[nellbells]

I just recently began to consider that I have ADD. And by recently I mean since I have joined this sight at the beginning of October. (This was not my reason for joining.. I joined to learn how to better deal with my current diagnosis.) My profile says I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder cuz that's what I've been treated for in the past. I definately have anxiety problems, but I htink there is something else going on. When I first saw a therapist for depression at 17 she mentioned that I should get tested for ADD. I didn't know much about ADD at the time besides the hyperactive kids that had been diagnosed with it in my classes. I'm not hyperactive, but I can not for the life of me concentrate. So needless to say I didn't take her advice and now six years later I wish I had.

I set up my appointment today to get tested for ADD. My question is what can I expect at the intake? What is the testing like? How long does it take, hours, days? I am soo nervous. I'm afraid of the repercussions since I'm kinda already convinced that I have ADD even though I don't have the proper diagnosis. What if i skew the results? What if the doc doesn't agree with me? I'm afraid of how I will handle the news. And the other part of me is just antsy to get this diagnosis and begin treating this problem so I can get some relief. I'm in grad school and I'm terrified that if I don't handle this soon I may fail out. So I want to get this treated ASAP(which I know is unrealistic, treatment takes time; something I don't have a lot of.) This is not helping my anxiety. : (

Okay, this is a lot of questions for one post, but I have another question for those of you who have gone through the process of getting tested. Once you have been given the diagnosis how long did it take until you felt like treatment was taking effect?

[jensasweetie]

Hi

I just noticed that you dont have any relies on your post and that you havent replied yourself of the test. Not sure when it is/ was. I generally am not in this forum as I was not aware I should be !!

In a million years I would have never thought I was ADD or ADHD. Did you do the quiz on this site ? I did both of them, yes I am aware to not read too much into them, but, the scores were significant enough that I think it should be looked into further. I just graduated from WSU, didn't have problems with school....just didn't think I had it. Anyway, some of the symptoms are right on with me. The not sitting still, unable to "do nothing", etc. I can apply myself to work when I have to but otherwise it seems my brain stays on overdrive and nothing per se gets accomplished.

I am not hyper either per se. But then when I look back and analyze my behavior, well hell, maybe I am hyper when I compare myself to others.

Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble about myself. I would love to know yoiur symptoms, what you have learned, medication you are trying, etc etc etc.

Oh and I did muster the guts to go to the doc. A lot of the offices around here are walk-in clinics or urgent care. I had taken my daughter to get looked at for the flu last week and was very comfy with the doc. I called yesterday to make sure they were open today and was it poss to make an appt. No and yes they would be open. Left the house this morning at 9 to go spill the beans to this doc and low and behold they were closed unexpectedly.

Argh, to say the least...anyway, I will go soon.....

Please write back and let me know what you have learned etc....

Jen

[theotterone]

Ok, it looks like I am "stalking" jensasweetie! LOL!

I think the intake/testing is different depending on the doctor's practice. For my 9 year old's diagnosis, my 6 year old's evaluation and my own diagnoses it involved evaluations filled out by teachers, parents or spouse. They then scored the evaluations and made the diagnosis from there.

I was last tested at age 10, I don't remember what the testing involved, just that I had to do it. Of course, they told my parents then I was NOT ADD.

Now, for me, the H in ADHD stood for HYPOactivity rather than hyper. I was using so much energy to function in my non-ADHD friendly world with such an ADHD mind, I was exhausted! I am on Adderall now and working with a life coach who specializes in ADHD to learn the skills I didn't learn growing up. I have to say, my world is quieter, clearer and calmer. (I have been treated for Clinical Depression and Anxiety Disorder since I was 16...)

So unfortunately, I do not have a good answer for you. Your best bet though is to be as honest as possible so the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Good Luck!

[nellbells]

"I just noticed that you dont have any relies on your post and that you havent replied yourself of the test. Not sure when it is/ was. I generally am not in this forum as I was not aware I should be !!"

My intake is tomorrow!! I'm so ready to just find out an answer, which I know I won't get tomorrow since it's just the intake where the doc will just ask me some questions, get a feel for what's going on with me, and set up another time if he thinks testing is necessary.

Have you been able to get tested??

[nellbells]

Now, for me, the H in ADHD stood for HYPOactivity rather than hyper. I was using so much energy to function in my non-ADHD friendly world with such an ADHD mind, I was exhausted! I am on Adderall now and working with a life coach who specializes in ADHD to learn the skills I didn't learn growing up. I have to say, my world is quieter, clearer and calmer. (I have been treated for Clinical Depression and Anxiety Disorder since I was 16...)

