Has anyone ever had a missed diagnosis?

[Fuzzy12]

I mean, has anyone ever been diagnosed with not having ADHD only to later get diagnosed with ADHD by a different psychiatrist?

Lately, it seems to me that everyone who suspects that they have ADHD actually seem to get diagnosed with ADHD when they see a psychiatrist. Maybe I too should put more trust in the people I've seen.

[hanikamiya]

Not diagnosed with ADD, but I've had a lot of people say very different things about me, because I have this bad habit of trying to please people. Including health care professionals. So when they signal me they want me to behave in a certain way I'll give my best to do that. -shrugs-

[BohoButterfly]

I was in a clinic a few years ago due to kinda emotional breakdown, and told my psychiartrist I think I have ADHD, and all he said was "maybe you do, maybe you don't, now, tell me more about your mother..."

I was embarassed- there I was feeling that if I could get what I very much thought was ADHD treated I could have my anxiety end, and he tossed it aside. I was there for nearly a month and got no diagnosis except generalised anxiety disorder and depression. I didn't even get medication when I left, they just let me have anxiety meds while I was there- retarded.

When I went to my doctor and suggested ADHD she got my files from the clinic opened, wouldn't let me see them, said something about the psych saying my mum is the cause of all my problems (not true! My mum and I have been through a lot, but it is not her fault, I'd 'blame' her for maybe 10% at most, yet understand her actions) and then my doctor put me on bipolar meds that cost me a year of my life.

They messed me up big time.

So yes, I have been misdiagnosed. Only when I went back to my doctor from a few years ago did I get someone who actually listened and got me a referral, and then when I saw the psych he laughed at fact that my 'obvious' combined ADHD had been 'missed' all these years. He said it was blatantly obvious to him and did not hesitate to help.

Some doctors just don't know enough about it, especially if you are a girl.

From my experience, if you are a girl who can't concentrate, sit still, focus, or follow through, you can only have one of the following: depression, anxiety, or bipolar.

And most likely they'll just diagnose you with anxiety and depression, just like I was since the age of 13. It actually now makes me pretty mad, come to think of it, that I was put on such harsh medications since such a young age that were not neccessary.

I trusted those doctors and took my meds. I took antidepressants right up until the age of 19, where I tried to off myself, lol. Maybe a hint depression wasn't the cause?

Seriously, I know that sounds stupid, but sometimes you can want to off yourself due to sheer frustration, without depression. I was depressed, but I tried to end it because I could see no way of dealing with that- the depression wasn't the cause.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but I'm thankful I am because of my post- good to know I can still ramble about other things. lol.

xxBB

[Lunacie]

The therapist I was seeing thought I have bipolar rather than ADHD.


The psychiatrist read the therapist's notes and decided I don't have ADHD,

just Anxiety and Depression.


I told him that I know about the genetic basis for ADHD -

and that many others in my family have ADHD -

and I know Anxiety and Depression are the most common cormorbids -

and I am sure I have ADHD but Omega 3 has really helped me -

so since I really just wanted meds for the Anxiety and Depression

I wasn't going to waste my time arguing with him.


He seemed okay with that.

[Amtram]

Fuzzy12, you're also fighting against a system that encourages single diagnoses. One diagnosis per customer is preferred by the WHO. What would be ideal would be if you found a doctor who understood that one person could have two conditions, and that sometimes they have to be treated at the same time rather than one after the other.

[Fuzzy12]

Originally Posted by Amtram

Fuzzy12, you're also fighting against a system that encourages single diagnoses. One diagnosis per customer is preferred by the WHO. What would be ideal would be if you found a doctor who understood that one person could have two conditions, and that sometimes they have to be treated at the same time rather than one after the other.

Thanks guys. I'm just wondering if it's time to stop fighting. I've been told by two different psychiatrists that it's probably not ADHD. It seems like most people on here who suspect ADHD actually immediately get diagnosed with ADHD. People in similar situations to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe if I had ADHD, it would be obvious.

Well, I just read through the notes of the second psychiatrist again and he says that I fit all symptoms for adult ADHD, but the diagnostic dilemma that he is facing is that he can't establish sufficient symptoms and impairment in my childhood, in particular before the age of 7. In particular, he thinks that since I told him I was rather polite, shy and well behaved, it makes ADHD unlikely. But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

I just feel kind of stupid about going from psychiatrist to psychiatrist till I find someone who will diagnose me. How could I believe that diagnosis? I'd always wonder if the first two weren't right and I only got diagnosed because I found someone who is a soft touch.

I don't know. I guess, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that I've got a problem and depression doesn't seem to cover all my issues. If not ADHD, I need to figure out what else is wrong with me. I just can't accept that I'm just lazy, stupid or crazy. Well, I don't want to accept it.

