Thank you all for sharing your own experiences about getting tested. I am learning soo much between reading about assessing ADHD and hearing (or rather reading ) personal accountsa about it that I am coming to some conclusions.

First, There are many different ways to diagnose ADHD. Actual tests can be given such as the Weschler or tests that utilize rating scales. Interviews with parents or teachers on the potential ADHD peron's behavior have been used. I've even heard that an MRI can be used to look at anomalies in the brain, apparently the brain's function/or structure of an ADHD person is different than the "normal" brain. Makes sense since ADHD is a nuerological disorder. The important thing is to rule out other disorders or figure out if there are co-morbid disorders. In my case the doc said he wanted to test me for ADHD and Anxiety. He said one of the tests will be a personality test.

Second, different therapists have different methods of how to go about diagnosing. I think the reason for the intake being separate than the testing is so he can plan which tests he would like to use after meeting me and getting a feel for what's going on. He's only at the clinic once a week so I'm guessing that the 19th is the soonest he is free. Not the best for someone who is suffering now though. I don't think the cash is the motivating factor for having 2 appointments to diagnose, even though I'm sure he's not complaining.. ha ha. It would have been nice to have been tested on my first meeting, but that's not how the clinic I'm going to operates.

Third, treatment methods depend upon you. I have heard that medicine does help a lot pf people out. And I am very very interested in this. But I also have heard that your body becomes use to it and you have to keep upping the dose to get the same effects. So I do not see meds as a long term tx for me. I just want it initially to feel immediate relief and to get through grad school! I also want to learn ways I can help myself without meds. Actually I've already implemented some every day changes based on things I've read.

And yes, I know I don't really know if I'm ADHD, but at 23 I know myself pretty well and this just makes sooo much sense. But I need the proper diagnoses so that as gp22 was saying I can receive help through my university. And also for my own benefit. I need my assumptions to be verified so I can hold my head up when I'm forgetting things left and right.

Thank you everyone for replying and sharign your experiences and giving me support!! I will let you know how my testing goes!!