So unfortunately, I do not have a good answer for you. Your best bet though is to be as honest as possible so the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Good Luck!

I've been skimming through the ADHD Book of Lists by Sandra Rief. Auroralso suggested it in a thread about ADHD symptoms for females. I feel it's describing me very well; especially the list of symptoms for unattentative ADHD. If I do have this condition; I just might have to think of that H as standing for hypoactive. I definitely don't think of myself as hyperactive.

Thanks for the advice I will definitely be as honest as I can assuming that my memory cooperates. My biggest fear is my mind going blank or become a steel trap. I'm gonna have to write down what I want to say so I don't forget it.

List of characteristics and symptoms of the inattentative type of ADHD:

• easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (sights, sounds, movement in environment)
• does not seem to listen when spoken to
• difficulty following directions
• significant difficulty sustaining attention and level of alertness
• difficulty concentrating and attending to task (often needs assistance with refocusing and redirection)
• Often loses his or her place when reading
• Can't stay focused on what he or she is reading (especially if text is difficult, lengthy, boring, not choice reading material)
• Forgets what he or she was reading and needs to reread frequently
• Tunes out- may appear "spacey"
• daydreams (thoughts are elsewhere
• often confused
• often feel overwhelmed
• great difficulty initiating or getting started on tasks
• fails to finish work--many incomplete assignments
• gets bored easily
• often sluggish or lethargic
• poor study skills
• does not pay attention to details and makes many careless mistakes
• inconsistent performance--one day is able to perform a task, the next day cannot
• disorganized--loses/cannot find belongings
• difficulty organizing (for example, planning, scheduling, preparing for activities/tasks, time management)
• little or no awareness of time--often underestimates length of time a task will require
• procrastinates
• forgetful, difficulty remembering
• slow and minimal written output and production
• may have many reading, math, or written language difficulties

(the above is from the ADHD Book of Lists by Sandra F. Rief)

[TheDeliciousDish]

Originally Posted by nellbells

List of characteristics and symptoms of the inattentative type of ADHD:

• easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (sights, sounds, movement in environment)
• does not seem to listen when spoken to
• difficulty following directions
• significant difficulty sustaining attention and level of alertness
• difficulty concentrating and attending to task (often needs assistance with refocusing and redirection)
• Often loses his or her place when reading
• Can't stay focused on what he or she is reading (especially if text is difficult, lengthy, boring, not choice reading material)
• Forgets what he or she was reading and needs to reread frequently
• Tunes out- may appear "spacey"
• daydreams (thoughts are elsewhere
• often confused
• often feel overwhelmed
• great difficulty initiating or getting started on tasks
• fails to finish work--many incomplete assignments
• gets bored easily
• often sluggish or lethargic
• poor study skills
• does not pay attention to details and makes many careless mistakes
• inconsistent performance--one day is able to perform a task, the next day cannot
• disorganized--loses/cannot find belongings
• difficulty organizing (for example, planning, scheduling, preparing for activities/tasks, time management)
• little or no awareness of time--often underestimates length of time a task will require
• procrastinates
• forgetful, difficulty remembering
• slow and minimal written output and production
• may have many reading, math, or written language difficulties

(the above is from the ADHD Book of Lists by Sandra F. Rief)

I just sat here reading this list saying "Check... Check... Check.... Check... Check..." Thanks so much for posting this! I'm going to go get myself checked out for this now.

[theotterone]

I have been so much research on it. My oldest daughter was diagnoses (that is how our FT thought I was and had me tested) and we find out about the youngest tomorrow. My BFF's son is also severely ADHD and delayed. By learning more I am not only learning for myself but them too. Feel free to PM me if you think my experiences may help you.

[nellbells]

Update: My first appointment was just an intake getting my case history, etc. My testing is scheduled for Nov. 19th. So far away. boo.

[gp22]

Originally Posted by nellbells

I just recently began to consider that I have ADD. And by recently I mean since I have joined this sight at the beginning of October. (This was not my reason for joining.. I joined to learn how to better deal with my current diagnosis.) My profile says I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder cuz that's what I've been treated for in the past. I definately have anxiety problems, but I htink there is something else going on. When I first saw a therapist for depression at 17 she mentioned that I should get tested for ADD. I didn't know much about ADD at the time besides the hyperactive kids that had been diagnosed with it in my classes. I'm not hyperactive, but I can not for the life of me concentrate. So needless to say I didn't take her advice and now six years later I wish I had.