[rockydaydreamer]

This reminds me of how one time I wanted to tell my doctor to see if he could also diagnose me with HFA.. although it's partly my fault that this other diagnosis wasn't considered because I was still trying to figure out what adhd meds work best for me.

[Amtram]

I forget, Fuzzy, did any of these doctors offer you Strattera or Wellbutrin? There's a possibility that one or the other of these would address depression and ADHD simultaneously, especially if you're PI.

[avjgirsijdhtjhs]

It's like they look at it like it's bad to prescribe stims to someone that doesn't have ADD, but overlook the bad LIFE RUINING AND HURTING YOUR HUSBAND'S, SIBLINGS', AND PARENTS' ETC that would come from not prescribing stims.

"You know doc, if we want to find out how stims work for me, don't you think that letting me try them would be a good way for me to find out rather than us just sitting here scratching our heads trying to figure out whether I should be on them? "

I wonder how much the government, licensing boards or whatever, etc influences their writing prescriptions for stims. Like as in if a lot of the docs don't like to write prescriptions for stims (like for fear of writing too many, or more than average given the same number of patients, assuming that there are some higher ups above them that sort of like oversee audit(?) what prescriptions they write to make sure they aren't writing tons of prescriptions for stims and painkillers) even if it's clear as day no question at all that the person has ADD.

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

It's intrinsically rewarding. Does he also think that ADD kids can't play video games?

[AddYourAll]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

Thanks guys. I'm just wondering if it's time to stop fighting. I've been told by two different psychiatrists that it's probably not ADHD. It seems like most people on here who suspect ADHD actually immediately get diagnosed with ADHD. People in similar situations to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe if I had ADHD, it would be obvious.

Well, I just read through the notes of the second psychiatrist again and he says that I fit all symptoms for adult ADHD, but the diagnostic dilemma that he is facing is that he can't establish sufficient symptoms and impairment in my childhood, in particular before the age of 7. In particular, he thinks that since I told him I was rather polite, shy and well behaved, it makes ADHD unlikely. But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

I just feel kind of stupid about going from psychiatrist to psychiatrist till I find someone who will diagnose me. How could I believe that diagnosis? I'd always wonder if the first two weren't right and I only got diagnosed because I found someone who is a soft touch.

I don't know. I guess, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that I've got a problem and depression doesn't seem to cover all my issues. If not ADHD, I need to figure out what else is wrong with me. I just can't accept that I'm just lazy, stupid or crazy. Well, I don't want to accept it.

Don't stop Fuzzy. You are in the UK.? Okay!completely different culture than U.S. in regards to sorting out the ambiguity and indecision involved in ADHD. Most adults, according to (Barkley) have at least one other co-morbiddity. Very rarely to never have a comorbidity with adults. When we are adults, often we have great coping skills and can sit still if told. usually any hyperactivity progressively turns into anxiety or depression. Also, it's not like your pregnant. There isn't a yes or no conclusive test. I'm reading "Taking charge of Adult ADD"(Barkley,Russel 2008 print.) and this a great book written by a guy that has devoted more than 35yrs of his life to ADHD research. My psychology teacher told me she received continuing education credits for reading this book as well as a couple others. check out www.dsmV web site for criteria and latest journals etc. BUT, it doesn't do you much good in the UK The topic is so difficult for scientist to discuss because of scientific methods, but Barkley discusses emotions affected; some topics are hit like 'continuum' where he makes this difficult topic not so difficult . It's a god-send of an adult ADHD Bible IMO. check it out because he offers tips for bringing up this difficult discussion with your Dr. Some people are still dead set in their ways that it's not a disorder.They aren't going to change. I don't know of any Drs that don't agree learning disorders exist but ADHD? No WAY! fake! I never understood a shrink I had years ago that was certain ADHD ceased to exist after adolescent yrs. Currently, he's an adult ADHD activistAsk around some support groups or chadd? for a Dr.s name...best of luck

[AddYourAll]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

Thanks guys. I'm just wondering if it's time to stop fighting. I've been told by two different psychiatrists that it's probably not ADHD. It seems like most people on here who suspect ADHD actually immediately get diagnosed with ADHD. People in similar situations to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe if I had ADHD, it would be obvious.

Well, I just read through the notes of the second psychiatrist again and he says that I fit all symptoms for adult ADHD, but the diagnostic dilemma that he is facing is that he can't establish sufficient symptoms and impairment in my childhood, in particular before the age of 7. In particular, he thinks that since I told him I was rather polite, shy and well behaved, it makes ADHD unlikely. But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

I just feel kind of stupid about going from psychiatrist to psychiatrist till I find someone who will diagnose me. How could I believe that diagnosis? I'd always wonder if the first two weren't right and I only got diagnosed because I found someone who is a soft touch.

