Thanks for the advice everyone. I did take some online test and the results of those did indicate that I definitely could be ADD. Since my daughter is and my sister recenlty diagnosised, I feel like it is a very strong possiblity. Everything I have read tells me that I am, but I do know that there could be other things going on too. I also think that my case is not near as severe as some I have read about. If you can be diagnosis as severe or mild - mine would be mild ( I think). I guess I just wanted immediate help. I am not a very patient person. My husband laughs at me when I say I am ADD (I guess I should say might be ADD), but I really feel like it would explain so many things. I have tried depression meds and anxiety meds and they don't help the whole problem. I will probably go ahead when the Dr calls and try and schedule testing. I have known people to just take the results of those online test to their Dr and walk out with meds. But now that I think about it, it is better to get a complete work up and then go from there.
Thanks again.
The testing is important, and it isn't that bad. I'm sure the phy. are use to ADDers that can't sit still, or stay on task.
I found just getting a pill is not enough...the meds help...but they are not a fix all.
Good luck
I can give you MY story of what happened when I thought I had ADD.
I'm 38 - and found out I could have ADHD when I took an online test first - there's a good preliminary one at http://www.oneaddplace.com/addcheck.htm
I went to my MD - a very good one and brought my online test filled out. He would NOT diagnose me either. He told me that it's not proper diagnostics to go by a person's diagnosis who is not a psychiatrist versed in ADHD. He was right.
I went to my psych appointment and like you I hate sitting in one place for long tests. He gave me small tests over 2 days. It all took a couple of hours, but I was allowed to get up when I wanted and pace, go to the bathroom or go out of the building for a quick cigarette if I needed it.
The tests NEED to be throrough blondie41. There are dozens of other problems, both physical and psychological that look like ADHD to the non-professional (i.e. your doctor?). Some include Bipolar/manic depression, hyper/hypothyroidism, hormones, diabetes, allergies, metal poisining, and so much more.
What the psych evaluation does is rule you in or out of being most likely ADHD - and if you are what kind you may have. He/she may also send you for blood tests, PET scans or other diagnostics to make a choice. You'll be on very strong medications if you are ADHD and if you are not ADHD then they can do more harm than good.
Please listen to your doctor! I would think that you would not - for example - take insulin if your doc just looked at you and said "yup - I think you have diabetes! We don't need any further tests just try this needle". If you are seriously looking for relief it's the best way for sure.
Alternatively, you could always try a naturopath. They never send you to psychiatrists as they don't believe in them mostly. They'll find an allergy or intolerance and start you on a diet instead. I personally think they are pretty much on the wrong track but I don't want anyone thinking I'm closed minded. You have options.
Anyways I was diagnosed ADHD - inattentive type. I'm on dexedrine spansules and they work WONDERS for me! I am very glad to have my psychiatrist who I see often, and my doctor who cares enough about me not to just pop me some pills and send me away.
Also, if you go to another doc and DO get an Rx for medicine, make sure you get checked often for blood pressure and weight. Often a doctor won't check them - and it's dangerous as most meds for ADHD will affect your health in some manner and you want to stay healthy in all ways I'd reckon.
Good luck to you - and don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions.
I really need help on getting a correct diagnosis. I am 41 and I know I have ADD. My daughter who is 17 was diagonised 9 years ago and i as told then I probably was, but I ignored it. At the time, I really didn't have the means to get myself help because I was focusing all my money and energy on my daughter. Anyway, my sister has just started on Adderall and is doing great and she encouraged me to get some help. I did go see a doctor, but he did a complete physical and now he wants to send me to be tested by a psychologist, which I don't want to do. Everyone I know (my child, my sister and a few other people I have met over the last few years) were only seen by a doctor and just from talking to them the diagnosis was made. This doctor would not even listen to what I wanted to tell him. I do not want to sit through psychological testing, for one thing I CAN"T sit there for that long without going nuts and for another I don't even think my insurance will cover it and the last thing is that I am running in so many different directions that I don't have time to go and do it. So my question - Is it routine to be tested this way and should I go ahead and do it or should I try and find a doctor that will get background information from me and let me tell him what is going on and what I have tried that didn't work (like paxil, zoloft and busbar)? Someone please advise!!!!!!!
A frustrated lady
For me I was diagnosed by a Psycologist who was well trained in ADHD. I was diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. She then referred me to a Psyciatrist to prescribe the meds. The Psyciatrist wasn't so concerned with the diagnosis, his job was to treat the symptoms. I take AdderalXR 20mg and Lexapro 5mg. Fairly low doses of both.
I would definately ck to see if your ins. covers mental health. I think most of them do. I hope you get help soon. Your Dr. did the right thing to refer you, he knows it's not his area of expertise.
Most insurance companies will cover seeing a psychologist alot of them want to charge 00 for testing. What I did was I made an appointment (just general) and started to bring up my symptoms. She said do you think you have ADHD I said I don't know. She gave me a few minute test and I was on my way.