How does getting diagnosed with ADD/ADHD work?

Hi

I was wondering about how the process of getting diagnosed with ADD/ADHD works. What happens when your trying to find out if you have ADD/ADHD? What are the steps? Can you guys tell me your stories of how you all were diagnosed with ADD/ADHD? Did any of you have to take a blood test? I know there's no specific blood test that can diagnosed ADD/ADD? But did any of you have to take one just to rule out other possible illnesses?

Hello there :] Currently, there is no test that can FULLY prove you are ADD/ADHD. However, if you are given medication and respond positively well with it then there is a high chance that you may have the disorder. I was diagnosed what ADD/ADHD when I was in the 2nd grade. I think it was the doctors first guess because I fitted most of the symptoms that was with ADD/ADHD so it was kinda obvious. After that(if you do have it), most likely, you'll need to take medication. It may take a few different medications to see which one you respond best to but once you find it it pretty much fine.

She asked me a lot of questions and she also had me fill a diagnostic questionnaire (I think it was the Conners adult ADHD test.) A lot of the questions she asked were about other things besides ADHD so she could rule them out. Like symptoms of depression, anxiety, how I would behave in certain situations. She told me it can be hard to tease apart ADHD, depression, and anxiety since a person often has more than one or other disorders can resemble ADHD. She also asked me to recall how I was as a child. For example, she didn't just ask me if I had trouble sustaining attention as a child. She wanted specific examples of circumstances under which I was distracted. I didn't have any blood work done, but I think that is reasonable if it will help distinguish ADHD from something else your symptoms may be pointing to, like thyroid dysfunction.

There are multiple modes for diagnosis. The meds thing is generally a good verification. The diagnostic questionnaire is most common.

I have also had a computer-based test called the CPT II, which is somewhat more objective than either of those. You basically play a "game" for about 15 minutes which is really boring (and for me, frustrating) where it flashes letters on the screen and you're only supposed to respond to some of them, and the speed and accuracy of your response are measured against averages that are good indicators of attention problems. There are other computer-based versions too, but these are not available everywhere.

Normally one would see obvious symptoms of ADD/ADHD in a person, so it is best to know the difference between a normal behavior or those which which are out of the ordinary. As a parent, keeping a record of your child's possible ADHD symptoms in a journal will help in properly diagnosing your child's condition or even your own. Always ask the expertise of a doctor specialized in ADD/ADHD. There are usually different tests that one would undergo before being diagnosed with the disorder. There are physical tests, psychological testing and behavior assessments.
Most importantly, one should remember that not one treatment method can work for everyone. So, if one is actually diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, it is still essential to try out which treatment works well for you. Whether it be through medication, therapy or a combination of both.

In addition, some of the tests I know are a series of intelligence tests often referred as IQ tests, the memory tests, and achievement tests which will all help indicate any visual, auditory or concentration problems. There are actually various other tests used by different p docs, maybe researching about other possibilities will widen ones options.

I was already seeing a psychiatrist. I just explained to her that I thought I had adhd, and went through my symptoms. She agreed, and prescribe me ritalin (I'm now on dexedrine). It took only a few mintues, and I didn't need to take any tests, or give blood or anything like that.

I took that same test! And yeah, it was frustrating but kinda amusing to me. My eyes was hurting afterwards from starring at the computer screen. When I got my results back it said I was 50% ADD and 50% not ADD.

Hello, its nice to meet you. You can get diagnosed with a simple test. A test is also available at psych-central below
http://psychcentral.com/addquiz.htm

There is no blood test of course. I am a psychologist and when people are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD( without the hyperactivity factor) they do not believe me at first but with proper therapy they can share experiences and tell more about their problem.
This forum is a great place where ADHD people and ADHD professionals can share knowledge and experiences.

I went to my gp when I was having terrible anxiety. I took a couple of quick quizes, one for depression, the second test I scored kind of high on the BP score. My gp sent me to a psychiatrist, who figured me out in about 10 minutes. Diagnosed with ADD at 43... Wow... My life has improved so much since my DX and Adderall treatment. The pills are not the cure, but they help a lot. You need to do a bunch of work to undo years of bad coping skils.

I hope you get the help you need

Hello Skyscraper, it is really nice to see you. I want to give answers to your questions.
There is no blood test for ADD and ADHD. It is not a medical condition more of a psychological one.
I suffered from ADHD and depression. I knew about my depression because of the suicidal thoughts and symptoms but I never knew about my ADHD. Yes, I was a daydreamer and can focus on only one task at a time. In fact I am diagnosed as ADD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type)

I was doing some research for my my paper on Psychology when I felt that I suffer from symptoms mentioned in a story of a girl suffering for ADHD. She was successful in her early school career but lost all grades when she was in high school. She tried her best but felt at the end of the line always. She was unorganized but would love to be the most organized person in the world. She was lazy, she wanted to achieve a lot but could not do so. Looks like me. Dis more research and stumbled upon this test.

http://music.sound-add-adhd-treatment.com/adhd-test/

I found out that I was suffering for ADHD. I was depressed for some time but found out that ways to cope with the symptoms. I found out my weaknesses and tried to overcome them. I searched about natural therapies for add and adhd
http://www.squidoo.com/natural-remed...r-add-and-adhd

and found out that ADHD is a gift. I focused on the powers of ADHD and found out that I can achieve a lot if I can concentrate good. Now I am a psychologist and I help people to cope with ADHD, depression, anxiety, smoking problem and drinking problems too.

