My older brother by two years (32), was diagnosed with ADD as a child but didn't take well to rittalin. He definately has ADD but he hasn't undergone any treatment since shortly after he was diagnosed.

While he was always known as hyper, dyslexic, pestering, and "slow" in school, I was always considered the "Smart Lazy" one. I always made A's and B's while barely cracking a book while he agonized over his homework. He really tried hard to get good grades in school while I never worried about it.

My sailing through school was never really a problem until, in the 7th grade, my mother got invited to a parent teacher conference. She was surprised and not very happy that I had not turned in 36 homework assignments in one semester (Pre-algebra). I ended up getting a D in that class and it was the last D I got in high school. She and an apple tree made sure that my homework was done as assigned, for a couple of years anyways.

In school, I got along with most everyone, but I was always unprepared. I was always borrowing pencils, pens, paper, and homework asignments. I was constantly late and consistantly without an excuse. I never learned the things most people know as a matter of course: Things such as, how many days are in a given month (I still don't know), and what days holidays fall on (most of these I know now). I never intentionally decided not to do my homework, time was my enemy. There was always plenty, until there wasn't enough. It was (and still is) like it wasn't real if it wasn't happening right then. I'll worry about it later right? I'd always make a mental note... and then forget where I put it:p.

I never thought there was a problem... Until I joined the Army. I made it through basic training and electronics school ok, but I struggled as hard as my brother did in highschool. It's one thing to get diciplined by your mother but a drill seargent has a way of making it more memorable. This is where I learned to cope with my "mental handicap". And at this time I had no idea there was even anything wrong with me. I just kept smacking myself in the forehead and asking "why can't I remember". I was always the person that had no idea what was going on. It was like my "email" was broke and I "never got the memo" constantly.

After the Army (yes I made it through my enlistment), I got a job at a warehouse and made my first attempt at college. It didn't go well. I made plans to study, I bought an "assignment notebook", I went to class. My grades were good, but I still couldn't keep up with what was going on. I had no concept of time management. I was working nites at the warehouse 40hrs per week and taking a 12hr load. If college were tests, I'd have a Phd. The schoolwork wasn't too much, even with work, but I just couldn't make myself do or prepare for assignments.

When I was studying, it was always like I was having an out of body experience. My body was in front of the book but it was like my mind was always trying to tug my attention elsewhere. If you look at the tip of a pencil and try to concentrate just on the tip, everything in the periphery intrudes. Now... Give me something I'm interested in and the Big Bang couldn't pull me away... no, that's a bad analogy, the Big Bang is very interesting to me.

At work I have two modes... Slow and Go... and if i'm in Go... Stay out of my way. If you talk to me while I'm in go, be prepared to be rebuffed. I won't be thinking about what you are talking to me about... but how much time you're taking out of my production. If I'm in slow, then I didn't want to go to sleep when I got home from work last nite and I hit stumbleupon too many times and couldn't make myself go to bed. When I got into bed, I couldn't quit thinking about that new gizmo or technology I just read about and how it could revolutionize the world as we know it.

Anyways: the other day I was sitting in front of my computer and wondering what was wrong with me, and I search the web for foggy brain and got a hit about bpd. So I searched for bpd, and after reading for about 30 minutes I decide that bpd isn't me because I'm never depressed. So I check out hypomania... and for about an hour I thought that was me... till I decide that while a lot of the symptoms fit, hypomania is not a lifetime "illness". But hypomania intriged me so I kept reading about it until I came across a page about hypomania and ADD. When I saw the page about ADD it clicked that I might have a milder version of what my brother has. So I started reading about ADD.:eek:

I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that there is a name for what I (think) I have. While I have not been diagnosed by a doctor, I have been searching the web every free second I've had since the "epiphany" and I am making an appointment today. After reading about all the other things that can cause ADD like symptoms, I'm going to have my doctor to test for anything that he can think of before he puts me on meds.

This is who I am.

-I'm intelligent.
-I'm forgetful.
-I know a little about almost everything. (just enough to be dangerous)
-I learn very quickly things I'm interested in.
-I read very fast but retain little. (if I'm interested enough I remember everything but the statistics)
-When I look at something, I always wonder why it was designed the way it was and improve it in my mind.
-I've always wanted to be a writer and I make up stories in my head all the time but am daunted by an empty page.
-I have drawings of several inventions on paper but I have never and probably will never do anything with them.
-I'm not hyper.
-I'm never depressed, but I cry easily. (The national anthem, sacrifice, seeing a grown man cry, Taps, or lost internet connectivity)
-My favorite saying is "I'm sorry, what were you saying before I cut you off?"
-My second favorite saying is (after expounding on a newfound interest) "you have no idea what I'm talking about do you?" (I sometimes think I give other people ADD)
-Caffine makes me feel somewhat normal in high doses(a ten cup pot)... but I can't drink it after 1am (night shifter), or very often or it doesn't work at all.
-my credit cards are all but maxxed out to the tune of $1/4 of what my house is worth, or half of what I make a year.
-my back yard hasn't been mowed in a over a year.
-my front yard needs mowing now.
-my trash is full.
-I have piles of mail all over my house. (some dating to 2002)
-I expected to be a millionaire by now.
-I expect to be a millionaire 5 years from now.
-I can, with extreme difficulty, speak in front of a crowd
-The last time I spoke in front of a crowd, my resting heart rate was 60bpm, my speaking heart rate was 140bpm.

