Hi all,

So, this is my first post other than in the introduction section. I have read a tremendous amount of material here that has explained a lot of things in my life. When I take online ADD screenings online the outcome points me in this direction. Currently I am undergoing formal testing for ADD/ ADHD with a psychologist. Today was our second meeting and he began the testing…



He had me look at pictures and tell him what was missing, define vocabulary words, tell what two words had in common and recreate shapes that were printed in a book with blocks. Anyone have any ideas what that was about?



I learned at I suck at the shape thing! I was able to stick with it but it was VERY painful. The last one took so long and I was so frustrated he asked me if I just wanted to forget it and I did. I felt like I needed to run like three miles to deal with the way I felt. Was that an IQ test? If so, what about the shapes and how will this help him to figure out if I am dealing with ADD or something else?



Thanks for looking…

Cowboy

My guess is that it's to see how you "process" information.
Based on the findings of the Dr, they can tell whether or not you have ADD.
I remember doing it when I was a kid, and then again before I got into college.
I was better at it the second time, because I was older and understood what was going on.
I still needed a hammer to get that darn round piece in the square hole! :D

well your best bet is to wait til the results are out for your psych to explain them to you.

But anyway lemme try :D
It sounds like you did the WISC or WAIS, they measure both performance iq and verbal iq. typically if there is a significant discrpancy between the two, or if there is a "scatter" (good in some areas, poor in others), especially in certain areas, then that indicates an LD or ADD.

the shape thing probably tests your visual spatial skills.

Thank you for your responses. It was the WAIS, atleast those were the letters on the notebooks he used. Thank you for the info, I am not really patient so waiting for the doctor to finish the testingto understand what he is doing is difficult. To make the wait harder it seems we can only get together every other week due to his schedule.

I would just like to get an answer either way since clearly something is going on and I want a chance to work it out and dealing with a known entity would make that easier.

I hear you about the round piece into the square hole thing. I almost threw the blocks across the room. Pretty sad huh???

Thanks again,
Cowboy

I did those tests recently. I also did 'hearing' tests where two words would be said at once, or words would be said when there was background noise. Man, talk about wanting to throw stuff across the room.... !

Is it possible to do "well" on these tests and still have ADD? After DS was diagnosed with ADD and reading and researching, I realize I most likely have it myself, and probably on the excessive side.

I "off the record" tried 2 weeks of Adderall and 2 weeks of a generic that my friend had left over from her child. The results were incredible. I got more work done in 4 weeks than I had all year. My brain was "quiet" for the first time. I wasn't overwhelmed at simple tasks. I could concentrate and remember 30 times what I could before. As soon as the 4 weeks were over, I went right back to the "fog".

Anyway, I used to be in Gifted and Mensa and usually do very well on these kinds of tests and when I'm under pressure, I can do well remembering things. My fear is I'll go to get evaluated and pass these with flying colors and will be unable to get help.

I understand your concern, but a good psychologist who specializes in adults with ADD would not be misled by your doing well on tests. There are many facets to ADD including hyperfocus where you can concentrate to the exclusion of all else on things you like to do and testing may be a challenge that is actually "fun" for some. Also many test well because of the adrenelin boost one can in a situation of nervousness.

I would strongly encourage you to do a lot of research about the psychologists in your area to find one who truly is up on adult ADD. One place to start may be with your child's doctor. That's how I found my first doctors.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Kim

Thanks to all who have posted!!!

I appreciate your taking the time to help out. This is all so confusing and with the rest of life happening at lightening speed I can't seem to keep up or even try to sort through what I need to learn or want to find out!

There is only one adult ADHD doctor in my area but he does not participate with our insurance. His office and I tried to fight it out with Blue Cross / Blue Sheild but it is hard to win when you are fighting City Hall. Their position was any psychologist can do this so what do you do? Too much other strress in my life to discuss right now so as a result, I get easily frustrated and just can't seem to stay on top of everything. The long and short of it is I have had to give up so I can put my energy in the twelve other palces that need it right now.

Thanks for post' in...
Cowboy