[lost_lover]

I saw a new doctor today, I go for bipolar disorder but my last doctor put me on methylphenidate because I was falling asleep while driving and while at work. I never really thought I had ADD/ADHD but he said he didn't want to deal with the insurance issues of giving me something newer more just for fatigue. So when I went to the doctor today she tested me for ADD/ADHD before deciding what to give me. I tested super low (high being that you do have ADD or ADHD depending which category is high), I wasn't shocked but it was a crazy stressful test. They put motion sensors on my head and shins, which ended up making me nervous so I made a point to stay very still during the test which probably contributed so excessively low score. With the sensors on, they had me look at a computer screen and click every time I saw a certain type of star flash on the screen. It was a 20-minute test so by the end I was on the edge of my seat watching for these little stars.

I was just wondering if anyone had done that test before? I feel kind of like the doctor did it just to get the money for it since it was expensive and I never claimed to have ADD or ADHD just that I was really sleepy all the time. It was followed by a quick EKG to make sure my heart was ok for stimulants because she did give me Nuvigil for the fatigue. I am waiting for my insurance to approve it so I cannot comment if I notice a difference in the way it makes me feel.

The test was just so weird to me, I have had all sorts of wacky tests but that one just seemed off.

[Rimalucy]

Hi, just read your note and something occurred to me - have you ever been tested properly for sleep apnea? To me it would be the first thing to look at given your sleep habits during the day... it's very common, does NOT just apply to older men who are heavy (very old wives' tale) and proper treatment could change your life. Many who have apnea were diagnosed for years with depression, etc. but once they were treated, never looked back and go on to have happy and normal lives.

[lost_lover]

My primary discussed doing a sleep study to check for sleep apnea, but I don't even snore so it seems unlikely. The nuvigil I was perscribed is also labeled as being used for people with sleep apnea though.

[Rimalucy]

Snoring is NOT necessary to have apnea and using nuvigil does NOT address the real physical (and dangerous) problem of apnea. Please get tested - I know what I'm talking about.

Originally Posted by lost_lover

My primary discussed doing a sleep study to check for sleep apnea, but I don't even snore so it seems unlikely. The nuvigil I was perscribed is also labeled as being used for people with sleep apnea though.

[benzenering]

Wow...when I was tested for ADD/ADHD (6 months ago) it was a written exam. I don't think I'd have done what you had.

[lost_lover]

I have only ever heard of written tests which is why I thought it was so weird. On one hand it seems cool technology but the sensors made me so nervous I sat abnormally still during the text, which effected my results. She charged me $125 for it which annoyed me.

[Miswimmy1]

Originally Posted by lost_lover

They put motion sensors on my head and shins, which ended up making me nervous so I made a point to stay very still during the test which probably contributed so excessively low score. With the sensors on, they had me look at a computer screen and click every time I saw a certain type of star flash on the screen. It was a 20-minute test so by the end I was on the edge of my seat watching for these little stars.

This is a common test for hyperactivity and/or extra movement (such as leg bouncing). The test with the computer screen is also a common test that measures attention span by recording your reaction time and accuracy.

I give kudos to your doctor for administering these tests. Most physicians and even diagnosticians are not this thorough when diagnosing ADD/ADHD.