[HarryO'Midwest]

Hi everyone,

I'm 31 years old, which still is unbelievable. I have with brain problems for over twenty years and only in the past year has a thread of hope through understanding a clearer picture of what is actually happening in my brain has emerged. I first started experiencing severe restless leg syndrome as a child, followed by ADHD, and depression beginning at age ten. I then began experiencing intrusive thoughts, which were distressing. I now realize my intrusive thoughts seem to overlap with the mental tics of Tourrette's. I also experience this horrible headache all the time on the left side of my head, which feels like there is too much activity in my brain and it drives me to sleep endlessly if it gets out of control. I realize now that OCD, ADHD, Tourrette's, depression often run together. I know there is a basic mechanism of dopamine and glutamate dysregulation in the basal ganglia and other limbic system structures. I'm also extremely left-handed, and I understand there has been some research into the possible ties of autoimmune diseases and left-handedness. Although Dr. Geschwind's theory of left-handedness has not been completely proven, I can see that there is something to what was put forth in his theory.

Ultimately I would like to become well to a greater degree, because I feel I'm just floating through time and life. I live in Indiana where it is currently difficult to attain health insurance, and I know it will probably be years before I can either get Medicaid or be able to purchase health care. I feel there is no good reason to stay here except for my family. But I'd like to get well and have my own full life and I know it is next to impossible to do. If anyone can help me put the puzzle pieces together, I'd be eager and humbled. Thank you

[Lara]

Hi Harry,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups!

Well, lots of different forums for you to investigate.

ADHD, OCD, TS, Depression and others can be comorbid conditions. Some people have ADHD, OCD, Tics, Depression and Autism. Not everyone who has Tourette's Syndrome for example has ADHD or Depression though. Some people actually do "just" have tics. There is quite a common overlap between OCD and TS although it's often important to differentiate if treatment is considered.

e.g.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post499452-2.html
Challenging Phenomenology in Tourette Syndrome and
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: The Benefits of Reductionism

On the subject of Tourette's Syndrome. Do you have tics?

List of Common Tics - L. Packer from TS Plus
http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/wp-c...CommonTics.pdf

We have RLS, ADHD, OCD, TS, Autoimmune Forums.

Because they're all separate forums, you may want to have a look down the list here.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/index.php

Unfortunately we do not have a Left Handedness Forum.

Regarding intrusive thoughts...

Have you read "The Imp of the Mind" by Lee Baer?
There are lots of good links in the Sticky posts at the top of the OCD forum if you're interested. Also in the others as well.

You may also be interested in PANDAS, PITANDS, and PANS and the immune system connection research.

You may also be interested in the "ferritin" or iron storage connection with RLS, TS, ADHD and more.

You can do a forum search for any of these terms in specific forums btw.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

Good luck with your investigations.
I'm sure we'll talk again.

[Darlene]

Harry,

Happy to see you have come to be with us. As you can tell there are great and caring friends here to assist you, just let us know if we can be of any help. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Kitt]

Welcome HarryO'Midwest.