I set up my appointment today to get tested for ADD. My question is what can I expect at the intake? What is the testing like? How long does it take, hours, days? I am soo nervous. I'm afraid of the repercussions since I'm kinda already convinced that I have ADD even though I don't have the proper diagnosis. What if i skew the results? What if the doc doesn't agree with me? I'm afraid of how I will handle the news. And the other part of me is just antsy to get this diagnosis and begin treating this problem so I can get some relief. I'm in grad school and I'm terrified that if I don't handle this soon I may fail out. So I want to get this treated ASAP(which I know is unrealistic, treatment takes time; something I don't have a lot of.) This is not helping my anxiety. : (

Okay, this is a lot of questions for one post, but I have another question for those of you who have gone through the process of getting tested. Once you have been given the diagnosis how long did it take until you felt like treatment was taking effect?

Hello Nellbells! I get my results tomorrow. Though it's rather a moot point- the rest of the world is finally figuring out what I've known for years. I finally got somebody to take this seriously and move forward with it.

The "test"- or at least the one I took was nothing but a series of statements that I had to rate from 0-3 (3 being the highest). I've been buying books on this for the last 10yrs or so and they all claim that there is no out-right test for ADHD. Don't get yourself worked up about it, the extra anxiety will run you right into the ground. Relax and be honest with your answers and take it from there. Until you're actually "labeled", let it ride. There are other illnesses that have a lot of the same symptoms that will need to be ruled out also. Off the top of my head I can't list them- they're in my pile books.

As for school- I'm just figuring this out for myself- get into your academic support center. ADHD is considered a disability. It gets treated the same as a physical disability- the school HAS to make allowances so the "learning field" is level so to speak. Testing in a separate area with no distractions. Extra help. Time adjustments for tests. Stuff like that. BUT you have to get the diagnosis and all of the paperwork that goes with it. YOU have to contact the school and do all of the leg work. There should be info available to you, go ask! I'm right behind you all the way!!

Good luck and let me know what happens

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by nellbells

Update: My first appointment was just an intake getting my case history, etc. My testing is scheduled for Nov. 19th. So far away. boo.

I just wanted to say that there is no specific set of tests that can diagnose ADHD; clinicians use tests (typically certain intelligence tests from the Wescler III-R and neuropsychological tests) to make sure that the ADHD symptoms are not better accounted for (or coexist) with a learning or other cognitive disorder. Some of the tests were related to inattention specifically though, which were among the most frustrating. While none of the testing is necessary for ADHD, it certainly helps pinpoint and identify areas of need and helps distinguish ADHD from similar and/or related neurocognitive disorders.

I did a bunch of testing to rule out other disorders (or co-morbid disorders). It's actually pretty cool, if not time consuming. I liked seeing my strengths, and to some degree, my weaknesses. At least I felt better that while I might think differently than the "normals", that I am most definitely NOT stupid.

Now I enjoy thinking differently. Make sure that when the testing is done that you get a synthesized, written copy from your T, that way you don't have to repeat it in the future. You never know when you might need it.

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by nellbells

And the other part of me is just antsy to get this diagnosis and begin treating this problem so I can get some relief. I'm in grad school and I'm terrified that if I don't handle this soon I may fail out. So I want to get this treated ASAP(which I know is unrealistic, treatment takes time; something I don't have a lot of.)

It depends on what treatment you get. If you get meds, and they choose one for you that works for you, you can get almost instant relief. If you choose therapy, it can take longer to learn to manage your symptoms. Or you can do both.

When I first saw my PNP, she had me do the CAARS test (Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale). Also, she asked me a bunch of questions and I had to answer based on a likert scale. She tried to distinuish between ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Often, there is some of each. She started me on Wellbutrin for ADHD symptoms, and that helped quite a bit. Later she added Vyvanse, and that helped even more. The whole assessment took only about 1 hour and a significant part of it just involved talking about my life and difficulties. Kind of like a therapy appointment, but more symptom-focused.

Good luck. I wonder why you have to wait so long to get the assessment done? Why didn't they do it at your first appointment? Probably they want more cash...

[nellbells]

Good luck. I wonder why you have to wait so long to get the assessment done? Why didn't they do it at your first appointment? Probably they want more cash...

Thank you all for sharing your own experiences about getting tested. I am learning soo much between reading about assessing ADHD and hearing (or rather reading ) personal accountsa about it that I am coming to some conclusions.

First, There are many different ways to diagnose ADHD. Actual tests can be given such as the Weschler or tests that utilize rating scales. Interviews with parents or teachers on the potential ADHD peron's behavior have been used. I've even heard that an MRI can be used to look at anomalies in the brain, apparently the brain's function/or structure of an ADHD person is different than the "normal" brain. Makes sense since ADHD is a nuerological disorder. The important thing is to rule out other disorders or figure out if there are co-morbid disorders. In my case the doc said he wanted to test me for ADHD and Anxiety. He said one of the tests will be a personality test.

Second, different therapists have different methods of how to go about diagnosing. I think the reason for the intake being separate than the testing is so he can plan which tests he would like to use after meeting me and getting a feel for what's going on. He's only at the clinic once a week so I'm guessing that the 19th is the soonest he is free. Not the best for someone who is suffering now though. I don't think the cash is the motivating factor for having 2 appointments to diagnose, even though I'm sure he's not complaining.. ha ha. It would have been nice to have been tested on my first meeting, but that's not how the clinic I'm going to operates.

Third, treatment methods depend upon you. I have heard that medicine does help a lot pf people out. And I am very very interested in this. But I also have heard that your body becomes use to it and you have to keep upping the dose to get the same effects. So I do not see meds as a long term tx for me. I just want it initially to feel immediate relief and to get through grad school! I also want to learn ways I can help myself without meds. Actually I've already implemented some every day changes based on things I've read.

And yes, I know I don't really know if I'm ADHD, but at 23 I know myself pretty well and this just makes sooo much sense. But I need the proper diagnoses so that as gp22 was saying I can receive help through my university. And also for my own benefit. I need my assumptions to be verified so I can hold my head up when I'm forgetting things left and right.

Thank you everyone for replying and sharign your experiences and giving me support!! I will let you know how my testing goes!!

[theotterone]

In my "inspired writing" of Work WITH It I posted earlier (and surprisingly enough, I haven't had any rotten food thrown at me yet...) I mentioned that like any mental "illness", most have the greatest success when they use a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Good luck and Keep us informed hon!

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by nellbells

I have heard that medicine does help a lot pf people out. And I am very very interested in this. But I also have heard that your body becomes use to it and you have to keep upping the dose to get the same effects. So I do not see meds as a long term tx for me.

I've heard this is true for some people, but definitely not for all, so be wary of making decisions based on anecdotal evidence. I have been on stimulants for over a year and have not had to increase the dose to get the same effect. In fact, I recently decreased my dose. I don't know if that means my behavioral coping skills are increasing or what, but I am definitely not an example of a person who has needed an ever increasing dose. There are some therapists who work specifically with people with ADHD, sometimes individually and sometimes in group therapy. I think these are really good to explore. When you go for your tests, you could ask the psychologist for the names of such therapists (if your insurance would cover it--I know how it is to be a poor student!)

Good luck. I will be interested to hear what tests you take and if you get the CAARS. I wonder what the personality test would reveal about ADHD?

[skvera]

Is anyone taking Adderall for Adult ADHD? Thank you.

[nellbells]

I've heard this is true for some people, but definitely not for all, so be wary of making decisions based on anecdotal evidence. I have been on stimulants for over a year and have not had to increase the dose to get the same effect. In fact, I recently decreased my dose. I don't know if that means my behavioral coping skills are increasing or what, but I am definitely not an example of a person who has needed an ever increasing dose. There are some therapists who work specifically with people with ADHD, sometimes individually and sometimes in group therapy. I think these are really good to explore. When you go for your tests, you could ask the psychologist for the names of such therapists (if your insurance would cover it--I know how it is to be a poor student!)

Good luck. I will be interested to hear what tests you take and if you get the CAARS. I wonder what the personality test would reveal about ADHD?

That's good to know about the meds. And you're right I do need to be careful about getting my info purely from anecdotes. I'm like a sponge right now soaking up all info I come acrossed concerning ADHD. My testing date can not come soon enough!

The pdoc mentioned that the personality test will be to determine if I have some anxiety issues as well.