I know not all of these things are symptoms of ADD but I'm hoping someone here can give me insight in what to ask or tell my doctor when I go. I've read some of the stickies and, as my doctor is getting on in age, he might not be up to date on ADD. I don't particularly wish to change doctors after almost 8 years, but I'll do what I feel right in the end. If he can't fix me... then I have to have hope that there is a doctor out there that can.

Ok... thanks for reading this extremely long post and I do apollogize for the length. I sincerely hope that I do have ADD or something that at least makes sense. I'm coping with life now but I just feel it's somehow supposed to be easier.

I am new to this add diagnosos thing and I can assure you that if something doesn't feel right , then it most likely isn't. IMOA ti certainly doesn't hurt to try different things and really thats the only way we can really know whats right for us. if you try a new medicstion and does not work and really only you know that, then research and find another one. honesty is the only way to enlightenment and the first step is to be honest woth yourslef( not that I am saying your not) Theres one thing I can say with confidence is that I have tried a hell of a lot of different things and learnt a hell of a lot of stuff along the way. In the end believe there is a solution and never ever settle for second best.:)

Your user name gives new meaning to Foghat such as in the rock band (okay so I am showing my age few are old enough to remember who they are) :(

Did I just read a thread of your called ADD forum ideas. . . . .think so. Gave you my impression of possibilities that are for entertainment purposes only and in no way resemble medical advice (in case I forgot to include the disclaimer in my post in that thread- I posted BM- not stool = before meds)

Any way scanned through some sites that I thought may be helpful. Screened out the ones selling books or BS. . . .added these to my favorites so the next time some one needs the information I do not have to go through the screening process all over again. I avoid sites written by medications bashers and people who’s primary purpose seems to be selling useless crap.
(my meds are just now beginning to work- apologies for the bluntness)


Mental Health .net (http://mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=974&cn=3)


This one is Dr. Hallowells one I think ?? name (http://www3.sympatico.ca/frankk/add_quiz1.html)


Dr. Amens site he breaks it down differently but he isn't a med basher (http://www.oneaddplace.com/addcheck.htm)


These on-line questionnaire many people find useful in helping them determine weather or not they need to seek a diagnosis. Some have taken the results with them to their doctors visit to given them a starting point in bring up the ADD question.. . . .. .one or two even have recommendations to help you through your first visit.

Hope these help! Keep us posted on your progess. :)

btw- Welcome to the forums!

I just found this site and read your story. You sound like me. Your brother sounds like my younger sister. I was just diagnosed with AD/HD 2 days ago. I am almost 34. I just watched a video done by Dr Amen, mentioned in a previous post, and he really enlightened me on this disorder. There are many variables and types. I would recommend you get tested by your doctor and they should be able to help you. I have not started any medicine yet but will be soon. Anyway good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Michael

Jasper/Goldberg Adult ADD Questionnaire

Larry Jasper & Ivan Goldberg

<table class="sidebar"><tbody><tr><td class="sidebar" colspan="2">Score Interpretation</td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar">70 and up</td><td class="sidebar">Adult ADD/ADHD</td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar">50 - 69</td><td class="sidebar">Moderate ADD</td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar">35 - 49</td><td class="sidebar">Mild ADD</td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar">25 - 34</td><td class="sidebar">Borderline ADD</td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar"> 0 - 24</td><td class="sidebar">No ADD/ADHD Likely</td></tr></tbody></table>

You scored a total of 88.


I took both of the other tests as well but I forgot my exact scores... both of the other tests indicated that I might have ADD as well.


Thanks for the links:)

I just found this site and read your story. You sound like me. Your brother sounds like my younger sister. I was just diagnosed with AD/HD 2 days ago. I am almost 34. I just watched a video done by Dr Amen, mentioned in a previous post, and he really enlightened me on this disorder. There are many variables and types. I would recommend you get tested by your doctor and they should be able to help you. I have not started any medicine yet but will be soon. Anyway good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

MichaelThanks for the response and offer for help. I decided to talk to my doctor 4 days ago but I keep putting off making the appointment. I was going to do it this morning and I forgot. I was actually posting in the forums when I decided to make the appointment this morning, but I got side tracked and just went to bed. (I work nites) Bahh... I will do it tomorrow, as I think diagnosis and treatment may just change my entire future.

