Just returned from ADHD testing. | ADHD Information

Since I haven't been officially diagnosed this is just a guess but I believe I am the Inattentive type.  I wasn't one of the kids unable to stay seated, just daydreamed alot when things weren't interesting.  That said I learned what I could in class.  If there was reading unless it was something I was interested in I couldn't do it.  I would grill my classmates before school on what was in the reading the night before.  When I got into High School and could take electives I took art classes.  Didn't go on to college except a few techinical shool classes.  The thought of a University scared the SH_T out of me.  -Gettingagrip-

I just went to my primary care physician and took his personal add test and said yes or no to symptoms and he gave me 2 samples for strattera right then and there, the whole process too about 5 minutes.  I was kind of surprised to see how fast the diagnosis was because I thought he would have to refer me to a psychiatrist or something, but nothing.  I've been on strattera for almost a month now and I haven't experienced any of the side effects other than minor nausea which goes away after 5 or 10 mins, but I don't even experience that anymore and it has helped me tremendously.  Anyway good luck with you diagnosis. < =text/>

i didn't know i had adhd until i was in my early twenties when i found WHAT IT WAS. i had vaguely remembered some random details about it but it focused to a lightbulb moment when i read an article in psychology class.

highschool and elementary school were a piece of cake. i didn't do homework b/c i couldn't sit through stupid busy work excercises when i knew what i needed to know. so i would ace the test and read whatever i fancied at the time, always read my textbooks at the beginning of the semester and i was bored through the whole year. i should of skipped a few grades.

it didn't impact my performance until i got into college. when things just weren't so 'easy' anymore b/c i just couldn't attend class when i should have, i was skipping all the time and sweating deadlines like the plague i was dumbfounded when i received less than stellar grades and began seeking answers to my suprising failures. and here i am.

so it was my college issues that brought me to my knees and understanding that i have a little friend named adhd.

sumi

As someone who grew up knowing she had ADHD, its hard to believe how many people on this board are well into their 40s and have JUST been diagnosed with ADHD. I'd say almost 90% of the posters have just been diagnosed within the last five years.

I was diagnosed at 7. I know it's difficult waiting for the results but they have to make sure you really are ADHD and not a slew of other things that often mimics ADHD. It's better to wait than get an incorrect diagnosis.

My question is and maybe I 'll add my own post and I apologize in advance (this question is brought to you by 'Hyperfocus') but

How did you go through your entire schooling and never be diagnosed? How does anyone?

It's not an age thing, I see people on here in their 20s and 30s who've just been diagnosed too.

I'd also thought perhaps it was because females show different symptoms but there's an awful lot of men on here as well who have just been diagnosed.

The Unfocused Cheekydeeky

I knew I was ADHD as a child in elementary school.  But in the early to mid 60's, there really wasn't such a thing as ADHD.  It was called Minimal Brain Disorder (or something like that).  Of course, now we know different.

My mother was CONSTANTLY recieving notes from my teachers how disruptive I was, how I couldn't sit still, how I bothered the other students, how I didn't pay attention, etc.  I got D's in Conduct and in Effort as well.  However, I was getting good grades in everything else.  So I guess no one was really concerned.

I was under the wrong assumption that ADHD "magically" went away when you hit puberty.  I mean, after all, once you hit puberty they took you off the medication, right?  Again, this was back in the late 60's and early 70's.

All through my life I used to say "oh I know I was ADHD as a child"  But it's only been recently that ADHD is recognized as an Adults diagnosis as well.  Also, I think a lot of us have learned some really good coping mechanisms since we have had it all our life and we are well into our 40's and 50's. 

But I noticed that as I am getting older (as well as being "pre" menopause), my symptoms are getting much worse and I'm not as able to cope and "hide" it anymore.  So that is why I finally sought help.  I was in fear of my job that I have had for 21 years. 

Oh, and my husband's company closed after he had worked there for 27 years where he made good money.  Now he makes half of what he is making.  So while I always thought "well, if I lose my job, hubby makes good money so it's no big deal"  That isn't the case anymore.  Now I'm the primary money maker as well as the one holding the benefits.  So that puts things into a whole new perspective for me!  If I lose my job, we're screwed!! 

So, again, I thought this was a really good time to seek help. 

Believe me - I *completey* understand where you are coming from!!  I really wish I had some words of wisdom to share to make this better for you.  I went through the same thing.  Testing.  Waiting.  Appointments.  Trying different meds.  I've been going through this since March.  I'm 45. 

I was finally sure of what was "wrong" with me and I wanted to be fixed RIGHT NOW!  It's been tough.  But each month I know I am closer and closer.  I'm now on what I believe is the right drug cocktail - Wellbutrin and Adderall.  Now it's just figuring out the right dose of the Adderall.  But each "experiment" is a month at a time.  In other words, I see the shrink, I try something, wait until my next appointment in 1 month to discuss, etc. 

But you know, when I look back to March . . . the time sure has gone fast and I have learned a lot during that time. 

What worked well for me was the fact I had so much time waiting for appointments that I was able to do lots of reading and research so that when I do go in for my appointment, I feel the discussions are much more productive than they would be otherwise.  I hope that made sense.  Basically - use the time to do as much reading and research on ADD as well as all the meds and you will be able to have some frank and meaningful sessions that actually may decrease the time to full "treatment" in the long run.

My .02 worth. 

Hi Everyone,  I just got done with my ADHD testing.  I don't know what to think quite yet.  I have an appointment with my Psychologist Friday morning but the testing Physciatrist said he would not have the results compiled by then.  But he did say he would at least let her know if he thought I would need MORE TESTING!  I am excited and frustrated both at the same time.  I know after 47 years a little more time shouldn't matter.  The problem is now I feel as if every minute is time I am wasting.  If I could start medication at least I would be that much closer to some kind of relief.  I feel like I could burst.  -Gettingagrip-

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