Thanks for the advice! I'll keep ya posted.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by nellbells

That's good to know about the meds. And you're right I do need to be careful about getting my info purely from anecdotes. I'm like a sponge right now soaking up all info I come acrossed concerning ADHD. My testing date can not come soon enough!

The pdoc mentioned that the personality test will be to determine if I have some anxiety issues as well.

Thanks for the advice! I'll keep ya posted.

I read this and the before post where you mentioned your T (or is he a Pdoc?) will be doing a personality test. Quite frankly, personality testing is NEVER useful in determing if a person has ADHD and/or other "Axis I" disorders, such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. Personality testing (such as the MMPI-2), are not necessary to determine the presence or absence of ADHD or anxiety disorders.

I do not think that your T (Pdoc?) is being perfectly straight with you, and if he is, than I would question his judgment and motives for such a test. I think what really raises a red flag is that he didn't get to know you well enough to determine in a time and cost effective way if further testing was necessary to ascertain diagnosis/problem areas, or if he could do it without.

Pdoc's are psychiatrists---not therapists like psychologists and master's in social work are. Usually, Pdocs do not have the extensive training in neuropsychological/psychological testing that T's do. Perhaps that is why he thinks it is appropriate.

Honestly, I would recommend that you make an appointment with a psychologist (or other therapist) or a psychiatric advanced nurse practitioner, rather than this Pdoc. Sounds a little fishy to me. Just being frank with you. You can always go to the appointment and then get a second opinion somewhere else, but I'd save my money.

Heck, if your going to see a Pdoc, I'd just go to your universities health/counseling center so that you see one for free or reduced price. Still, I'd recommend someone other than this guy to assess you. Good luck.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by sunrise

I've heard this is true for some people, but definitely not for all, so be wary of making decisions based on anecdotal evidence. I have been on stimulants for over a year and have not had to increase the dose to get the same effect. In fact, I recently decreased my dose. I don't know if that means my behavioral coping skills are increasing or what, but I am definitely not an example of a person who has needed an ever increasing dose. There are some therapists who work specifically with people with ADHD, sometimes individually and sometimes in group therapy. I think these are really good to explore. When you go for your tests, you could ask the psychologist for the names of such therapists (if your insurance would cover it--I know how it is to be a poor student!)

Good luck. I will be interested to hear what tests you take and if you get the CAARS. I wonder what the personality test would reveal about ADHD?

I agree here too---I was on the same dose of Dexedrine XR for two years before I switched to Vyvanse (due to side effects).

Therapy is an excellent idea for anyone new to ADHD treatment. It takes a long time to learn to restructure oneself and learn to effectively cope with and overcome the difficult aspects of having ADHD. Even when on medication, therapy for ADHD is a good idea.

Personality testing for ADHD is a no-go. His Pdoc must want this for a different reason, but even so I don't agree with it at this time. My two cents~

[sunrise]

Truthfully, for myself, I would not agree to personality testing. Do you think there is a problem with your personality? I think Ts can learn a lot from you without having to do tests. To me, too much testing indicates they aren't willing to spend the time to get to know you and talk with you. They almost seem a crutch sometimes, and perhaps indicate to me a lack of faith in their own diagnostic skills.

What your pdoc said about the personality test being for anxiety does not ring true. There are instruments for assessing anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc. My PNP used a number of questions to try to separate out anxiety and depression and ADHD, which are often overlapping. But a personality test is not for telling if a person has anxiety. Like Simcha, I think this sounds fishy. Does the pdoc thing you have a personality problem but is reluctant to be honest with you? I prize honesty so this would not sit well with me. JMO.

[nellbells]

Honestly, I would recommend that you make an appointment with a psychologist (or other therapist) or a psychiatric advanced nurse practitioner, rather than this Pdoc. Sounds a little fishy to me. Just being frank with you. You can always go to the appointment and then get a second opinion somewhere else, but I'd save my money.

Heck, if your going to see a Pdoc, I'd just go to your universities health/counseling center so that you see one for free or reduced price. Still, I'd recommend someone other than this guy to assess you. Good luck.

I'm embarrassed to admit this but I'm not sure if the guy I saw for the intake is a therapist, psychologist or a psychiatrist (and thank you for the clarification on the abbreviations). I'm sure he told me, but I cannot remember. I know he has his PhD and that he has a supervisor. For me him having a supervisor somewhat hurt my confidence in him. Part of the reason I chose to go outside of my university's counseling center (i've gone there on and off for the passed 4 years) is to see someone who has a lot of experience. The Grad students who conduct the therapy sessions, have done everything they can for me. The service was free, and that was nice. My university has a six month long waiting list to get tested for ADHD so I chose to look elsewhere. The guy I found works at a center that was recommended by my university and was covered by my insurance. There are many providers there who specialize in ADHD.

