Difference in diagnosis process between adults and children?

[josh1976]

Is it just me or does there seem to be a large difference in the requirements for adhd diagnosis in adults vs children?

We took my stepson to the ped for angry destructive outbursts, the dr had us fill out an adhd evaluation packet and he sent us home with a diagnosis and a prescription for Vyvanse. Not saying that he doesn't have adhd, but really, a packet?

Meanwhile, while researching adhd for my stepson, I start to see parallels with my own life and thought processes.

A little history here, I'm 36, have started and withdrawn from college more times than I can count, always go strong the first week or two then never seem to be able to finish, yes there are any number of things that can cause that. In grade school, I was never an A/B student, mainly due to my inability to complete homework due to... well, any number of distractions. I was invited to take the PSATs in 7th grade due to scoring perfect on the Iowa Basics, and I scored better than most college bound seniors on them, but yet I graduate with a 1.75 GPA, again lack of homework.

We joke in my family about me having career add due to the fact that I have started numerous careers only to move on to another.

More currently I usually have to ask people to repeat themselves as I tend to zone out of a conversation after about 30 seconds, and when they do repeat themselves I have to struggle to listen the second time.

I have dozens of started but never completed side projects. Have started a few business but they never go anywhere because I can't focus on the details. The cloudiness has just been worse since being laid off, something I attribute to no consequences to missed deadlines and therefore nothing forcing me to focus.

Anyway, I go to my pdoc with a well documented history of inattentiveness and some hyperactivity as well. She tells me that it's most likely just due to being out of work and that once I get back in the workforce I should be able to cope and get by once again. Really? Cope and get by is what I should strive for? She said that if I want to pursue the ADHD diagnosis that she would like for me to take this battery of tests at a psychological diagnosis center. I'm fine with testing, so I call them up to start the ball rolling. After going over the usual pre-screening questions, I decide to ask about cost. While I do have insurance, it's one of those high deductible plans, so I would be looking at $2000, out of pocket, plus whatever my insurance copay is after I reach my deductible.

While this could be a case of a ped who was quick to write scripts, I have talked to other parents from other peds who have had similar experiences, the peds take a try this approach while the pdocs for adult adhd want it proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Sorry for the wall of text, but I'm frustrated and needed to vent.

--Josh

[ginniebean]

For some reason Dr's often do everything they can to avoid adult ADHD. You do sound like a prime candidate, find someone who specializes in ADHD in adults.

[anonymouslyadd]

This is the place to come and vent, and I second Ginnie's suggestion to get a specialist.

[sarahsweets]

I dont know why there are so many doctors that act like jerks. I would guess the reason why evaluating a child for adhd is so much easier would be because its reliant on the parents and teachers and not so much the child. With adults its more reliant on personal experiences and history. Most adults cant get in touch with their previous teachers and sometimes the parents arnt around so I would guess that is why it is so much harder.

[ToneTone]

Here's the deal: doctors are all different.

Some pediatricians and family doctors are aggressive in responding to mental health issues. Maybe they had those issues in their families or in their own lives or they are just comfortable addressing them.

Also, I assume pediatricians go to conferences and attend presentations showing them that untreated ADHD can have devastating long-term consequences (totally true!). Maybe some pediatricians are too quick to diagnose and prescribe and maybe they should partner with child psychologists and psychiatrists that they would refer parents to. But it sounds from your report like they are "erring" on the side of treatment vs. non-treatment.

Trust me: you can get an evaluation for less than $2000. Find a different psychiatrist or a psychologist.

Interesting observation. Thanks for sharing.

Oh, and you can call offices and say up front that you don't have $2,000 to spend.

Good luck.

Tone

[Fblade13]

Dude you sound a lot like me. I want to vent and I haven’t had an appointment yet. fficeffice" />>>
I'm 36 and have had all the same life experiences. >>
Right now I have to wait over 5 months just for my first appointment. I just checked the cost for the first appointment and it’s like $520 for the first appointment and $475 for 1hr appointments from then on. >>
I've finally decided to take control of the situation and wonder why the costs are so ridiculous. >>
I sure hope the doctor is worth it. Otherwise I’ll seek a new doctor.
Good luck with your future sessions. >>