How long is the evaluation process until diagnosis? What else should I expect?

[rockydaydreamer]

I've started this little journey to get diagnosed during the end of May, in June I started seeing a psychotherapist every week and a psychiatrist every month apparently. Last month I was given a prescription for Ritalin, but my insurance is being a pain in the butt, so I couldn't get it (I have to pay $30). Then this month I saw another psychiatrist who gives me Bupropion and tells me that my insurance won't fully cover ADD meds because I wasn't diagnosed when I was younger (or something like that)... o.O

Okay, so far after two months, all I did was answer questions and try out some meds... What next? Is there anything else they have to do so I can have a diagnosis for something? How long will that take?

...I'm just tired of waiting...

[BluegrassBound]

What was your diagnosis when they gave you bupropion??? Also why would have to be diagnosed with adhd as a child for your insurance to cover meds?? That seems ridiculous.

[rockydaydreamer]

Well I also thought I might have social anxiety, so I suppose the Bupropion is for that and supposedly works for ADD too.. although it doesn't seem to be helping much. I think it seems to have made me feel less shy around people, but I'm still my excited ADD self... plus a little constipated... It's only been a day though..

My psychiatrist said something along the lines of my ADD diagnosis was being considered, but it's not officially diagnosed yet.

Originally I never was diagnosed for any mental disorder, right now I'm still in the evaluation process.

[rockydaydreamer]

I also forgot to mention that I also was prescribed clonidine..

[ToneTone]

I would call your insurance company and find out if they do indeed have some policy against paying for prescriptions for people who weren't diagnosed as kids.

I find it hard to believe that your doctor is correct. I think people get late diagnosed for all kinds of stuff, and the issue at debate anyway is whether the ADHD traits were visible in childhood. There is a school of thought that says the traits need to have been visible in childhood. But lots of professionals don't accept that.

So bottom line: I think your doctor is wrong. I'm guessing, just guessing, that he's the one uncomfortable with prescribing the med, not the insurance company. Call the insurance company and ask if you qualify for ADHD meds given that your psychiatrist has diagnosed you (assuming he has diagnosed you).

After you talk to your insurance, then tell the doctor. If you still don't like his response, you may want to consider finding a different doctor.

Good luck.

Tone

[rockydaydreamer]

Yeah, I'll be calling the insurance company to see if the authorization was done and if the ADD meds are fully covered.

I think in my next visit, I'm going to bring my elementary school report cards, they should convince him of my childhood ADD.

[rockydaydreamer]

*minutes later* I took clonidine to sleep but it's making it hard to breathe o.O not good... how long do these effects last?

[BluegrassBound]

Originally Posted by rockydaydreamer

*minutes later* I took clonidine to sleep but it's making it hard to breathe o.O not good... how long do these effects last?

Clonipine is used for a multitude of purposes. From controlling BP to adhd,sleep aid, anxiety. While for most it lowers bp.It can have an adverse hypertensive effect. Along with irregular heart beats. Chest tightness is listed as a severe.side effect. As is breathing difficulties.I wouldn't mess around if you are in real discomfort. Those symptoms can be allergic reactions.

Wellbutrin takes a few weeks to take full effect. Don't be to worried if your results aren't instant.

As for your process. Its hard to tell whats next. Each doc is different. I've never spent more than 2 hours with a doc before they were throwing adhd meds at me.

[rockydaydreamer]

My heartbeat and breathing seems to fine now, but I had to drink some water because of dry mouth...

I'm not too sure about Bupropion, I think it might be giving me constipation, but I'm not quite sure (maybe I'm just being a hyperchondriac).

[rockydaydreamer]

Just an update, I called my insurance, they said the Ritalin was authorized. I'm going to see if I can still get it from the pharmacy (because they kept the script).

I think I'll just post any further updates on my blog (I don't want to keep bumping this thread).

[JR1973]

Find a doctor that can administer the Quotient test. Only takes 20 minutes and is FDA approved for helping diagnose ADHD in kids and adults. I took it last month even though I've been treated for years. It is 20 minutes of hell but the results confirmed what my doctor and I already knew.

[sarahsweets]

Originally Posted by JR1973

Find a doctor that can administer the Quotient test. Only takes 20 minutes and is FDA approved for helping diagnose ADHD in kids and adults. I took it last month even though I've been treated for years. It is 20 minutes of hell but the results confirmed what my doctor and I already knew.

There are absoultely no tests at all that are approved to diagnose adhd. there are tests that rule out other LD's but none for adhd.

[rockydaydreamer]

My intake has me answer question from an ADHD survery or something like that, but he said that technically it's not an official diagnosis..

I've asked many times if I've been diagnosed yet and it seems as if they're saying the diagnosis is being considered (is that even a stage in diagnosis)? My psychotherapist says that my psychiatrist (the first one I saw), did the evaluation. I'm assuming his opinion is what makes the diagnosis official... but he (the psychiatrist) has to have someone dictate it for him because he doesn't write well.

...well, tomorrow I need to have another Ritalin prescription made because I lost it with another prescription I was given.... geesh..

[Greg1982]

I met with a Psychologist, took a test and interviewed with him as he asked some other questions. He diagnosed me with ADHD at the end of that session.

The next step was to enroll in classes once a week for 10 weeks and schedule an appointment with the Psychiatric Nurse. She did a similar interview, but without the test, and confirmed the diagnosis. Looking back at that appointment she really screwed with my head; intentionally throwing me off track, interrupting me, trying to irritate me, etc. That appointment was the most mentally draining and I'm still not very fond of that person.

The next appointment was with the Psychiatrist to discuss medication options. He said that sometimes he also repeats the interview if the Psychologist and Nurse were "on the fence" about the diagnosis, but that mine was very clear cut and didn't need any additional confirmation. I left with a 1 month follow up appointment and a prescription for 18mg of Concerta. This all happened within a 2 month time period. It would have been quicker but they are busy and the appointment dates had to be spread out.

I don't know where in PA you live, but the offices I go to are Nulton Diagnostics in Johnstown, PA. Just about every medical practitioner is going to have different protocols/procedures. It's important to find the one that your comfortable with.

[JR1973]

There sure is an FDA approved test to aid in ADHD diagnosis.

http://www.biobdx.com/about-us

or you can just google "quotient ADHD test FDA approved" and you will see a ton of results.