Even though I don't quite feel right about seeing someone who has a supervisor and is making me wait a month, I'm not prepared to go somewhere else just yet. I am 2 weeks away from getting tested. I'm afraid that if I look somewhere else I may have to wait even longer. However I reallize that if I am already lacking faith in him how can I trust the results? I'm conflicted.

You and sunrise bring up good points. Truth is I've been a mess of emotions lately and I don't know if I have the strength to question the person that I am looking to for help. But lets say I did have the strength, would I need to switch to a new center or would it be alright to switch therapists within the same center?

I am not sure what to think about the tests because I am not very familliar with them.

This thread has been very helpful to me, a new PC member. I am going to ask my MD to test me for ADD. I have many ADD symptoms and recently took the on-site test where I scored very high. For years, I have been treated for depression, anxiety and PTSD with little benefit. My thanks to all.

[jusmewho]

I want to know how everyone is doing?
"The List" .... Good Lord..
check... check... check... me toooo.

[M.mayer]

Same boat here. I´m 26 and spent my whole life suffering from what I now know were ADHD Symptons and no one seemed to notice. Actually, teachers, family, friends... They just all assumed I had authority issues, was lazy, uninterested, always daydreaming and obsessive only about things that interested me... A couple of years ago, an emloyer suggested I could have ADD and I started reading about it and was shocked to read that all those things I assumed were personality traits(some I liked and some I hated) were in fact symptons. Still I feared getting an actual diagnosis and being labeled so I postponed doing something about it... Well, not anymore. I just got referred, lets see what happens.

[nellbells]

Today was the big day. I got tested for ADD. I was given the Woodcock Johnson Cognitive Test 3rd Edition along with a bunch of memory recall tasks and the Personality Assessment Inventory by Leslie C. Morey. All of this took 3 hours. When I was done he said he didn't get to everything he wanted and he wanted to setup another time to finish. I declined. I had had enough of his approach to ADD assessment. The experience was impersonal and insulting.

Now, I am looking for another therapist to help me out. I don't know anything about the therapists in my area; none of them have websites where I can find out techniques they use and areas they speciallize in. The secretaries who answer the phones at the various places I call aren't able to help me out either. And then there's my insurance. It switches in January. So the ideal therapist for me would be one covered by both insurance companies, has years of experience in the field of psychology, speciallizes in ADHD and anxiety, and is located in my city.

[robert722]

Originally Posted by nellbells

I just recently began to consider that I have ADD. And by recently I mean since I have joined this sight at the beginning of October. (This was not my reason for joining.. I joined to learn how to better deal with my current diagnosis.) My profile says I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder cuz that's what I've been treated for in the past. I definately have anxiety problems, but I htink there is something else going on. When I first saw a therapist for depression at 17 she mentioned that I should get tested for ADD. I didn't know much about ADD at the time besides the hyperactive kids that had been diagnosed with it in my classes. I'm not hyperactive, but I can not for the life of me concentrate. So needless to say I didn't take her advice and now six years later I wish I had.

I set up my appointment today to get tested for ADD. My question is what can I expect at the intake? What is the testing like? How long does it take, hours, days? I am soo nervous. I'm afraid of the repercussions since I'm kinda already convinced that I have ADD even though I don't have the proper diagnosis. What if i skew the results? What if the doc doesn't agree with me? I'm afraid of how I will handle the news. And the other part of me is just antsy to get this diagnosis and begin treating this problem so I can get some relief. I'm in grad school and I'm terrified that if I don't handle this soon I may fail out. So I want to get this treated ASAP(which I know is unrealistic, treatment takes time; something I don't have a lot of.) This is not helping my anxiety. : (

Okay, this is a lot of questions for one post, but I have another question for those of you who have gone through the process of getting tested. Once you have been given the diagnosis how long did it take until you felt like treatment was taking effect?

. Hi..... I found out at 50 years old that I have ADDHD. I am now 62. the trick is don't label yourself. Go get the test and if you have it check all the different sites that give you help managing it. it's not the end of the world! If you need help contact me. best of luck!!!!