Did you like my story. It is a relief to tell my story to someone. Really nice to meet you skyscraper.

Very good story. It fits me pretty well. I wish you were in california.
I would come pay you a visit.

I remember in highschool starting i was a good student I was almost on a high because i was somewhere else new and wasn;t at my elementary school, almost as if i was on a natural high but that began to wear off and starting losing interest. I was having trouble doing homework, completing school projects or remembering things that were specific to assignments. or bring books or even remembering my lunch in the morning. needless to say i had talks with my school counsleor with my dads request. I got labeled as lazy and that was how things seem to go. They tried riding me but things never got better. I barely scraped by and made it oout of school wiht a 2.0,. many other things but i tried keeping it short.

I hope someday to find some answers. But until then i just haev to deal with it.

i was in therapy for anxiety, that got so bad that i wasnt in school. they were sending home my work and i was supposed to do it but i was having a really hard time focusing on it. i began to question why it was that my anxiety had gotten so bad, and my t and i decided to explore the possibilites of ADHD and/or LD. I began medication for ADHD and so that was pretty much it. I went back to school, and that was that. So I guess if you fit the criterea and medication helps, there is a good chance that you have it.

I am not the person you are typing this to but I think alot of people with that condition is very creative and talented, my son is this way. I think i am also but never was diagnosed with it. I am like an airhead sometimes in fact most of the day.I am on meds but not for that problem you speak of.Do you ever feel like -for lack of a better word-an airhead like me? I am not sure if i can say that here but when i'm feeling like that, i'm thinking of something profound or daydreaming.Well what d you think?

I know you did not ask me about this, but I thought I would offer my thoughts.

Many ADD people are very creative thinkers. I am not so artistically creative, but my creativity shows in my problem solving and mechanical skills.

ADD is also hereditary. My diagnosis and study of the condition has lead to the diagnosis of several of my own family members, as well as my own two daughters. The "Air Head" feeling you describe is a common way people describe their ADD. I would say I was in my "ADD Fog"...

You should consider taking some of the ADD quizes available, then talk to your doctor if you feel you might have ADD.

I could not believe how much better I felt after my diagnosis and Adderall treatment.

Good luck

I've been to a psychologist who calls it ADHD and a GP who said he'd be careful with a lifetime diagnosis and didn't want to get it wrong, so I was in tears describing the mess I am in lately and he asked me to fill two screening tests: bipolar and depression. I scored no way bipolar and mild depression but of course in no way would I rely on these days for a long term diagnosis. He ordered some blood tests which I expect will reveal I am otherwise healthy but good he wants to know... Anyway so I likely wasted time with the GP and am going to neurologist and psychiatrist this week. Hoping one if them can figure this out quickly and confirm whether I really do also have mild depression.

I was in a huge mess when I finally went to my GP and needed to know what was wrong with me too. I know you must be hurting

There is no blood test for ADD. ADD and ADHD are pretty interchangeable. I was never super hyper, just fidgety... I was first put on anti-depressants before my ADD diagnosis and they really made me feel worse.
Have you taken some of the ADHD specific quizes here at PC or on WebMD.com?

I think a psychiatrist with a specialty in ADD is the best route for you IMO. If you are ADD/ADHD, the good news is about 90% of us respond well to the medications. It was like walking out of the fog for me.

I hope you find some relief soon.

Thanks.... Every test I have taken indicates ADHD except the first time I took the Wender Utah Rating Scale with the 61 questions, which was borderline. Hard being in my mid 30s and forgetful to fill out a form from the "when I was a child" perspective. I think they need to figure out a better test for undiagnosed adults. I have heard they will be updating the DSM this year so maybe there will be some new insight or approaches to ADHD....

in reaction to coming out of the fog statement is that was how i felt after i was put on a certain drug for my mental problem i had for my whole life, recently i was put on viibryd and something just happened. it was like coming out of the fog, i never saw it that way until i just read it here i am schitzoaffective and i think also ADD, but never tested for ADD. i forget everything, i think my son may have it, he's an airhead like me. i'm just saying he's got a lot of the symptoms i have, he was put on zoloft for depression lately.

As someone mentioned on here, there is really no test to diagnose someone with ADD/ADHD or any other disorder. I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, thats the main disorder that I have. However, I always had problems with my attention and trying to focus on things. But I also had mood swings and major anger as well. For me, bipolar disorder was diagnosed before ADHD. I finally talked to my doctor about my attention issues and she basically just asked me some questions. After I told her my symptoms she diagnosed me ADHD and then prescribed me Concerta. I have had blood tests many times but not to test for ADHD. Some meds that I have taken for bipolar required blood tests to check the levels, for example Lithium. If u take Lithium for bipolar disorder u need to have your blood tested from time to time. To make sure the levels are not too high, or something.

I was diagnosed for depression, talked about my situation and frustrations and feelings. Never thought I had ADD, never went on the internet to research. After a few sessions my T diagnosed me with ADD, I wasn't describing the symptoms in a nice little check off list, they were mixed in with the depression, self-loathing and painful memories.

I was already taking welbrutian and effexor, my pdoc perscribed ritilin then eventually the correct dosage of adderall. I can't say it was like turning a light on and poof, now you can fix all the problems. It was more like a ball of tangled string. I was overwhelmed because I didn't know how to start, with meds I still was seeing the tangle but now I could focus long enough to find the end of the string. I wish adderall would give me energy and confidence. This is a hard, slow and painful process. There is shame and embarrassment, but each day a bit of string gets untangled.