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Simcha · 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imapatient

I was referred to a T by my Pdoc to be tested--a computer test. The T told me I tested as as having it, but in his report he recommended that I not be put on meds due to bi-polar in several in my extended family (not me though I have hypomania sometimes) and he thought the risk of me developing mania from the meds was too high.

Just a one-shot session with him. I haven't had T since 2004.

My Pdoc basically has ignored my comments about my behavior that suggest ADD. When I read the symptoms, I felt like I had read my life story--a lot of dysfunctional things in my life were explained. Plan on seeking a new Pdoc and a T, and I'm curious about what to look for in terms of testing and diagnosis to help me present my issues and where to seek help about it in particular. I don’t put much faith in someone who’s met me once.

p.s. In learning about ADD, it seemed to better expalin things about myself than does bi-polar II, which various T's have thought I have. Incl. the T I met once. Not that they're mutually exclusive.

Hi imapatient.

Welcome to the world of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. It's not that bad over here most of the time. Other days, it can be like hell on earth. ADHD is not CURABLE, but it is very treatable. We just learn to live with our bad symptoms when they get out of control. Sometimes, ADHD is a lot of fun.

I'm really happy for you that you took the step to ditch the Pdoc that disregarded your report of symptoms. It's NEVER prudent to deny a patient treatment for something they are diagnosed with, simply because family members of the patient allegedly have XYZ disorders diagnosed.
If we treated all health problems that way, then we would have some REAL problems. ADHD is very treatable (so is Bipolar disorders FYI). My confusion only lies in that you indicated you had hypomania as a standalone--since I know that hypomania is only a symptom of Bipolar, it's not indicative of Bipolar in itself, and my guess is that the "hypomania" you might have was labeled incorrectly and is really ADHD symptamology.

There is no single "TEST" for ADHD. In fact, the tests in question are usually a combination of neuropsychological tests and intelligence tests (like the Weschler III for Adults). Computerized tests of vigilence and impulsivity are common assessment tools that help the psychologist in conjunction with overall psychological diagnostic assessments, to determine if your symptoms are due to ADHD, or a learning disorder, or cognitive deficits, or brain damage (lol ADHD used to be called "minimal brain dysfunction" in earlier years-real flattering!), or whatever. The tests just find the areas of the brain that have issues. Certain areas of the brain are more affected by ADHD--and they also do an overall assessment for any other mental disorders present. Comprehensive!

I ALWAYS recommend a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD in ADULTS, hopefully with some neuropsychological training. I NEVER recommend a psychiatrist (Pdoc) for ADHD assessment (or any other MD for that matter). They simply aren't trained enough. I think it was Sunrise (or was it Chaotic??--sorry 1am memory) who got lucky with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, but those are rare. A psychologist T can assess you, and if he thinks a medication trial is warranted they can refer you to a Pdoc they know who will work with the T for a medication trial.
YAY--kill two birds with one stone.

I went back several times over several days with my T when I was assessed for ADHD (and retested after medication as well). I still see the same T and the same GP (who has a consent to release signed with my T). I talk about ADHD issues, and also the anxiety issues I deal with. I wanted to list all of the neuropsychological tests that I took here, but I can't seem to find my doctors paperwork at the moment. It's actually close to 2am... but for the interest of the group I'd like to share my assessment tommorrow after I find his paperwork--it's fascinating in it's own right, and I really enjoyed finding out what my problem areas were. I think you'll find it helpful too, so stick it out until you find a good psychologist.

In the meantime, here are two really helpful links in understanding ADHD in adults, and the diagnostic process:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/treatment/guides/WWK9S

3rd Link:
Howie Mandel: ADHD in ADULTS is REAL