question about getting tested | ADHD Information
So I'm going in to a psychologist to get tested over spring break. I was wondering what exactly they do. Like what kind of tests and are all psychologists the same? I'm really nervous...Like I'm afraid that the tests won't be accurate or something because when I take tests in school I always get them back and see stupid mistakes I've made...Are the tests fool proof or something? My Dr just asked me questions about my childhood and adult life... I don't think an adhd test is one you can fail if you have adhd...they symptoms are pretty profound.To copy and paste...[quote] Hey,
I can relate, I've been down the same road of ADD inattentive as an adult.
I looked in the yellow pages under psychs, and called one specializing in adult ADD. At first I was told the testing would be at least 00. But after seeing the doctor, it turned out to only be 0 since I didn't need all the tests. I'm not sure how much my insurance will cover, never found that out yet.
I went in for ADD inattentive + social anxiety disorder, so perhaps this varies if you're only going in for ADD. After talking with the doctor about my life and why I feel I have ADD and the problems it was causing, I went to testing.
The first test was repeating names from a list someone read to me verbally. The trick was to arrange them categorically in your mind.
The second was a reaction speed test on the computer, where you hit a key as soon as you see a letter appear, except if that letter is X.
The third test was a general multiple choice personality test.
Still am awaiting results.
Hope this helps.[/quote]
I'm not sure how the tests are interpreted, so I can't speak for the accuracy of them.
I'm wondering about this myself. I see the psychiatrist on March 17th. I don't know if he'll do any "tests" or not. I almost hope not because I'm afraid I'll do something wrong and end up with inaccurate results.
My doc is a Family Practice guy with lots of extra certifications: Mental Health, HIV/AIDS, to name a couple. I met him when I interpreted for his lecture at a conference for Deaf people. Since he's known me for a while, he agreed with my self-diagnosis, but still required me to come to his office where he just took a history via conversation. Since I do not present with depression or bipolar disorder, he said a psychiatrist would not really help. He prescribed 10 mg Ritalin twice daily and will also have scripts ready for me without a formal office visit. I'm just lucky to have a friend who's a doc. However, some regular docs are going to refer you to a psychiatrist. Wow, how much does this all cost. It must add up. The doctor visits, consutation, medication? Will insurance cover this?Your health insurance probably came with a book explaining the coverage. If you are like me, not only did you not read it, you don't know where it is. My Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover the doc visit and the meds. Of course, I have a deductible to meet. But if I had gone to a Mental Health specialist, I don't know what the coverage is.I thought for testing you go to your regular General Practiciner? My husband I feel has ADD 100% but has not been officially tested. I also have to share he acknowleges the "possible" problem yet will not do anything about it. He has told me admissions about his school years and I can clearly see his behaviors myself. I want him to get help so he can role model for our child who also has ADD. It is also hard for me to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders when he shuts down when things get rough. Does it have to be a psychologist for testing?