Well... I took the first step in getting diagnosed (the first being a recognition of the symptoms) by making an appointment to see my doctor. When they asked me for the reason, I said that I want a thyroid test. I figure this is a good way to broach the subject of ADD and I'm sure that a thyroid test would be done anyways.

I can't tell you how excited I am to actually be doing something about this. I'm sure many of you know... but I'm ecstatic! I just want to thank all of the members of this forum for sharing their diagnosis stories and what they are going through. It has completely changed how I feel about myself and I now notice how often I have been getting symptoms. Anyways... Thanks everyone and keep up the great work!:D

I went to my doctor yesterday and told him I think I have ADD. He said that he doesn't test for ADD but he would refer me to someone that did. Long story short, I've got an appointment to check my thyroid and my blood sugar next week and an appointment with a neuropsycologist in a couple of weeks.

I do have some questions about the testing. When I called to make the appointment they said the test would take about 4 hours. That's a lot longer than I thought it would take to test for ADD. The hospital where I'm supposed to go to get tested is a research hospital with a very good reputation, but they said the testing was a part of some kind of new program. I guess what I'm wanting to know is, did anyone elses ADD test take 4 hours?

Not sure about that. I just went to my first appt. yesterday. We talked for about 30 mins., she gave me several redundant questionnaires I need to fill out, one of which I need to quiz my parents on. Once I bring those back she thought we could be finished after the next appt.

So, two 30 min. sessions with some screening questionnaires ought to do it for me. I think it probably also depends on how strong your symptoms are. I think after talking with me the therapist could see it was pretty obvious, but others that might have less pronounced symptoms may require a more intensive survey to make sure it isn't something else.

I
I do have some questions about the testing. When I called to make the appointment they said the test would take about 4 hours. That's a lot longer than I thought it would take to test for ADD. The hospital where I'm supposed to go to get tested is a research hospital with a very good reputation, but they said the testing was a part of some kind of new program. I guess what I'm wanting to know is, did anyone elses ADD test take 4 hours?
My DD's testing was slated to take that amount of time. She was exposed to a battery of tests. In another post by me you will find a breakdown of the tests she took. As a child (10yo) the tests will be somewhat different but similar I assume.

Assuming this is the type of testing you will be getting.

I'm very curious, please keep us posted and let us know what kind of testing they evaluate you with!

Reading your initial posting, so much of you sounds very familiar! I had to smile quite a few times while reading your posting.

Good luck! :)

Laura

Long story short, I've got an appointment to check my thyroid and my blood sugar next week and an appointment with a neuropsycologist in a couple of weeks.


Sounds like a plan.




The hospital where I'm supposed to go to get tested is a research hospital with a very good reputation, but they said the testing was a part of some kind of new program. I guess what I'm wanting to know is, did anyone elses ADD test take 4 hours?


I didn't but I was diagnosis some 13 years ago. The medical profession is looking for ways to make the diagnosing ADD more accurate. Because ADD symptoms not only mimic other disorders ADD can be accompanied by other disorders making sorting and separating even by an experience health care professional challenging.

All the testing is more than likely in the interest of obtaining the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Still waiting on confirmation by the hospital on whether my insurance is going to pay for the testing. I called my insurance company and was referred to a website that listed health care providers that were in my network... but I don't know who I'm going to be seeing at the hospital... so I'm kind of in a pickle.

When I set up the appointment, I asked them to call me as soon as they found out what the insurance covered... and now, days later I still haven't received a call. I called them back yesterday about it and they said they would try to have someone call me back that day. So... I called today and they once again said that they would have someone call me back... but this time they said it would be next week.:mad::faint:!!!

The reason this bothers me so much is that I am so anxious to get started on my "New Life" that I'm afraid that they are going to tell me that my insurance won't cover their tests. I feel like time is wasting when my insurance company DID say that I could schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or psycologist (in my network, which looks to be pretty extensive) for a copay of 35 $ and for any reason.

I'm just wondering if it would have made more sense to go straight to a psychiatrist, instead of making an appointment at a hospital to do the testing?

Also... If I did just schedule an appointment with a shrink, what should I tell them. Heh... I hate to walk in and say "I think I have innatentive ADD with a slight Social anxiety Disorder... and I'd like to start on Riddalin XR 5mg and Paxil Cr.... and we can go from there... Oh, btw... nice to meet you.":D

Any thoughts?

