Question re: adhd testing - ADD / ADHD Message Board

thefer · 11-07-2004, 12:56 PM

Hi

I was diagnosed about 5 yrs ago with adhd. I didn't accept it and went on with my life. I was on medications for a short time and stopped due to side effects. I tried college many times and always gave up. Two years ago, I forced myself to get through college and did so.

Now, I am taking classes at a University, but running into problems. I can't focus in lectures and miss parts of the notes, get distracted in class during lectures and on exams. When I do take exams in the class, I either don't start it, start it and never finish it or just get fusturated and leave class. When I study at home, the most I can get in is about 15 mins then I am up and running to do something else. I get very snappy behind the wheel. I have no patience. At home, I am so scattered. I have books across the apartment in different places. When I read, I catch myself going back and forth reading between two pages.

I have been given the opportunity to get tested for ADHD to make it official. I have documention that shows that I was dx with adhd several years ago by trying medication. Now, I am debating if i should go through testing. Can the testing provide me with more information than being told its adhd? What is involve in the testing.

I started the process to get testing a couple weeks ago, but have some doubts with it. I spent some time this weekend looking at my report cards from grade school to high school. There were clear signs that there were problems. I had a lot of comments like: Low scores on exams/tests, don't turn in assignments, late homework. I also have alot of C- and at least 10 D's just during middle school and part of high school.

What would you do in this situation? If given the opportunity to, would you go through the testing?

Thanks
thefer

JT95 · 11-08-2004, 04:21 PM

Yes, get tested. By "opportunity", do you mean it's not going to cost you?

I'm 30 and was never identified as ADD. I went to my family doc to get an ADD evaluation. He works with kids who are ADD and said it's probable that I am. I'm getting tested by a psychiatrist soon. Yes, I don't like the fact that I am going to get probed by a psychiatrist. Actually, that doesn't bother me that much, but rather the fact that I don't like how that sounds to other people.

Anyway, it has been a relief for me so far to realize that I am ADD. So much of myself and my brain now makes sense to me. Understanding the condition and hearing others discuss it makes me feel less weird about myself. My doc gave me a prescription for a med to try, but after reading the sexual side effects I never got the prescription filled. I'm reading up on non-medication ways to rearrange and structure life to better suite the needs of an ADD person. Not all ADD/ADHD people are the same, so a professional evaluation will help you better understand your specific condition.

My 2 cents: If you are ADD, then you need to embrace it and get immersed in the ADD community (like here) and better learn yourself. Getting a professional evaluation helps you understand yourself. Ignoring the ADD and doing nothing about it only hinders your life.

thefer · 11-08-2004, 05:08 PM

Hi

The cost of the test is not a concern now. I think I am more scared to face the fact that its adhd. Its hard for me to accept it as well as help.

I have decided to go through with the testing to get answers as to if this is adhd. Everything points to it, but seeing it on paper may provide me answers that I need.

thefer