying abroad. That sounds like what is called "a type I cure" and can be effective since new stimuli may enable you new patterns of behavior.

[giddy]

ah! wow that sounds good, I usually hear "you're just trying to run away"

Also, I won't be going anywhere if I don't pass this coming exam.

[giddy]

hi,

I went to the doctor yesterday, his assistant interviewed me first, she seemed to know some of my symptoms without me explaining much.

He gave me 6 meds for 7 days, so far i'm been able to only decipher one of them Axepta, which is read is for ADHD, but i'm a little scared of the side effects. Also a few others looked like seritema, depisol, intalither.

I'm not sure what I should do after the meds are over, my mum says i might get addicted to this "crazy stuff" which shes very skeptical about. Also, the doc said he's not sure what i have but asked to to go for a psych test, i did some of it yesterday and i'm going to finish it tomorrow.

The annoying/depressing thing is my mind keeps shifting from telling me i have or don't have a problem. I usually get people suggesting i'm just a wuss making things up but its getting to me.

Thanks so much

Gideon

[Dr. Adams]

There are similar medications in the U.S. but they will not/do not carry those brand names. You would have to research these on your own.

Your mother and you both express concern with the number of drugs and the side effect profiles.

It has become very common in America to prescribe a whole regimen of medications. The patient must decide if that is the direction with which they are comfortable.

[giddy]

hi,

The 5 meds I’ve got are Axepta(which I read is for ADHD?) Zoloft or Lustral, Lithium, Antidep or Impramine and Abilify. I took them for a week with good results on my head and thoughts, but, I had a heavy amount of side effects including twitching on my face which caused some speech impairment.

I told the doc and he rearranged/changed them, but my parents don't intend to get them because of the effects, do you think it'll be better the second time?

Also, I did a semi intensive psych test and my IQ is 121 so i shouldn't be failing exams, and it says i have some psychotic tendencies and am towards being depressive.

Someone also suggested herbal or homeopathic medication, especially because i've been cured twice when i was a kid by homeopathy.

Thanks
Gideon

[Dr. Adams]

It is good to hear that you are feeling better.