Mornin’ folks.
I’m not certain I should be here, as I’m finding it difficult to get a confirmed diagnosis of ADD – or whatever this week’s name is for it.
I’m 47, was expelled from school at 15 for being lazy and disruptive, since then I’ve had 42 jobs (at the last count), a couple of marriages and God knows how many “The trouble with you is… “ type lectures. Over a year ago I first heard about ADD in adults, and went to see my GP (who was at first sceptical, but warmed to the idea during the course of the consultation).
The first referral was to a local shrink, who said she didn’t know anything about AD/D in adults, and referred me to Dr Dowson at Addenbrookes. Dr Dowson was concerned that I had no history of hyperactivity (I have many of the symptoms of the ‘Hyperactive/Impulsive type, but I never ran around ricocheting off the walls). He also gave me a list of words to read, and was surprised when I read them with ease (aparently if I had ADD I should have had difficulty) I explained that I could read words easily, the problems start when they’re joined into sentences and put in a book. There was also a little test which was a kind of computerised ‘find the pea under the nutshell’ – a test which I found impossible.
Anyhow, this Dowson chap said there was evidence that I had AD/HD, but that it was limited (my own research suggests to me overwhelming evidence that I am AD/HD combined type, with a leaning towards inattentive type according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. But what do I know? I got no ‘O’ levels or nothin’). Anyway, Dr Dowson suggested medication would help.
Back at the GP’s surgery, my doc said he couldn’t prescribe methylphenidate as he was not licensed to do so, and contacted Dr Dowson asking if he would prescribe it. He declined (too busy, apparently). The next move was back to the local shrink to see if she would be willing to prescribe. She looked at the ‘limited evidence’ from the good doctor Dowson and came to the conclusion that I had talked myself into believing I had the latest fashionable disorder, and recommended Cognitive Behaviour Therapy instead to deal with my ‘low self esteem’ and anxiety problems.
I have a pyrotechnic temper, and the fuse is smouldering. I may be in the news soon…
Cheers,
Mark -
Mark Goode38385.2065740741