After reading this forum for quite a while, I've decided that I would like to get a formal diagnosis. My biggest issue is that I'm not sure what I should do. I am in Philadelphia, so I was trying to decide between choosing a Psychiatrist or going to the Adult ADHD Program at UPenn. I'm 22 by the way :).

Is there likely to be a big difference between the two? I noticed that the UPenn program says that testing takes about 4 hours. I don't know if I could last that long! Am I more likely to get better attention at a private PDoc?

Oh, and I know this is a silly question, but if I call a PDoc, what exactly do I say?

Much of the testing that is done is not necessary for a diagnosis of ADHD. However, it can highlight if there are possible learning disorders since about half of those with ADHD have a learning disorder. It can also highlight particular strengths or weaknesses you may have.

The actual diagnosis is based on the DSM-IV, which involves reviewing the symptoms and taking a history of your life and how the symptoms, if you have them, had affected you. It can help to have someone who knows you well to fill out a questionnaire as well.

Some psychiatrists are well trained in the area of Adult ADHD but many aren't. The most important thing is to see someone who understands it well and has experience in diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. When many of these psychiatrists were in school and training, they received little education on ADHD, and it was believed that it was more of a diagnosis for hyperactive boys. So unless they were into child psychiatry or interested in pediatrics, they may know very little about the diagnosis in adults, let alone much about the disorder itself.

When you call you could say that you have trouble functioning in school, at work, life in general, etc. and that you wanted to be evaluated for possible ADHD as you have done some research and recognize many of the symptoms in yourself. Then find out how knowledgeable and experienced they are in diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD.

I have decided to get a formal diagnosis too, but don't know what to expect out of the process.

Today I phoned a therapist thinking I would get an answering machine where I would leave a vague message with my contact details, then wait for the therapist to call me back. A receptionist answered however, and I sort of felt like she was screening me to see whether the doctors would be interested in seeing me.

She said, "without giving too much detail what do you want to see somebody about?"

I said, "I am having some trouble organizing my life and deciding on a career"

She said, "so, are you looking for a career assessment?" as if what I was saying was unusual.

I said, "not necessarily. I am just looking for someone to talk to, and am open to trying different things like that"
I also said, "I've had a history of anxiety and depression and am interested in discussing if I possibly have ADD or a learning disability"

She says, "So are you looking to get an appointment within the next few days?"

I said, " I know it's not typical with this sort of thing, but would like to see someone as soon as possible"

She said, "I will pass this information along and hopefully someone will get back to you in the next few days to let you know if they can set up an appointment for you"

Is this normal?

Do you think it would be overkill to go to the Penn Adult ADHD Center? I can't figure out which is the better option.

I feel like if I go to Penn, it will be very impersonal. Then again, I'm guessing they might have more experience than a PDoc.

Does anyone have some suggestions?