adhd

Hi , my name is Jeff and I am 49 years old and have been battling adhd my whole life . My friends and family , and I , would joke about it . It never really bothered me to much until like the last 5 years . Now it consumes me ..... everyday life is a struggle to keep on track . I went to see my dr. About it and he sent me to a psychologist who upon talking to me and answering some questions , told me I definitely have adhd. But because he didn't give this specific test for adhd , which aparantly involves tapping the space bar on all letters except the letter " X " I had to see another dr. That does . Well I took the test , the dr. Said that it doesn't point to adhd , but that talking to me and asking me questions does so they won't prescribe me meds for adhd but will give me meds for anxiety and depression! I am not depressed lol , frustrated may be , but not depressed . Any help or advice is greatly appreciated, sincerely, Jeff

It does sound odd, on the surface, why treat with an anti depressant without depression.

I looked this up, seems like an explanation..

http://psychcentral.com/lib/when-adh...gether/0009860

(Quote from article)If people can’t tolerate stimulants, psychiatrists may prescribe a non-stimulant along with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which has anxiety-reducing effects. (Tuckman noted that non-stimulants may be less effective than stimulants.)(end quote)

Hope that helps. Welcome to PC

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

Jeff, Welcome to PC.

I understand exactly what you are going through. I was finally diagnosed with ADHD 10 months ago and I am 57 years old. I took that stupid Conners space bar test and a psychologist said it didn't point to ADD. Well my history and hyperactivity did point to ADHD. Thank goodness I have a NP who is letting me try some stimulants. So far Adderall at low doses is not the med for me. I am going to try Concerta (Ritalin long acting) and see if I can get my focus and hyperactivity (that I never grew out of) under control. Those test are not diagnostic in themselves. I have the impulsive/hyperactive type of ADHD. Those test cannot test hyperactivity. Keep seeking help and don't stop advocating for yourself.

I hope that you find PC a great experience.

Welcome to Psych Central (PC) fxr. Sorry to hear you have been unhappy with your diagnosis. If you are curious, they have quizzes that you could take for all the symptoms you mentioned to see if you gain any insight. Psychological Tests and Quizzes

Personally I deal with stress through meditation, exercise, yoga and music. Getting sleep may be the single one thing that keeps me in balance. If you are not sleeping or having bad side affects, contact your psychiatrist and tell him what is happening so you can make adjustments.

Some people at PC will find a therapist will also help them sort out the roots of their life.

Many people find compassionate, caring people here at PC. Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

There are articles that go into more detail about coping
Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information.

Please feel free to private message any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

hi fxr
i would go to another psych that specializes in adhd. maybe this one doesnt. i have learned from my own misfortune that unless you get with a professional that actually works regularly with your diagnosis that you will be pigeonholed into their flavor of the month. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

Hello and welcome to Psych Central fxr42000!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator if you need help navigating the forums.

I look forward to seeing you around!!!

Would it be possible for you to get a full evaluation? I can't remember my doctor's credentials but I underwent like 7 hours of testing to look for everything from learning disorders, ADHD, and other psychological disorders. Someone like that would really be able to rule out any other things.

I didn't know such tests exist. I would like to take that test. Does it cost a lot?

I did it through a neurologist in private practice and it was upwards of $ 2,000. I don't know how much insurance will cover.