I finally got a new appointment with my psychologist on Friday and, even though I don't know how interesting this is, I have some questions I hoped some of you could answer~~? :o

The concentration tests I took showed I was neither on the "normal" side nor on the "ADHD" side. I felt I did okay (incredibly drained though), but I can also tell you what print the curtains had, what was behind me and what my mouse pad said :rolleyes:

My best friend's mom whom I stayed with last summer, and both have ADHD, is almost certain I have it. My psychologist seems to really think I do too.

I can concentrate to a certain degree, but it leaves me really, really drained and foggy afterwards. What kind of tests will be conclusive enough to really say "you have it" or "you don't"?

So; what exactly do they need to do to diagnose me?

If there's already a similar thread please delete this one, and I'm sorry for writing so clumsily, I hope you understand what I'm trying to ask! :foot:

In addition to "concentration" tests (inattention) they may test your Brain's Manager/Organizer (called Executive Function). This is often not working well in ADD people. Ask about tests for Executive Function.
ADD people's WORKING MEMORY is also often impaired. Ask about tests for Working Memory


They may give you tests to check:
-impulsivity (saying answer/hitting key too quickly)
-inattention (not responding/saying answer/hitting key on time)
-auditory abilities (processing; sequencing),
-visual and auditory working memories (remembering whta you heard; saw; remembering what you read/recall/comprehension)

Some ADD tests include:


CPT (continuous performance test)
TOVA (test of the variables of attention)
PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addiction Test). This test uses headphones; you listen to numbers and add them, always remembering the last digit. ADD people mess this Test up BIG TIME. *gak!*
Stroop Test (tests executive function)
Tower of London (" ")
Trails A (" "); Pencil & Paper
Trails B (" ")
----------

Executive Function Problems Overview

http://www.schoolbehavior.com/conditions_edfoverview2.htm

So, my psychologist said that my WISC results scored really low on executive functioning. I seemed to take in everything, which meant I used quite some time on the tasks.

My psychologist does not, however, know exactly what diagnosis to give me. My results were a little too vague to say I had ADD. She said we might try medication just to see if it would help.

But if it's not ADD; what other diagnoses could show executive function deficits?

Just my 2 cents worth; but as a Mom to an ADHD child and an ADD/ADHD person myself....does the "label" really matter? I know we all want to know what is really going on with us and want to call it something....but it will not change anything. The behaviors will still be there, the struggles will still be there and the strengths will still be there.

I am also a Speech/Language Therapist working with ADHD children, sometimes "professionals" get hung up on what to call the diagnosis. I know we need the diagnoses for medication purposes, however my GP did not require me to undergo any tests what so ever. She could clearly see by observation alone that I struggled with attention/focus. It is very difficult to test an individual for ADD. Our ability to function is so up and down, we can focus on minute and not the next. In a quiet atmosphere (where the testing is done) we can usually perform, put us in a location with distractions and "wow" lack of focus.

I hope you are able to get the help/support you are looking for soon. And that the professionals that are trying to help you are not determining your treatment solely on your examination results. By explaining how you feel and answering an in-depth questionaire; one should be able to determine what your strengths and weaknesses are.

My son's child psychiatrist also feels the same way, she has stated before no matter what you "label" him for a diagnosis the treatment she provides will not change. Qualifying for support may be tricky, since organizations refer to the diagnosis for qualification purposes of support.

When he was diagnosed, his psychologist tested him over 6 different sessions, did several classroom observations, questionaires were completed...etc.

I wish you the best, and hope that the support you deserve is available to you no matter what. I understand wanting to know what scores (#'s) are, but that really is only a small piece of the picture.

Kim:)

Thank you [sportbikechick]! :)

Yes, I agree with you; knowing what is difficult for you and what you can do about it is the most important thing, but I haven't been to school for the last three years and I feel exhausted most of the time. If I don't get a diagnosis, I don't get any medications and I won't get any help from my school or from the health care system.

I just really want to know what's wrong with me already!

I know the label shouldn't matter all that much, but to me, finally knowing why I have all these problems and being able to pinpoint it, would make me feel incredibly relieved :(

I wish you the best;)

My psychologist is talking about putting my on ADD medication just to see if it will work, since she's not really sure what my results could point to.

Is it common to try stimulants just to see if they can help?
...and if anyone knows ANY other diagnoses that could show executive function deficits, I would still like to know..?
:faint:

I can concentrate to a certain degree, but it leaves me really, really drained and foggy afterwards. What kind of tests will be conclusive enough to really say "you have it" or "you don't"?

I don't know.. to me this description pretty much nails it for me because that's what I experienced. Anything that requires focusing used to leave me exhausted. Not to mention that I'd only retain about 10-20% of what I read...

It's also other little things too. Inattentive ADD doesn't mean you can concentrate on anything at all. In fact, there are things you can super focus on.

It's not unheard of to simply try something to see what the result are. SOMetimes that is all a doctor can do.

ME :D


My psychologist is talking about putting my on ADD medication just to see if it will work, since she's not really sure what my results could point to.

Is it common to try stimulants just to see if they can help?
...and if anyone knows ANY other diagnoses that could show executive function deficits, I would still like to know..?
:faint: