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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mist on May 30, 2002, at 0:13:00
I've recently realized that it's very likely that I have ADD, predominantly the Limbic subtype, which appears similar to depression. I have the symptoms, have had them since childhood, and took an online test for it. The results said "highly probable."
I want to be professionally evaluated. I'm wondering what's involved in an ADD evaluation and how many sessions are required? Is there an extra charge for testing? Is it important to have someone who specializes in ADD do the evaluation?
Can a psychologist diagnose ADD or does it have to be an MD? I would want to try medication if I do have ADD, so I would have to go to a psychiatrist anyway at some point. But since they're so expensive, and I have no health insurance and not much of an income currently, I'd rather pay a lower psychologist's fee for the evaluation if they're able to do it.
Posted by homewood on May 30, 2002, at 6:29:58
In reply to Getting evaluated for ADD, posted by mist on May 30, 2002, at 0:13:00
I'm in a similar state right now and would be curious to find out as well.
Posted by XaosSurfer on May 30, 2002, at 10:48:34
In reply to Getting evaluated for ADD, posted by mist on May 30, 2002, at 0:13:00
Good question. I am in Canada so I am not sure how things work where you are.
I would not trust a GP to diagnose ADD. There is still too much 'adult ADD is a myth' in the GP world. I have been diagnosed twice by two different psychiatrists. The first did his evalution based on my history (had to find me grade school report cards). The second did a detailed history and did some attentional testing. Then he diagnosed my severe depression and would not treat the ADD until the depression lifted as the two issues overlap in many symptoms.
From my experience, I recommend a pschiatrist who has some specialized knowledge in ADD.
Paul
Posted by Hattree on May 30, 2002, at 11:28:54
In reply to Re: Getting evaluated for ADD, posted by XaosSurfer on May 30, 2002, at 10:48:34
A psychologist who specializes in ADD might be worth a try.
Posted by Katalina on May 30, 2002, at 12:24:03
In reply to Getting evaluated for ADD, posted by mist on May 30, 2002, at 0:13:00
I saw my GP and mentioned that I thought I had ADD. Of course no GP is going to mess around with stimulant meds, so I was referred to a neurologist. I had an appt. within a month and brought in tests I had taken off the web and just had a matter of fact conversation about my life and that I was sure I had ADD. I pretty much diagnosed myself. He was very easy going about it, and I walked out with a scrip for Ritalin and at my next appt. asked to try Adderall instead.
I think if you go in and are informed and educated and promote your cause without looking like a drug seeker you should be able to score a scrip for a stimulant. I happened to get extremely lucky with the doc I was referred to and he pretty much lets me treat myself. Good or bad, I'm not sure, but it's definitely nice to have access to the drugs I want to try without him trying to play God. At my last appt. I mentioned a little anxiety and asked for something. He suggested Buspar, I said I was thinking more about klonopin and he said o.k., and gave me a 3 month scrip!
Taking Adderall has changed my life in every possible positive way. I, too have what I think is limbic ADD, disguised as depression for many years. Taking SSRI's only made me less motivated and more apathetic. I still take an SSRI with the Adderall or else I'm too stressed out. But in the big picture, dopamine is where my problems are.
Best of luck in finding an accommodating doc!
Katalina
Posted by homewood on May 30, 2002, at 12:31:10
In reply to How I got evaluated for ADD, posted by Katalina on May 30, 2002, at 12:24:03
Thanks for the advice K....sounds like the way to go
Posted by mist on May 31, 2002, at 10:30:53
In reply to Getting evaluated for ADD, posted by mist on May 30, 2002, at 0:13:00
I think I will try to find a professional who specializes in ADD or at least has a lot of experience with it and diagnoses or treats ADD patients. Ideally a psychiatrist or neurologist but will talk to some psychologists to see what they can do.
This is the end of the thread.
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