Re: 99% sure I'm ADHD & now I have to circumnavigate getting diagnosed?? Cruel joke!

[Anonymous]

Hi Stash,

Don’t underestimate the value of a good diagnosis by an ADD specialist – yes, I paid out of pocket for my assessment, but it was worth it. I wonder whether or not you will be able to get adequate assessment and treatment without having a family doctor? Many ADD specialists just assess, but don’t take adult patients.

I started this whole process back in March of this year, I think. Made it through three assessment appointments (got in early because of cancellations), but the process is now stalled – yes, I have textbook ADD, but the psychiatrist says I need to have a sleep study before he’ll issue his final report. Apparently sleep disorders and other sleep issues can present as ADD.

I just had my sleep study – after three attempts to get referred for that by my family doc, two clinics never contacted me (I had to go to another city for my consultation, study and followup), the wait for an appointment with the sleep specialist for a consultation took 2 months (and they have 7 specialists on staff, it’s a big clinic), but after seeing him, he determined my case was urgent and I got a sleep study a week later. Now I have to wait 3 weeks for the report and followup. Then back to my family doc, then back to the ADD specialist. According to the sleep specialist, I have textbook narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It can co-exist with ADD, but the treatment will be to treat the most prominent disorder first, and then treat any residual (remaining) symptoms.

Be prepared for a long wait. But if you do have ADD, I’m told that proper treatment can improve the quality of your life significantly.

REPORT ABUSE