[rhonda14716]

So other than being tested by a doctor, how do you know if you are adult ADD, or adult bi-polar?

I took the tests online and these were my results:

Quiz Score
Adult ADD Screen 80

Mania Quiz 53

So what would you do?

Rhonda

WAHM to Katrina, Nicole, Emmalee, and Rafael.

[FearsomeAnna]

I highly discourage you from not seeing a doctor. Mental illness diagnoses are best left in the hands of competant, caring professionals that specialize in mental health issues. Trust me - I'm bipolar and at my worst when I finally began to think I may have had the disease, there is no way on God's green earth that I would have trusted my best judgement - the judgement that inspired me to blow $3,000 in a week. When it was all I had. And when I was laid off.

That said, if you suspect that you may have either of these, I would definitely suggest that you call your doctor and make an appointment to discuss these concerns. Bring these quiz results with you. That way you can get referred to someone that can help you based on the results of your discussion.

It's interesting that you mention those two disorders together - adult ADD and bi-polar disorder have a significantly higher degree of co-morbidity (occurence at the same time) than with the rest of the popularion - this is to say that if you find someone who has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder then there's a pretty decent chance that the same person will also have true adult ADD. (By this I don't mean any of the crap they've come up with that they've grandfathered in under the "ADD" diagnosis - some people really are just unmotivated, lazy undisciplined jerks, a condition that no amount of medication in the world will help....ok, rant over! sorry! )

some of it's magic
some of it's tragic
but i had a good life all the way......
~jimmy buffett
<div class="foot">(Edited by FearsomeAnna on 07/28/04 01:34 PM.)</div>
<div class="foot">(Edited by FearsomeAnna on 07/28/04 01:34 PM.)</div>

[krzyk101]

Hi, Rhonda

Welcome, I agree with FAnna on the fact of not being able to know on your own, only a professional can diagnose either of these disorders.

Myself am being treated for Bipolar type 1 as my primary along with Adult ADD as well. As far as the difference, There is no way around seeing a Doctor or Psychiatrist to determine that, and if you are having one or both, then you require treatment for these, which includes having to see a Physician.

I would suggest if in doubt and the quiz results (which are not diagnostic results) then it is in your best interests to see a physcian, please let us know how you are doing. The longer that you put off treatment in my experience, the longer it takes to identify and treat the disorder. Best of luck to you -

______________
~KRIS~

If you think you have totally gave up, you haven't, because you are here!

[gloria]

A quiz is an eye opener but not a true diagnostic. See a Dr. What those results are telling you is that it makes sence to get professional help, and not that you are ADD or Manic.
The quiz indicates that is highly possible you have issues worth looking into, so do it.

gab

[darkeyes]

Kind of on the run, but quickly I will tell you the tests on the internet and in self help books are not the proper way to DX oneself, a person should be evaluated by a pdoc or psyc.
Take care

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON