I just got back from my ADD Evaluation. The Dr is a Pediatric Neurologist that also treats adults.

The appointment was quick - maybe 30 minutes. He asked me some questions about school performance. He found out that one of my problems in school was that I had bad attendance and my Mom didn't make me go all the time. He pounced on that and asked if maybe I had a problem with responsibility. I don't think that irresponsible is a term anyone would use to describe me. At least not anyone that knows me. I felt like he was attacking me, to be honest.

He also said that because I was able to complete high school that if I have ADD it is very mild. I don't know if that is necessarily true. I think I compensated a lot and my IQ is pretty high. I didn't say anything about that since it was clear that he would have assumed that if I was smart I could not have ADD.

I mentioned Hyperfocus and he said it was not really part of ADD (excuse me?) Most of what I wanted to say flew out of my head when I walked through the door. And I never got organized enough to make a list of questions.

So anyway he gave me ritalin to see if it will help. I had some other options but Ritalin is the best for me at this time in my life. I'm not sure if he believed that ADD is a possibility for me.

Now I am looking for a Dr that will actually listen to what I say to him.... if there is such a thing. He also recommended Therapy. I agree that it's a good idea but not for the reason he thinks I need it for. Anyone know of a Dr in the NY metro area? I'm not looking forward to this search.

Wow Daisy, sounds like you had a pretty frustrating experience with the doc!

It sure sounds like you need a different doc. Have you looked in the New York Regional section of the ADD Forums lately? There are some new provider listings there.

Sorry that didn't go well! The doc sounds clueless, to tell you the truth. There are many forum members here who have been through high school, college, and grad school .... flunking out is not necessary for an ADD diagnosis! :rolleyes: He was wrong about hyperfocus, too.

The good news is that you have learned enough on your own already to see that the man is full of poop. :p I hope you have better luck with your next doctor!

www.webmd.com, do a search on adult ADD and it will take you to an area where you can find a provider in your area. The problem with this condition is that most doctors just blow it off.

Oh goodness Daisy. That is so frustrating that the Dr. reacted in that way (and one who supposedly specializes in ADD). His response must have really made you feel bad, and the very weird thing is that I could completely see myself in your shoes right there. I had the worst attendance in the world, and my mom totally let me get away with it, because I wouldn't finish my work, etc.
Then what's with the idea of just putting you on meds after he said those things?Ughh. Yeah, you need to see someone else.
I am just now scared to death about Wed. My husband is already not very supportive of this-he still hasn't gotten over his fear of me seeing a "shrink" and being labeled with a "mental illness"(and he's an MD by the way!). He wants me to get better, but i think it is more comfortable for him to think of it as a personality flaw. He did agree to watch the little one while I go to my appt.
Anyway, I digress. I hope you find someone who will listen to your concerns and care and know enough to delve a little further. Do you think psychologists are more sensitive to these things? Are you planning to look for another neurologist, or search in another field?
Good luck.

sorry about your appointment, daisy. Definitely sounds like you need a different doctor. But try not to worry too much about this doc not working out--even if you see a doctor referred by a fellow ADDer (hey, you're official now! :D), they may not be a good fit.

One step down: you have a name for your condition. Just a few thousand more steps to go :)

Good idea find other doctor. My primary doctor who has known me for over 15 years was very supportive. I went to her the first time I discovered I should get tested. She's a true believer in ADD. The man I see for my ADD meds. he great and is also a true believer in ADD.

So there out there ! Sorry you didn't find one your first time out.

Don't give up!

Dsherman, I couldn't find a provider search on that www.webmd.com site??

A psychologist can be good for a diagnosis but it has to be an adult add specialist. Then the psychiatrist can legitimately give you only a 30 min. session as most would seem to prefer.

I found a good provider search at http://www.psychologytoday.com I chose ADHD from the recently diagnosed area of the search form and it gave me info on those that claim to know what they are talking about in that area LOL

I'm going to see how this med trial goes before I worry too much about looking for a new Dr