Anyone have OCD & ADHD?

Published

Specializes in MICU.

I have been a MICU RN for 5 years and have been tx for the last 8 yrs for depression. Just recently dx with ADHD and OCD. I have been soooo frustrated with myself on the unit when all the other nurses give report and are out the door by 7:30 and it takes me until 8pm to finish report on 2 pts, simple or not, and then I face another 1-2 hrs finishing my notes because I haven't been able to chart during my shift (all because I am checking, dbl checking and triple checking, and then there are the distractions - all those alarms - I can't chart unless all the alarms have been dealt with - mine or not.) All of the other nurses manage to get it all done except for me - it is really shaking my already low self-esteem. I love my job and what I do but am worried that I can't seem to figure out what to do to make a positive change. I especially hate it that other nurses probably cringe when they realize they have to receive report from me (because they know they won't get their flowsheets to start their charting for another hour or two.)

p.s. Have been on Zoloft for several years & Strattera for 3 months; changed Psychiatrist's today and will be gradually changed to Wellbutrin XL and increasing Strattera. I knew I was ADHD but the OCD dx was new as of today but makes SO MUCH SENSE.

Any suggestions?:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

I was dx'ed w/ OCD about 10 years ago. I'm on 100 mg of Luvox qd (used to be 400mg then titrated down as my symptoms bettered) and it's worked great for me... but it can take a while to find the right therapy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac, post-op surgicals,critical care.

I was just recently dx with ADHD. My PCP wasn't sure if it was that or if I was hypomanic. I even took the ADHD test and answered yes to almost every question. I've been taking Strattera for about six months now and see a difference in my focus. Before I was so unfocused and scattered, it drove me insane. Now I can finally focus on my BSN when otherwise I wouldn't have made it at all. There is a great book out written by women who have ADHD called You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo. :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have never been dx with ADHD but sure I am, I do have 2 sons dx with it also. I did share a office with another nurse at one time and she would agree because I was constantly moving, I have been to embarassed to follow it up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that I already was pre-disposed to OCD and that nursing exacerbated it! What with the checking and double checking and triple checking and scrupulous documentation and being responsible for anything and everything. I have suffered from depression since I was young and feel that, most likely, nursing has ended up being the worst career choice that I could have made. I have become a very unhappy, anxious, sad, tired, un-fulfilled and worried person. I am 47 years old now and am trying to think of ways to use my nursing degree in some form of setting where there is not so much STRESS. Many times I have been unable to work and have had to quit jobs without notice for the sake of my own mental health. I worry all of the time about the future and about whether or not I'll be able to continue as a nurse because I can't handle the stress. Then there's the problem of not being able to bring in the same amount of money if I take on a different career (working in a department store sounds good right now). I also am terrified of getting old and/or sick and not being able to care for myself because of all of the pain, suffering and abuse I've witnessed (of the elderly). I have thought about suicide when/if I get old and infirm because I don't want to be at the mercy of other people or be neglected abused or in pain. I am full of fear...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in got a cna license but no job.

i'm a nursing student (LVN) and i am depressed i'm about to finish my 1st semester and i am failing pharms so i have to repeat it with 2 other corequesite classes. i really don't know what to do i can't concentrate because i am sad all the time and i know it's affecting my studies. my parents don't understand and if i tell them i'm depressed they'll look at me and say no ur not. my bf is no help and he tells me to quit school to become a housewife. my sisters don't even want to here from me they say i'm complaining but i'm really crying out for help. my classmates just tell me i'm doing bad in school cuz i don't really want to be a nusrs and that i should quit and that it's just me or go home and leave the school. for once i would like to have a good day not cry. i know i need to see someone but i have no job and my parents r not up for me to waste my money to see someone who won't do anything. my bf says i just like to be sad. why would anyone like to be sad? i have to see my counselour for every test i failed so basically she knows me but she isn't the type of counselor to help u with problems. all she tells me is to make a schedule and study by it. i wonder if i should drop out of school and get help but i know the waiting lists are crazy. i just don't think i'm in the right state , i know how i'm feeling and thinking is not normal. any advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am so sorry for all of you! Please see your healthcare provider. There is help out there and I hope you are all feeling better soon. Take care of yourself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion