Doctor Woes

[flirtingwithfate]

My long story of the struggle to find out whether I have A.D.D.

Thought I had A.D.D. Neurologist said he thought so, could probably diagnose it after interview, but that I should do neuropsych testing to "Make it official."
Went to neuropsychologist for pre-testing interview. Couldn't satisfactorily answer questions which required one word answers, no context. Doctor got exasperated, I cried, he ignored me and interviewed my boyfriend. Didn't feel comfortable or respected. Doc said he thought it was A.D.D., depression and a sleeping disorder.

Went for neuropsych testing day after beloved cat died. Did boring 400 question mood survey after a few hours of really boring testing. Not in the best mood. I have a history of circling the wrong answer, careless stuff. Wonder if I circled something wrong?

Got results from neurologist. He said that he wanted me to see a psych because I did very well on verbal but pretty bad on nonverbal part. Wants to rule out mood disorder. Said my EEG was "abnormal," and "means nothing." However, he said he wasn't ruling out A.D.D., but that because my EEG came back abnormal, he'd be afraid to prescribe stimulants.

I felt like no one listened to me, and I am afraid I won't get the correct diagnosis. I thought I was finally going to get some relief that day. Instead, after spending all my money on a sleep study, EEG, neuropsych testing, thyroid testing, MRI, sleep and other appointments, he told me insurance wouldn't cover the $200 to $300 appointments - I would need 3 or 4!

I cried. He prescribed Lexapro. Went through 2 weeks of hell. I started Zoloft two days ago. I still have the same focus problems. Sigh.

I'll see the psych on Oct. 2. Thanks for listening to my rant!

[livinginchaos]

wow. . . i'm sorry it's been not a good experience!

hmm .. well, zoloft is an anti-depressant, as is Lexapro and won't help w/ focus, from my experience on them. Plus, they take a few weeks to completely work, not a few days.

if you don't like the neuropsych, then find someone else. it's not worth it if you're uncomfortable w/ your doc.

Good luck!!

(PS. so sorry your cat died )

[QueensU_girl]

Did you a have any testing with headphones where they call out single digits and you have to add them (PASAT test; ADDers usually bite at Auditory working memory)?

Did you have any other visual or auditory memory testing? (List of 10 words e.g. "table")

WAIS memory sub-test?

Did you have any connect the dots type tests? (Trails A and Trails B tests)

Wisconsin Card Sort Test? (tests executive function)

Stroop test? (same)

[QueensU_girl]

An abnormal EEG doesn't necessarily mean anything. He is correct. An EEG just measures brain signals on the OUTSIDE of your brain. (Cerebral Cortex. Cortex means "bark"[like a tree's bark].)

The "400 question mood test" was possibly the MMPI. The MMPI is personality testing.

Sounds like they are testing for anxiety, depression, personality style, somatization, etc., but what about other deficits or issues?

Your Tester sounds cold and indifferent. (Although they are supposed to be sort of neutral during testing, he could have talked to you about it after, eh?)

[QueensU_girl]

A difference in Verbal (verbal IQ) versus Nonverbal (performance IQ) can mean an LD. (IIRC)

Might be worth it to hang in there...

[flirtingwithfate]

Thanks, Courtney. I'm going to see how the psychiatrist plays out, and my parents and boyfriend plan to go see the neurologist for the follow up. If things don't get better, we're going to see about starting the process over or something...

Queens U, I don't remember any headphones testing. I had the hardest time on some math word problems where I couldn't have scratch paper and they were all read to me. I did the list of words like table. I think they said I did WAIS, I did put cards in order, I think I did the Stroop one and I connected some sort of dots for something.

The neurologist didn't go into any detail about results aside from high on verbal, low on nonverbal and that they aren't ruling out A.D.D.

Thanks for making me feel better!

[At Heart]

Hi Flirtingwithfate,

I want to echo that you should hang in there. I realise they are talking about a lot of money, but you can call your insurance company yourself and see what they are willing to pay, and what your benefits are (to perhaps ease your mind some). I can also echo the fact that if you are not comfortable with the doctor doing the testing, find another one (ask for some reccommendations first). Do you have a therapist? I am really sorry you are having such a hard time. I am also going through the diagnosis/evaluation phase. I wish you luck.

At Heart

[flirtingwithfate]

thanks, At Heart. I don't have a therapist. I have had a tough year, but didn't feel like sadness kept me from much. Test anxiety was the only anxiety issue i thought held me back. Now, the meds they gave me to "treat" anxiety and depression hold me back.

Oh, I think I forgot to note that the neurologist said that the anxiety and depression could be the cause of my focus problems. I'll give Zoloft more time, but so far, it doesn't seem to be helping anything.

Thanks again for the help and support.

[flirtingwithfate]

Ok, I went to the psychiatrist last Tuesday to "rule out psych issues" including mood disorder. She asked why my doc would say I would need 3 or 4 sessions w/ her.

Just as I thought, no mood disorder, no issues. Just A.D.D. Yay. I think

[QueensU_girl]

How we can help you more:

Get a written list from the Tester of which "tests" you had, and tell us.

Some readers here know the tests reasonably well.

(I know the basics, but some people here REALLY know them.)[u]

[QueensU_girl]

re: test anxiety

LOL

"You just have Test Anxiety".

I was fed that line for 5 years by the Manager of the Disability office at my University.

Ofcourse having ADD causes test anxiety. (Esp when it's UNDIAGNOSED. And UNMANAGED.)

[QueensU_girl]

You may be able to access testing in your State.

You don't say where you are (just some IP for address), so I cannot look it up for you.

If you have social problems that badly, you may want to watch the Social Cognition DVD by Mel Levine.

[Matt S.]

I think it's all covered with what everyone else said.

[QueensU_girl]

MMPI. *sigh*

What a misused test. (IMNSHO)

Yeah, not valid during mania or addiction, etc.

My SO said he had some wild test scores when he went to rehab a few years back. LOL

[Matt S.]

yeah I edited my post once I saw that you had said something earlier...LOL I hated that long boring test, it drove me insane