redcard80
06-23-2004, 03:42 PM
Hello everyone
I have known for awhile that I have Adult ADD, I have not gotten diagnosed because of with my job I could not be ADD. Now Im out of that job Ive been trying to get diagnosed. I have called Psychologist, Psychitrist, Social Workers and they say they dont diagnose. Im starting to get frustrated cause I can't get an appointment and this seems real hard to get diagnosed with this disorder. One problem is I dont have health insurance but I have plenty off money and willing to pay out of pocket. My question is what is the best way to get diagnosed quickly but effectively, keep in mind I dont have health insurance so need something quick. Any information would be helpful.
I have known for awhile that I have Adult ADD, I have not gotten diagnosed because of with my job I could not be ADD. Now Im out of that job Ive been trying to get diagnosed. I have called Psychologist, Psychitrist, Social Workers and they say they dont diagnose. Im starting to get frustrated cause I can't get an appointment and this seems real hard to get diagnosed with this disorder. One problem is I dont have health insurance but I have plenty off money and willing to pay out of pocket. My question is what is the best way to get diagnosed quickly but effectively, keep in mind I dont have health insurance so need something quick. Any information would be helpful.
Sponsor
dalesgirl
06-23-2004, 04:26 PM
I guess I kind of have to ask why you need a diagnosis. I have taken an online test for ADD which I believe and others that have been around me believe I have. I know how to control it. I do what I have to without taking a regular medication. It is my belief that in children it is different as they have to attend school and have no choice and the medication helps control them so that they are able to learn. It is my feeling that as adults we just learn what we can and can not do and go into a field of work that keeps our attention.
redcard80
06-23-2004, 04:49 PM
Thank you Dalesgirl for responding. The reason Im finally trying to seek help for this disorder is because im a full time student. Being in the military it was not suggested I get diagnosed with ADD. My teachers have suggested that I might have ADD and I have also taken alot of test on the Internet and have also have spoken to doctors (ones that are not psychologist or cannot diagnose ADD) and they believe I have the most of the symptons. It really starting to affect my life and when you have to work 4 times harder at school or at work because you cannot pay attention or focus, it starts to affect you negatively. Thank you Dalesgirl though for your help
dalesgirl
06-23-2004, 04:55 PM
I too was told by my son's doctor he thought I should be tested as I showed the signs of not only ADD but of Autism (both of which my son was diagnosed). You are going to have a hard time if you are diagnosed to pay for the visits and the meds as they are very expensive. I would try contacting the welfare department, tell them what the deal is and if you don't qualify for their help they should be able to tell you where to go.
redcard80
06-23-2004, 05:11 PM
Im really not worried about going for repetitive visits, where im having problems is getting diagnosed. I have plenty of money for visits and for prescriptions. And the military will pay for my medication. I think you should get treated for it if its affecting you. My friend has it and Im not encouraging this but I took his medication for a Month (Ritalin) and im not going to tell you how much of a difference that made. I did not feel hyper, i just felt more focused and the symptons I had went away like fidgeting and loss of concentration. I wish the best luck with your kid, and thanks again for your help.
brainf0g
06-24-2004, 06:51 AM
I guess I kind of have to ask why you need a diagnosis. I have taken an online test for ADD which I believe and others that have been around me believe I have. I know how to control it. I do what I have to without taking a regular medication. It is my belief that in children it is different as they have to attend school and have no choice and the medication helps control them so that they are able to learn. It is my feeling that as adults we just learn what we can and can not do and go into a field of work that keeps our attention.
Although it is true that ADDers do better in a work environment that is well suited to their interest and style, AD/HD is involved in much more than an academic setting. AD/HD is involved in everything in your life. Inattention at school or work are just symptoms caused by AD/HD's primary problem, low activity in the frontal lobes of the brain.
An untreated ADDers entire life revolves around an attempt to stimulate and try to normalize activity within their prefrontal cortex. Whether they know about it consciously or not.
These attempts can be anywhere from hyperactivity, extreme sports, causing emotional chaos in relationships, chronic arguing, illegal drugs and alcohol, abusing caffeine and nicotine, and everything inbetween.
AD/HD is not easy to completely contain and control.
Although it is true that ADDers do better in a work environment that is well suited to their interest and style, AD/HD is involved in much more than an academic setting. AD/HD is involved in everything in your life. Inattention at school or work are just symptoms caused by AD/HD's primary problem, low activity in the frontal lobes of the brain.
An untreated ADDers entire life revolves around an attempt to stimulate and try to normalize activity within their prefrontal cortex. Whether they know about it consciously or not.
These attempts can be anywhere from hyperactivity, extreme sports, causing emotional chaos in relationships, chronic arguing, illegal drugs and alcohol, abusing caffeine and nicotine, and everything inbetween.
AD/HD is not easy to completely contain and control.
dalesgirl
06-24-2004, 06:58 AM
abusing caffeine and nicotine, .
I'd probably qualify being a smoker and I literally drink 2 pots of coffee a day NO PROBLEM. The funny thing is caffeine doesnt' keep me awake or make me more hyper. I work third shift and I can drink coffee all night, come home and drink a huge mug and still go lay down and sleep like a rock.
I'd probably qualify being a smoker and I literally drink 2 pots of coffee a day NO PROBLEM. The funny thing is caffeine doesnt' keep me awake or make me more hyper. I work third shift and I can drink coffee all night, come home and drink a huge mug and still go lay down and sleep like a rock.
WILDDCHILDD75
06-24-2004, 10:21 AM
don't know where you live but i've always taken my boys to a county mental health. most of the county place handle retardation as well as add. you said you had been in the military. what branch? my husband is in the navy and he has a hard time learning and we r scared to have him tested to find out if he has a learning problem. but anyway get ur phone book and look under the county you live in and see if they have a mental health service. (takes a while to get in). good luck
brainf0g
06-24-2004, 08:43 PM
I'd probably qualify being a smoker and I literally drink 2 pots of coffee a day NO PROBLEM. The funny thing is caffeine doesnt' keep me awake or make me more hyper. I work third shift and I can drink coffee all night, come home and drink a huge mug and still go lay down and sleep like a rock.
Drinking caffeine before bed is very common in people with AD/HD.
Drinking caffeine before bed is very common in people with AD/HD.
index.html
06-25-2004, 07:00 PM
Im really not worried about going for repetitive visits, where im having problems is getting diagnosed.
I would think the best place to start would be with a family/general practice physician. Tell him your symptoms and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Calling psychiatrists on your own to ask if they diagnose ADD probably makes them suspicious that you are just looking for drugs. To help avoid that suspician, I'd get a referral from a GP.
Good luck!
I would think the best place to start would be with a family/general practice physician. Tell him your symptoms and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Calling psychiatrists on your own to ask if they diagnose ADD probably makes them suspicious that you are just looking for drugs. To help avoid that suspician, I'd get a referral from a GP.
Good luck!