Hi everyone, I am new to this. My 7 year old son was diagnosed last year. He has been doing great since beginning his meds. He started out with Ritalin then we switched to Concerta.
After he was diagnosed I started reading everything I could find on the subject of ADHD. It was quite a relief to finally understand what has been wrong with me my entire life.
I am a 30 year old mother of 2 (boys ages 6 & 7) and when I took a screener test for adult ADHD my score was 44. The highest number this test recognized was 26 or higher which meant that I showed severe signs of having adult ADHD.
Here is my problem. I went to my family doctor. He sent me to a specialist at the hospital who proceeded to inform me that he felt that I just needed counselling. I guess I am wondering how others describe to family, friends or doctors exactly how they feel to make them understand. It is hard to describe, and everyone I try to explain to just looks at me with that strange look that I am sure many other ADHD Adults have been given. Sorry I suppose I was just looking for a place to vent. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks.
I saw a Pychstrist. It intially wa for anxiety but my laundry list of anxiety inducing living habits is pretty much is cookie cutter ADD except for traffic tickets.
I've had good luck when I look for doctors who "believe in" ADD/ADHD in adults.
When I go to "regular" doctors, a lot of them have never heard of this in adults, or they don't believe in it. Others believe in it, but don't believe in medication. Imagine going to an optometrist who didn't believe in glasses! With counselling, and maybe if you try harder, you'll suddenly be able to see?
My family doctor's son has ADHD. My coach's husband had ADHD. The psychiatrist who first evaluated me specialized in ADD/ADHD in adults. Don't bother trying to explain it to them... find someone who already understands.
As for your family... well, that one I'm not sure about. Even my wife (whom I love dearly and who I've been with for over 20 years) says she must have ADD every time she loses her car in the parking lot. She does not have ADD, and though her husband and one daughter have it, she still doesn't "get it."
Please find an ADHD specialist. I went online and looked.