Well, to be quite honest, I have multiple questions. My name is Lindsay and this is my first post, I'm still trying to find my way around here.

Ever since kindergarten, my teachers have often told my mother to get me evaluated for ADD. My mom sort of brushed it off and never took it too seriously. Well, I'm now 21 and I feel as if it's getting worse....or maybe that I'm coming to my senses and putting all the pieces together for once. I'm having some big dilemmas, though, and I'm hoping some of you can help me.

First of all, I have no insurance. With that being said, I have a little story that happened last week. I was referred to a psychotherapist, "free of charge". After driving an hour to his down-town office, I sat in there for about an hour and a half, while he basically made me feel like a complete idiot. I even bought old report cards with me that stated that I should be tested for ADD. He got very deep with me, and asked me many questions. Now, I know this is his job. I was fine with the questions that had to do with my possible ADD condition, but I got a bit flustered when he wanted to talk about my personal relationship with my father, and how me and him have gotten into physical altercations in the past. At the end of this session, he said "Well, I'm positive you're an A+ candidate for ADD. Now, since I'm not allowed to write prescriptions, I will need to have you take a 4 hour extensive test....this usually costs around $700, but in your case, I'll only charge you $400." -- I was floored!

After this incident, I talked to some people, and they told me my best bet would be to go to a Family Doctor (I do not have one of those...I'd have to find one for myself as I cannot go to my pediatric doctor anymore since he stops seeing patients at age 19.) and talk to him about treatment. I do agree that paying an office visit would me less expensive than a $400 "ADD exam"! But I'm very worried that whatever doctor I go to will think I am just "some kid" trying to score meds. Really though, I'm 21 years old, I've got my head on straight, I'm schooling to get my Real Estate license after the new year. I'd like to go somewhere in life, and I think if I get some help, I'd be better off! Anyone have any suggestions over my dilemma? No insurance, no "regular" doctor, and unable to find a way to talk about it with a doctor. (I'm very shy, this has always been a problem for me..) although the psychotherapist did tell me that I should get treatment. So I know there should be some help out there...right? Sorry for such a LONG first post. I'd really love some input here.

Thanks!

A psychotherapist? If I'm understanding this correctly, you are referring to someone who is not a doctor (or does not have the authority to prescribe under the auspice of a physician in a larger setting). Only doctors can prescribe medication (this would include psychiatrists and even family doctors).

Having you take a test was probably quite typical, and testing can cost more than $700 in some cases (depending on how good the testing actually is). In terms of getting someone else to prescribe you medication, having testing done would make your chances of getting medication far better (I would think).

Going to a psychiatrist or neurologist to begin with may have saved you some money and time, but there is often some sort of diagnostic done in any case (depending on the doctor). Often, this is quite simple (questionnaires) , but others may want more extensive (and expensive) testing done. Once this is done, they can also prescribe medication.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.

I was diagnosed by a psycologist and just took that diagnosis to my GP who wrote me a prescription. You might have trouble with that though since you don't already have a GP and finding a new one then asking for schedule II meds right off the bat might not go over all that well.
It would probably be fine with a referral from your psychotherapist but I guess they'd be unlikely to do that without this test they want.
Maybe finding a psychologist to continue your treatment would be a good idea. They might be more comfortable writing that type of prescription. I would definitely look for one that specializes in ADD if possible though. I've found that many psychiatrists aren't as knowledgable about ADD as one would hope and can be kinda difficult about it. The ones I've had wouldn't even entertain the idea, actually. :P But with the suspicion of ADD from the therapist and the fact that you don't have the money for extensive testing, you might find that a specialist would feel confident enough making an official diagnosis and trying you on some meds.

I don't know much about ADD testing but good lord that's expensive. Way out of my price range. :P
I can see why a doc would want to have you tested but I'm glad I didn't have to go through that expensive procedure. I don't need test results to know whether or not my medication works. :P

I'm like Merielynn. I never needed an ADD test in order to be prescribed medication. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist without having to take an official test, and he's the one that prescribes me my pills.

Are you in the United States? I never heard about these ADD tests until I came on this forum but it seems like they may be more common overseas...

If any mention of ADD is in your medical records with your previous pediatrician, you can request all your records to take with you *(and your report cards), to a new dr. Be honest and just explain your situation.

I didn't need "testing" either to get meds from my regular physician. I don't think all medical professionals immediately peg young people as drug seeking mongers. Hopefully they don't.