[imapatient]

What was your diagnosis process like? I seem to fit most symptoms--many are absolute dead-on. I was given a computer=-based test a year ago, was told by the t that I scored "positive" but he wrote "maybe" in his report and recommended to my Pdoc not putting me on meds.

[sunrise]

My therapist referred me to a PNP for expert evaluation after he noted that I had some ADHD-like symptoms. The PNP had a lot of experience with ADHD and gave me an extensive interview and a couple of ADHD instruments (one was the CAARS). Then I started on Wellbutrin. Later we added Vyvanse. I am doing great on that combination. They have really helped with my symptoms.

imapatient, did you ask your T why he told the pdoc not to put you on meds? My ADHD-like symptoms are not as severe as some people's and consequently, I take lower doses of meds. But they still help me even though I'm not an extreme case. Do you think your T didn't think your symptoms were strong enough to warrant medication? Could it be he thought that you were coping quite well without meds? What do you think?

[katheryn]

process here in the uk is most probaly a lot diferant than there, daughter was refered to a dr (pdoc) bk around the age of 4, she was seen for a long time by this doc who eventually agreed to put her on meds there was no test, as adhd/add was quite new here in the uk, when son was born didnt notice anything he went to a playschool no problems but at the age of three he was accepted into the nursery section of the infants school, these are the same teachers that had allready seen both of the older girls go through, they contacted me and told me son was experincing dificulties and thought he might be adhd , there were no problems in playgroup but that was a smaller group

instead of going to local gp i went to daughters pdoc she did test on paper which i filled out questions and answers on a scale he scored high, he was medicated on a low dose of ritilin and it helped a lot at school he is now 17 and is on concerta

[chaotic13]

I basically dx'ed myself. Spoke with my T about it, my symptoms seemed consistent with ADHD, then took my self assessment and some research literature to my GP. He wasn't interested in treating me for this condition, so I found a new GP. He ultimately referred me to neurologist who was willing to give me an Rx.

[imapatient]

I was referred to a T by my Pdoc to be tested--a computer test. The T told me I tested as as having it, but in his report he recommended that I not be put on meds due to bi-polar in several in my extended family (not me though I have hypomania sometimes) and he thought the risk of me developing mania from the meds was too high.

Just a one-shot session with him. I haven't had T since 2004.

My Pdoc basically has ignored my comments about my behavior that suggest ADD. When I read the symptoms, I felt like I had read my life story--a lot of dysfunctional things in my life were explained. Plan on seeking a new Pdoc and a T, and I'm curious about what to look for in terms of testing and diagnosis to help me present my issues and where to seek help about it in particular. I don’t put much faith in someone who’s met me once.

p.s. In learning about ADD, it seemed to better expalin things about myself than does bi-polar II, which various T's have thought I have. Incl. the T I met once. Not that they're mutually exclusive.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by imapatient

I was referred to a T by my Pdoc to be tested--a computer test. The T told me I tested as as having it, but in his report he recommended that I not be put on meds due to bi-polar in several in my extended family (not me though I have hypomania sometimes) and he thought the risk of me developing mania from the meds was too high.

Just a one-shot session with him. I haven't had T since 2004.

My Pdoc basically has ignored my comments about my behavior that suggest ADD. When I read the symptoms, I felt like I had read my life story--a lot of dysfunctional things in my life were explained. Plan on seeking a new Pdoc and a T, and I'm curious about what to look for in terms of testing and diagnosis to help me present my issues and where to seek help about it in particular. I don’t put much faith in someone who’s met me once.

p.s. In learning about ADD, it seemed to better expalin things about myself than does bi-polar II, which various T's have thought I have. Incl. the T I met once. Not that they're mutually exclusive.

Hi imapatient.

Welcome to the world of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. It's not that bad over here most of the time. Other days, it can be like hell on earth. ADHD is not CURABLE, but it is very treatable. We just learn to live with our bad symptoms when they get out of control. Sometimes, ADHD is a lot of fun.

I'm really happy for you that you took the step to ditch the Pdoc that disregarded your report of symptoms. It's NEVER prudent to deny a patient treatment for something they are diagnosed with, simply because family members of the patient allegedly have XYZ disorders diagnosed.
If we treated all health problems that way, then we would have some REAL problems. ADHD is very treatable (so is Bipolar disorders FYI). My confusion only lies in that you indicated you had hypomania as a standalone--since I know that hypomania is only a symptom of Bipolar, it's not indicative of Bipolar in itself, and my guess is that the "hypomania" you might have was labeled incorrectly and is really ADHD symptamology.

There is no single "TEST" for ADHD. In fact, the tests in question are usually a combination of neuropsychological tests and intelligence tests (like the Weschler III for Adults). Computerized tests of vigilence and impulsivity are common assessment tools that help the psychologist in conjunction with overall psychological diagnostic assessments, to determine if your symptoms are due to ADHD, or a learning disorder, or cognitive deficits, or brain damage (lol ADHD used to be called "minimal brain dysfunction" in earlier years-real flattering!), or whatever. The tests just find the areas of the brain that have issues. Certain areas of the brain are more affected by ADHD--and they also do an overall assessment for any other mental disorders present. Comprehensive!

I ALWAYS recommend a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD in ADULTS, hopefully with some neuropsychological training. I NEVER recommend a psychiatrist (Pdoc) for ADHD assessment (or any other MD for that matter). They simply aren't trained enough. I think it was Sunrise (or was it Chaotic??--sorry 1am memory) who got lucky with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, but those are rare. A psychologist T can assess you, and if he thinks a medication trial is warranted they can refer you to a Pdoc they know who will work with the T for a medication trial.
YAY--kill two birds with one stone.

I went back several times over several days with my T when I was assessed for ADHD (and retested after medication as well). I still see the same T and the same GP (who has a consent to release signed with my T). I talk about ADHD issues, and also the anxiety issues I deal with. I wanted to list all of the neuropsychological tests that I took here, but I can't seem to find my doctors paperwork at the moment. It's actually close to 2am... but for the interest of the group I'd like to share my assessment tommorrow after I find his paperwork--it's fascinating in it's own right, and I really enjoyed finding out what my problem areas were. I think you'll find it helpful too, so stick it out until you find a good psychologist.

In the meantime, here are two really helpful links in understanding ADHD in adults, and the diagnostic process:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/treatment/guides/WWK9S

3rd Link:
Howie Mandel: ADHD in ADULTS is REAL

[chaotic13]

I think what Simcha posted is good. I just want to add that you are in control of your treatment. My first GP was my physician for many years, but his response to me regarding ADHD was unacceptable. I need to know that my doctor will listen to me and my concerns. I found a new GP physician who listen to my concerns, took them seriously, and although he was unwilling to Rx medication, he did make arrangements to connect me with another MD. Although the neurologist is treating me for ADHD, my GP is very interested and is keeping close tabs on my overall health.

Your treatment options should no be limited by what other family members have,IMO. One assessment done by a T who saw you once and just gave you a computer-based test, provides just one piece to a very complex puzzle. If you really think you may have ADHD, and want to see if medication will help...be persistent. I would recommend finding another health care professional who has experience dx and treating ADHD. I would not lie but I would have this person assess you without disclosing a lot of the family baggage.

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by imapatient

I was referred to a T by my Pdoc to be tested--a computer test. The T told me I tested as as having it, but in his report he recommended that I not be put on meds due to bi-polar in several in my extended family (not me though I have hypomania sometimes) and he thought the risk of me developing mania from the meds was too high

I think that's a lame excuse. If you have ADHD and want to try meds, then the prescribing doctor can monitor you closely to see if you develop mania and adjust the prescription and dose accordingly. My PNP (yes, Simcha, it was me who visits a PNP, but she was recommended by my ADHD T, who knows that she is well-versed in this disorder) saw me weekly or every other week as we were getting the meds started. She always asked me about side effects and gave me Likert scale questions on ADHD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, etc., so at every session she could see how I was progressing. Your report of this pdoc makes me think he is scared of talking to you or something. If he puts you on a med and it makes you manic, he has only to ask you, "how are you doing? and then you would tell him and he would adjust the meds. Sheeeeeesh! I am glad you are getting someone new.

I would recommend seeing a therapist/psychologist who specializes in ADHD. My T recommended someone like that to me if I wanted to work on behavioral modifications, support groups, etc., but also this guy was an expert in diagnosis. Since I didn't want all that, I just decided to go with the PNP, who had the diagnosis skill but was broader based (she sees patients for all range of mental disorders).

As far as the mania goes, I must admit I am just emerging from a rather manic phase of several weeks. It occurred to me at one point that it might be my meds, even though they had not affected me that way previousl. So I stopped taking them for a few days but I still felt that way. So I started them again because they do help with the ADHD-like symptoms. A few days ago I came back "down" and didn't dip too low and am now feeling right in the middle again. I must admit I didn't really mind the "up" phase, but I do think my therapist must have been wondering, "WTF--do I know this woman?" It's almost embarrassing to have to go back to him now and be "normal." And in the middle of this, I did see my PNP before I knew what was happening, and I scored off the chart on all those Likerts dealing with depression (in the not depressed direction). She was saying wow, that's great. Really?

Imapatient, you are taking steps to help your health. Good for you and Good luck!

[imapatient]

[quote=Simcha;874689]

I'm being treated for depression and have a DX for bi-polar II. The difference with bi-polar is that II's get hypomanic but not manic. I've never had a manic episode (or diagnosed as such; I don't believe I have having witnessed family memebrs who have).

Sunrise, the lameness is double: The T that I saw once recommends against meds--with minimal knowledge about my med history--and the Pdoc accepts it at face value. I'm unhappy about the situation in multiple ways.

[chaotic13]

[quote=imapatient;875458]

Originally Posted by Simcha

The T that I saw once recommends against meds--with minimal knowledge about my med history--and the Pdoc accepts it at face value. I'm unhappy about the situation in multiple ways.

This is a good reason to seek a second opinion. A lot of health care professionals are against medication for different reasons. However YOU are in charge. If you keep an open mind, listen to there advice, weigh it against what you have found on you own, you symptoms and situation, then decide if you want to pursue a different treatment approach. If you do, then seek an independent second opinion. IMO I think too many times patients just assume the health care professional has some magical talent for knowing exactly what to do to treat every patient. I'm in an area of health care, once you see what goes on behind the scenes and see the "evidence" they tend to use in treating people... you realize they are not all knowing. Good health care is a collaborative process, both the patient and the HC provider need to listen and respect each other. If you don't feel like you concerns are being heard...find new people to treat you.

Just to be clear, when I changed GP's, my new GP did not treat my ADHD, exactly the way I THOUGHT I should be treated...But he LISTEN to my concerns and tried to address them. You posts seem to indicate you feel they are not listening to you. This is not good IMO

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by chaotic13

I just want to add that you are in control of your treatment. My first GP was my physician for many years, but his response to me regarding ADHD was unacceptable. I need to know that my doctor will listen to me and my concerns. I found a new GP physician who listen to my concerns, took them seriously,

Your treatment options should no be limited by what other family members have,IMO. One assessment done by a T who saw you once and just gave you a computer-based test, provides just one piece to a very complex puzzle.

be persistent.

I would recommend finding another health care professional who has experience dx and treating ADHD. I would not lie but I would have this person assess you without disclosing a lot of the family baggage.

AGREED!
Taking control of your health in an assertive, persistent manner is the only way to do business.

[Tumnus]

Originally Posted by Simcha

AGREED!
Taking control of your health in an assertive, persistent manner is the only way to do business.

I'm new to this forum but have been very intrigued by this thread. I was referred to a psychologist by my psychiatrist today to get evaluated for ADHD (among other things). From what I'm reading, it seems that's the way to go, which is reassuring. I'm a bit scared to open myself up to yet another professional, though.

It's nice to see folks standing up for their diagnosis and care. I've been fighting an increase in meds until I'm sure I can handle an increase in side effects should they come and my doc is tolerant enough to smile at me when I know she disagrees with my decision (as an aside, I'm seeing a psychologist who is far more helpful than my meds, so I'm not playing haphazardly with my health).

I was going to someone else for therapy last year and mentioned the possibility of ADHD and he didn't take me very seriously. Was almost eager to prove me wrong even though it's not a strong area for him at all. I never said anything to my psychiatrist about ADHD but I described how I am at work and she wanted me medicated, then tested. I appreciated that she wanted me tested but told her I didn't want meds without a diagnosis. She agreed that that way is ideal...if disorganization isn't about to cost a person their job. I'm not there yet.

Anyway, I'm kind of rambling in my attempts to show how much I appreciate this discussion. I even feel a bit more normal now, which doesn't happen very often.

[chaotic13]

Originally Posted by Tumnus

I was going to someone else for therapy last year and mentioned the possibility of ADHD and he didn't take me very seriously.

I never said anything to my psychiatrist about ADHD but I described how I am at work and she wanted me medicated, then tested.

It appears that this type of mixed response is fairly common. Both my general medical practitioners were very skeptical and assumed an anti-medication (anti-stimulant) position, where Pdoc has no problem being the candyman. I think if I went to my next appointment and wanted to try some totally different medications...I confident I could convince him to write me a trial Rx.

Sometimes I really wish I had a pdoc that would spend some quality time really critically thinking about what the best treatment option is for me. But....its the real world, they have 2 patients scheduled for every 15 minutes, quality treatment plans are left up to the patient to discover.