Over the past several years, as ADD has became more "commercial" I have suspected I may have it. More specifically my husband has insisted I have it for years. As a child I made good grades but could only learn from what I heard or did. Studying was not possible. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I have always been late for everything, to the point that it makes it hard for me to hold a job. I procrastinate to the point of ridiculousness, and make list after list, never getting much crossed off of them. I forget appointments ALL THE TIME, I can't bake because I forget there's something in the oven. I can't ever clean my entire house because when I walk into the bedroom to hang up clothes I end up organizIng my closet instead of finishing the laundry and watching the food that is now burning on the stove. My husband will grab me when i'm cooking and say "there you go again, off doing something else and letting the food burn." I read another poster saying that they talk over other people b/c they're afraid they'll forget what they wanted to say. That is so me, I am terrible about that. And my most spoken line? "I haven't done that yet but I'll do it right now."
I went to my dr. on Friday about this, and he pretty much dismissed what I was saying, and said to look on my insurance and see what psychologists are covered, to call his office and tell them, and they will schedule me. Then, after an evaluation, they'll confer and see what to do. I'm freaking out b/c I returned to college last semester, and barely got by on my grades. I start back next week, and I want to be on some kind of meds by then. It's so frustrating because I feel like I've reached a lightbulb moment, only to be against a brickwall.
Thanks if anyone read all this.
When you see your psych, just tell him outright that you think you are attention deficit. Have him start there, and add other observations as he makes them. Last I heard Kaiser Permanente doesn't allow their docs to diagnose it in adults. So seek a second opinion.It is very important to get a proper diagnosis. Your dr is admitting to you that he isn't qualified to make a diagnosis. There are other disabilities out there with very similar symptoms. I think you have a very good dr for him to admit his inability. Many adult ADHDers just have their drs blow them off and tell them they need an antidepressant or anxiety med.
We as adults who have lived with this for years do get frustrated when drs won't or can't diagnose because we know we have it. They haven't lived in our skin.
See if you can find a neuropsychologist who would be covered by your insurance. Your dr wants you to be diagnosed by a professional who understands the various disorders. He is not saying you are crazy. Psychs are the best ones to diagnose ADHD.
If you can't get an appointment with a neuropsych, call the psychs who are on your allow list and ask them outright if they diagnose for ADHD and other neurological disorders. Have your dr refer you to whichever one does.
Are there any people reading this who were diagnosed in college? Is there a way for coastal to get a diagnosis through the school?
Wordwoman,
Don't feel bad, my little ones missed swimming lessons AND gymnastics b/c I waited until the day the classes started to try to register them. I feel so terrible about that. My older son wanted to go to camp but I never got around to finding him one. My kids are one of the main reasons I want to get some help.
Hey, I have a good idea! (Now that's an ADD line if there ever was one.)