Hi! I’m new here

When I started reading and began to suspect ADD, I found a counselor who talked to me and did a screening. He of course had to reffer me to a Phychiatrist to prescribe medication.

Don't be surpised if the Psychiatrist initially thinks you are suffering from depression. Depression can cause many of the same symptoms found in ADD. They may want to treat for that first to make sure it is not depression. But if you have had the symptoms all your life, they may go right to the ADD treatment.

In reality, I guess most people are suffering from depression by the time things have reached the point that we are willing to seek professional help. Dealing with ADD can cause depression for sure. 

But my advice is to to find a professional to diagnose and treat. I can only imagine how much better my life would have been if I had been able to be diagnosed and treated back when I was 21!

And if you are 21, I don't think you need to tell anyone about seeing a Psychiatrist if you don't want to. If you do want to tell your dad and he does not understand, give him a couple of books to read like "Driven To Distration" by Edward Hallowell and John Rahey, or "Out of the Fog" by Kevin Murphy and Suzanne Levert.

There were also several great articles in the April 26, 2004 issue of U.S. News and World Report. Tell him to get a copy at the library or you can order the articles online at http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/040426/

Hi everyone!

I am so glad I found this forum!

I am a 21yearold female college student and have had diffuculties my whole school career.  I have such a hard time focusing on anything, I am very disorganized, have a hard time finishing a task and struggle with school because of it!

The past year or so I have been trying to figure out if I have ADHD or ADD.  I really think i do and I am so sick of it! I feel so alone because of it and finding this forum has helped me realize I am not alone.

The thing is I don't know how to go about getting help?! I know I have to be diagnosed with it, do I go to a psychologist, physician? I have no idea where to start.  I have been terrified to tell my dad that i want to get help because I think he would tell me nothing is wrong with me.  Will a Dr. need to talk to my dad regarding my behavior?

Thank you for reading this, I really appreciate it! Any suggestions you can offer would help me out a ton! One more question, how long does a diagnosis of ADHD take and can I ask the Dr. for a specific medication?

Thanks,

S.

Hi Channellux,

Welcome. First, I suggest you go to a psychiatrist. You can go to a physician too but I psychiatrist will be better informed about your condition, if you have ADD. Diagnosis can usually be done in one visit. What medication do you want to ask for? There are several out there, your doctor will know which one to prescribe.

As far as your Dad goes, if you are diagnosed, be brutally honest about your struggles and tell him how much it means to you to get help. If that won't work, have your doctor speak to him.

Also, after your diagnosis, be sure to register with the disabilities office. They may be able to provide additional resources to you.

Your Fellow Stuggling Academic,

Cheekydeeky

I called two psychiatrists today! I am making progress in finding help! That is the first thing I have felt I accomplished without struggling in a LONG TIME!!!

What can I expect at these appointments?