Posted by Solstice on May 22, 2011, at 9:28:04
In reply to Cognitive Impairements: Depression + ADHD, posted by SLS on May 19, 2011, at 4:31:44
Scott -
My son has ADD & depression. It's only recently that I've come to understand the inherent effect it has on cognition. Six years ago the jr. high did testing on him (WISC). His processing speed was slow. They did it again last year. His processing speed was still slow, but not nearly as much. Interestingly, his total IQ went from 95 on the first test, to 117 on this last one. I can't help but wonder what it would be like for him if his processing speed was as it would be without the depression. One of the biggest problems his processing speed causes him is that for him, especially when new concepts are introduced, he experiences the sensation of the teachers talking very fast. He also experiences such a delay in pulling his own thoughts together, that he often just doesn't share them. He has been treated for depression and ADD the whole time. The depression ebbs and flows. It's not so bad that it keeps him in bed, but it is a chronic 'low' for him that interferes with his sociability and motivation. I think if they could find ways to keep processing speed intact, it could really help people like my son, because the slow processing speed is something he feels acutely.. which impacts his self concept and thus.. augments the depression.
Solstice
poster:Solstice
thread:985688
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110515/msgs/985945.html