Also... If I did just schedule an appointment with a shrink, what should I tell them. Heh... I hate to walk in and say "I think I have innatentive ADD with a slight Social anxiety Disorder... and I'd like to start on Riddalin XR 5mg and Paxil Cr.... and we can go from there... Oh, btw... nice to meet you.":D
SSRIs like paxil and stimulants dont work so well together. I know some people do it but your brain is going to end up making the choice between serotonin or dopamine. When the serotonin levels go up the dopamine levels go down and vice versa, its how our brains try to balance neurotransmitters. This will end up making one of the meds seem weak.

Dont ask for any stimulant drug by name that freaks them out big time. Keep in mind these meds are in the same category as morphine and cocaine (Schedule II).

Thanks DB... I wouldn't mention a drug by name... I was just making light of a little aprehension I am feeling about my diagnosis, which is compounded by the fact that I may just be wasting my time right now, by waiting on testing that my insurance company won't pay for. I'm affraid that I'm going about it backwards, even if my doctor did give me the number... I'm not sure he made an actual refferal. If this is the case then I'd have to see a shrink first, which in turn cause me to have to make another appointment... pushing my diagnosis back for a couple of more weeks. SIGH:confused:

That's interesting...since I personally take an SSNRI with my Concerta and it would appear that it would give me no ill-effects were I not also Bipolar.

Get HF or Hyperion in here, they know TONS more about brain chemistry than I do.

5HT receptors have long been known to effect the amount of dopamine in the frontal cortex. Theres an entire class of antipsychotics based on tweaking certain 5HT receptors to decrease dopamine.

The aim of ADHD stimulants is to promote dopamine action in the frontal cortex.

The first and biggest step is knowing that you have it. I'm in a holding pattern like you.

Ok... Todays the day I get "tested"!!:D



I found out the other day that the appointment I made at the hospital was going to cost me 700$ for a diagnosis. So I canceled the appointment... and searched my insurances website. I found a psychologist that specializes in ADD so I made an appointment... FOR TODAY!:) (this was supposed to be the day I was scheduled for an appointment at the hospital)

I got the results back for my thyroid and blood sugar... and both were normal.

Well... I didn't sleep well last nite so I'm kind of nervous that I won't remember what to say to the doc.. so I'm printing out a few of my posts along with a description by mother on how I was as a child. (Read... disapointment) I tried to get her to dig up some of my report cards or recall some of the parent teacher conferences she had... but but I think she's ADHD and probably a little selfish, so I'll take what I can get and hope it's enough. I'm sure psychologists will take into account poor memory and such... but I'm not taking any chances. I'm nervous, excited, scared, and hopeful right now, but I'm pretty sure the diagnosis is spot on.

Anywhoo... I'll post back this evening.

Went to the psychologist today... I took with me a print out of my first post. When he asked me why I thought I had ADHD... I just handed it to him and said that it would be much easier if he just read it.

While reading it he made a lot of scribbles in a notebook and asked me to go into further detail about some things and asked some unrelated questions as well. He then had me fill out the 1-5 "to what degree" questionaire.

All in all the diagnosis took about 30 minutes... (ADHD combined type) and then I had about 30 minutes left to ask about medications. I was kind of disapointed with his knowledge of medications... he only mentioned rittalin/concerta, adderal, and strattera. I know that he's a psychologist and that he can't prescribe... but to specialize in ADHD... I would have thought that he would have been more knowledgeable.

Now... the agony of waiting for a doctor visit to get a perscription.:faint:

I'd just like to thank the addforums community for helping me figure out what was wrong with me. Not that I won't be back... I just feel that a big Thank YOU!!:D is in order.

I'll keep you posted on how the medication works when I get a script.
Anywhoo...

Went to my doctor for meds today... He wanted to write a prescription for strattera, but I suggested to him that I'd rather try something that is faster acting first. We kind of got in a little arguement over it and he finally relented and wrote me a perscription for Concerta 18mg.

I'm definately going to have to make an appointment to see a psychiatrist... as I can't get my md to listen to me long enough to let me explain that I don't just want to find something that works.... I want to find what works the best. I explained to him that I would like to move to strattera later on after first having something to compare it to... But he was pretty adamant that he really hated to prescribe stims.

I can understand his fear of being audited... but he didn't seem to want to listen to me at all. Maybe he thinks I'm "drug seeking".... but in order to find out what works best I'm going to have to find someone who will actually listen.

Anywhoo... I'll keep you posted.

I can understand his fear of being audited... but he didn't seem to want to listen to me at all. Maybe he thinks I'm "drug seeking".... but in order to find out what works best I'm going to have to find someone who will actually listen.

Find some one who will listen and isn't afraid of writing the necessary triplicate prescription. Stimulant medications are still the first line of treatment for adult ADD. I don't blame you wanting medications with more of a safe effective track record. Nothing "drug seeking" about it, except you want to seek the most effective medication out there for treating ADD.

strattera hasn't been out that long plus it has a side effect that requires one keep an eye on liver functions as it has been known to cause problems for some.