Re: Newly diagnosed, now what??

[billd]

>>From what I’ve read it seems that diagnoses seems to come mainly from mental health professionals or neuropsychologists. <<

That’s my personal thinking. the proper thing is to DISCOUNT any other possible causes that may respond to the same meds.

They need to rule all other causes, dozens of them, try to prove it’s something else, and failing that, then give the ADD diagnosis.

I went through 3 levels. The family doc who spent 10 minutes, then diagnosed and prescribed. He missed the mark BIG TIME in the meds, etc.

Next was a specialist in such things, mental health, etc. and was an expert at meds used for treating ADD (among other things) She said after reviewing the results of a 90 minute interview session and chatting with me she had no doubt.

Finally, on to a neuro-psychologist who grilled me with test after test, interviews, etc. for 4 hours and 30 minutes.

He ruled out brain damage, difficult birth, depression, and all sorts of other things that can mimic ADD VERY closely.

He studied all my past records, school records and history, medical records, law enforcement records, marriage history, family histories of all illnesses, including mental illnesses, depression, etc.

Then finally, came the result. Not only got a “very ADHD combined sub-type” diagnosis, but he showed other things that went along with it, etc.

What the sleep doc said, what that fellow said, and what the ADD person said all fit like pieces to a giant puzzle, and they all agreed on a treatment plan that would address almost all issues! FAR FAR better than the family doc did.

TooFat is right – but I’d take it one step further – do you feel comfortable? Will that simple test stand up if you are challenged in the future?

Can you live with it?

I could not – I need to know MORE. I wanted to know every last detail – I wanted proof that there was no other thing acting causing it – even though I myself knew it was ADD – I wanted others to prove it beyond doubt as much as is possible using today’s tools.

They did just that and in the process, gave me a diagnosis that will stand almost any scrutiny, stand up in court, stand up to the critics at work, fit in my employee records, etc. and that it would be near impossible to question. It also proves I’m not “suffering” from some other illness or malady that may be hiding or lurking.

Now I know. Now I can personally move forward with any and all treatment knowing full well I’ve not missed anything and everyone, including myself gave it our all and didn’t stop too soon.

That’s ME, that’s what I personally wanted. Like my car friends tell me – I’m anal – when I work on a problem or project, I look under all rocks, make sure there are no possible surprises, no possible “other explanations” that were missed. I’ve got a reputation of being so picky that I repair and restore things to the Nth degree of pickyness and perfection. I hope I do so for myself as well.

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