Well I've been lurking in these forums for over a year now and I've come to the conclusion that I most likely have ADD. Who do I see first (I know its not as simple as "see your doctor")? What do I expect from here?

Any help with my first steps would be great.

what do you want to achieve?

Some people go through a lot of different doctors and some people only see one or two doctors.

Some people on here have had to through loads of doctors and have had alot of doctors not listening to them. You need to be VERY persistent when you want to get a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD and you also have to be quite patient because it sometimes can take a long time.

In my case I was lucky because I was spotted as having ADHD at school and my school SENCo did pretty much everything she could to get me a doctor that could help.
Try finding an online checklist of ADHD symptoms and tick the ones off that you think are a problem for you then take this checklist to your GP or whatever doctor there is available for you. (I don't know if it is different over here in the UK). Also try and think about your childhood and what sympomts were present then and how they affected you because that will almost definatly come up when you see a doctor.

Good Luck

I would suggest that you complete this checklist:

http://www.oneaddplace.com/addcheck.htm

Print two & ask your significant other to fill one out. Apparently we ADDers are notoriously bad at self observation. :p

Look for a specialist in your area & do some research. There are many good books out there.

If you need a referral, make an appt with your GP (or PCP, what ever you choose to call him/her) & present the checklists. Your Dr should be glad that you took the time to educate yourself.

I think that is a good start. Good luck!

bc

"Go see your doctor," actually isn't a bad first step. :D Whoever evaluates you for ADHD will want you to have various physical issues checked out (to rule them out as explanations for your symptoms) like low blood iron, thyroid issues, etc. So if you get that done first, you're a step ahead.

Here's what I did:

1. I did some online screeners for ADHD. I printed off the Amen Clinic ones (found here (http://amenclinics.com/ac/tests/)) and my results. Dr. Amen has his own theories which are apparent in the questions and results for the tests; HOWEVER, on the "Brain Systems" one (previously the ADD subtype test) the first few sections (which translate to "combined type" and "inattentive type" on the results page) are closely based on the diagnostic criteria. So that's why these ones are good to use. But there's others.

2. I typed up (in my own words) a list of problems I believed were ADHD-related and printed them off.

3. I took copies of both of those to my GP. She was especially interested in the list I made myself. Probably because it showed impact on my own life the most clearly, and also showed I'd put serious thought into the topic, and really believed it was a concern.


From there, my doc gave me a screener for depression, and sent me for bloodwork. My bloodwork was normal, and my results on the screener were low, so she tried to refer me to someplace to get evaluated for ADHD.

(Note: since depression can be co-morbid with ADHD, don't be put off the issue with the explanation that you're "just" depressed if you don't think that's the whole issue; although most medical people will probably want to treat mood issues first if they're present. Also, you could even have low iron or whatnot at the same time...treat that first, and if you still have issues you think are ADD, ask again for an evaluation.)

If you're an adult, it may be difficult to get an evaluation covered, and out-of-pocket, it's expensive. So try going through disability services at your school (if you're in school), or HR at your workplace. They might be able to get you something covered.

Good luck!

Well I've been lurking in these forums for over a year now and I've come to the conclusion that I most likely have ADD. Who do I see first (I know its not as simple as "see your doctor")? What do I expect from here?

Any help with my first steps would be great.
My personal opinion is that everyone has some ADD symtoms. It's on a continuim of severity.

It is helpful to get a doctor to give you something in writing stating that you do have it.

It is also great if medication can help you to get along and stay focused on what is important. With me, it has helped tremendously.

But, I think it is something that can be self diagnosed. This being said, you do have to rule out any other possible issues you may have including co-morbid (co-existing due to ADD) issues.

A doctor who specializes in ADD can help you to learn about yourself as much as give you ideas on how to work with it.

There are many good books on the subject, get newer ones.

Some doctors and authors say it's an illness, a disorder, a difficiency, an abnormallity. In other words, ADD is something that is BAD.

Others will tell you it is your unique way of thinking. That there are many strengths and gifts.

ADD does come with its challenges, limitations, frustrations and make life difficult at times.

That with knowledge of ourselves and how we work along with learning coping skills and training, someone with ADD can manuever the many linear ways of our society.

That they can find the great gifts that are inherant in ADD and use them to make the world a better place. One that excepts diversity and honors it.

I have been challenged my whole life with these questions and have come to the edge many times of giving up on me.

But a voice inside say's I belong here just as much as a person who thinks differantly.

ADD people deserve to reach there potential with out being squelched.