[Idktbh100]

I was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) when I was in 1st grade (with an IQ test, the TOVA and other tests) and when I was in 8th grade (with the TOVA), but never was treated for it or put on medication. I was just wondering what my options were as far as getting diagnosed again as an adult. I'm 20 now and in college. I'm doing okayish in school, but I've always had problems getting homework done, staying motivated, staying organized and living up to my potential. I can't keep my room clean and I often get Cs in classes where I got As on all of the tests just due to issues with homework.

I'm still on my parents insurance so they would have to know about any doctor I see. I just need to figure out a way to explain that I want help with this even though I'm not doing horribly. I also want to make sure they know I'm not doing this because I want to abuse drugs, I know what people tend to think when they hear about ADHD meds and college students.

Any advice?

[kaliope]

well if you were diagnosed as a kid it didnt likely just go away. you dont need their permission to see the dr or make an appointment. they will see it when the EOB comes in. you can explain that you have been struggling focusing and getting your work done and wanted to be as successful as you can be.

[MotherMarcus]

I'd say it's time for another eval. Getting dx'd as a kid and later as an adult are two separate things.
Just from what I've read ( I'm not a professional ) it's easier to dx a child with ADD just because of age and behavior.
as an adult, you'll be able to better explain what you are going through and have a say in your treatment.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

[Emberspirit]

Originally Posted by Idktbh100

I was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) when I was in 1st grade (with an IQ test, the TOVA and other tests) and when I was in 8th grade (with the TOVA), but never was treated for it or put on medication. I was just wondering what my options were as far as getting diagnosed again as an adult. I'm 20 now and in college. I'm doing okayish in school, but I've always had problems getting homework done, staying motivated, staying organized and living up to my potential. I can't keep my room clean and I often get Cs in classes where I got As on all of the tests just due to issues with homework.


I'm still on my parents insurance so they would have to know about any doctor I see. I just need to figure out a way to explain that I want help with this even though I'm not doing horribly. I also want to make sure they know I'm not doing this because I want to abuse drugs, I know what people tend to think when they hear about ADHD meds and college students.


Any advice?

I'll share my experience. Maybe it will help. Keep in mind everyone is different.

At 15 I was diagnosed with ADD, they put me on Adderall.
I HATED it. I remember I was up all night, went to school and instantly cut class to chill where the pot heads always smoke to try and nap. Didn't touch it again until 6 years later.

Fast forward 6 years I'm 21 and had to see a psychiatrist about something unrelated. He was referred to me by my primary care physician. The psychiatrist for kids/teens had expanded his practice and the doctor I was seeing was apart of it! (I had no idea until I walked in the door).

After an hour with him he believed strongly I suffered from add, which I had always believed was a bullcrap illness. I retook the tests anyways and tried Adderall one more time.

My reaction was,
how did I not like this before, infact I LIKED it too much. I lost a lot of muscle mass due to not being able to eat enough calories in a day, but eventually I didn't care (not a good place, for me).

Adderall worked wonders for the first 6 months.

I was more efficient in completing tasks, friends/family complimented on the changes they saw, everyday tasks were no longer dull, it was a miracle drug (it's not, it's a drug to be respected).

Without going into too many details about 6 months in I had to switch off XR for insurance reasons. Probably my biggest mistake.

On IR, even stronger dose, I felt a strong need to redose, which eventually led to my first 2 day binge (this is not something I ever want to experience again).

That one binge royally screwed my tolerance, and I ended up losing most benefits Adderall did for me. I took a vacation to help, but I really ***** up.

Too long don't read:

Adderall XR worked great for me as an adult and not as a kid. I have an addictive personality so I have to be extremely careful. Especially, on drugs like these where the chase is futile since no matter how much you take your dopamine and other receptors have nothing for it.

I hope my story helps in some way, only you and your Doctors can/should decide any medications you take.



Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by Idktbh100

I was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) when I was in 1st grade (with an IQ test, the TOVA and other tests) and when I was in 8th grade (with the TOVA), but never was treated for it or put on medication. I was just wondering what my options were as far as getting diagnosed again as an adult. I'm 20 now and in college. I'm doing okayish in school, but I've always had problems getting homework done, staying motivated, staying organized and living up to my potential. I can't keep my room clean and I often get Cs in classes where I got As on all of the tests just due to issues with homework.

I'm still on my parents insurance so they would have to know about any doctor I see. I just need to figure out a way to explain that I want help with this even though I'm not doing horribly. I also want to make sure they know I'm not doing this because I want to abuse drugs, I know what people tend to think when they hear about ADHD meds and college students.

Any advice?

I agree with the first poster. You don't need your parents permission and the EOB likely won't say the doc was a psychiatrist, you could probably get away w just saying you needed to see the doctor, but it would probably be better to be upfront w them. If you had ADHD as a kid, there's a pretty good chance you still have symptoms as an adult. That being said, I would see a psychiatrist. A PCP probably won't be comfortable diagnosis ADHD in an adult. And be prepared for some possible hesitation regarding prescribing stimulants right off the bat. Some times you have to play the game for a while first in order to get what you ultimately need. Not saying its right or you would abuse them or anything, but 1/4 college aged students have abused a stimulant within the last yr according to a recent study, so
most psychiatrists are cautious about prescribing them. They may want to try other things-wellbutrin, strattera etc first. Good luck. I hope you get what you need.

[tealBumblebee]

Originally Posted by pinkflower17

...and the EOB likely won't say the doc was a psychiatrist, you could probably get away w just saying you needed to see the doctor...

Hey there. I was just going to mention that on my physical EOB, my T sessions are listed with her title acronym after her name and just says "participating provider". I will say that online though, the copy of my "scanned physical EOB" (which looks different from the mailed so I don't know what it is) says "Office Psychiatric". Just a heads up. Good look on getting retested though! I think if it can help you be your best - why not?

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by tealBumblebee

Hey there. I was just going to mention that on my physical EOB, my T sessions are listed with her title acronym after her name and just says "participating provider". I will say that online though, the copy of my "scanned physical EOB" (which looks different from the mailed so I don't know what it is) says "Office Psychiatric". Just a heads up. Good look on getting retested though! I think if it can help you be your best - why not?

Interesting. Mine just says office visit. It doesn't even say whether it was with an NP, PA, physician or psychologist. I wonder if it differs from insurance to insurance?