I don't know. I guess, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that I've got a problem and depression doesn't seem to cover all my issues. If not ADHD, I need to figure out what else is wrong with me. I just can't accept that I'm just lazy, stupid or crazy. Well, I don't want to accept it.

I want to add one thing that i thought was cool. In the book, Barkley and other leading researchers are trying to get the criteria in DSMIVREV ;particularly, passage that states the adult must have had symptoms present before age 7. Now they believe 16, but I've known a few ADDers rejected the diagnosis strictly because they couldn't remember. Subsequently, they were given bipolar 2 disorder Dx and off they went. The point he makes is the symptoms need to be present during adolescents or childhood that are FAR more debilitating and impairing than the ubiquitous "I can't pay attention" I hope this makes some sense...it's late and I'm not doing MLA citings properly

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

In particular, he thinks that since I told him I was rather polite, shy and well behaved, it makes ADHD unlikely. But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

I diagnose him as being an ignorant azz. That description is me to a tee at that age, and I certainly do have ADHD.

[Dragonfly76]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

I mean, has anyone ever been diagnosed with not having ADHD only to later get diagnosed with ADHD by a different psychiatrist?

Lately, it seems to me that everyone who suspects that they have ADHD actually seem to get diagnosed with ADHD when they see a psychiatrist. Maybe I too should put more trust in the people I've seen.

Trust your instincts. Unless a psychiatrist can logically/medically explain your symptoms as something else and unless the medication they try you on solves all the symptoms interfering with your life, then keep pushing. If they stonewall you, then find a new doctor because then they clearly don't trust you as a patient. Just my humble opinion.

[Lunacie]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

Thanks guys. I'm just wondering if it's time to stop fighting. I've been told by two different psychiatrists that it's probably not ADHD. It seems like most people on here who suspect ADHD actually immediately get diagnosed with ADHD. People in similar situations to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe if I had ADHD, it would be obvious.

Well, I just read through the notes of the second psychiatrist again and he says that I fit all symptoms for adult ADHD, but the diagnostic dilemma that he is facing is that he can't establish sufficient symptoms and impairment in my childhood, in particular before the age of 7. In particular, he thinks that since I told him I was rather polite, shy and well behaved, it makes ADHD unlikely. But the thing that really threw him was that I told him I loved reading (fiction) and could read for hours as a kid.

I just feel kind of stupid about going from psychiatrist to psychiatrist till I find someone who will diagnose me. How could I believe that diagnosis? I'd always wonder if the first two weren't right and I only got diagnosed because I found someone who is a soft touch.

I don't know. I guess, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that I've got a problem and depression doesn't seem to cover all my issues. If not ADHD, I need to figure out what else is wrong with me. I just can't accept that I'm just lazy, stupid or crazy. Well, I don't want to accept it.

It's easier to get dx with adult ADHD in the US, but only in the last few years.
Don't compare this with getting a dx in the UK. No one finds it easy there.


The new version of the DSM is raising the age for symptoms from 7 to 12.
Would that make a difference in your childhood history?


I didn't think I had any significant symptoms as a child, I was also shy and
well mannered, but when I was given my early report cards a few years
ago I found some teacher remarks that were very indicative of ADHD.


I became a voracious reader - of fiction - as soon as I learned to read.
Non-fiction is very difficult for me to read - especially large paragraphs.

My difficulty was in math. Difficulty in reading is NOT a symptom of ADHD.
That's one of the areas in which doctors are still poorly informed.


Did you see a private psychiatrist? I've read that they are better informed
than their National Health counterparts.



If the antidepression meds aren't helping all your symptoms,
then the doctor needs to look further than depression, eh?
Should be a no-brainer.

[DvlsAdv0c8]

I was going through my old report cards and such a month or so ago before my dx appointment. I know how I was when I was a kid, and my parents have told me nightmare stories of my (and my sister's) behavior. Plus, I was originally diagnosed at age 7 but never treated.

But none of my early report cards reflect any kind of problem in school. In fact, every note that my teachers made on or with my report cards said what a "joy" I was to have as a student.

For all the trouble I caused and had throughout my life, I always liked school. (Well, the learning part of school - not the social part.) I always did well even though I had to work harder. I guess learning WAS a stimulant for me. (Of course, it depended on the class, too. I also had a very hard time with math.)

And I was also a voracious reader, all the way through high school. I could plow through a 500-page book in a few days. Don't ask me what it was about afterward, though.

And I was, and am now, MOST DEFINITELY ADHD.

I don't understand why any doctor wouldn't listen when a patient says "This just isn't working for me. It's not right and I would like to try something else." Can they just not accept that they may have been wrong?