Reply To: Help me – Help my son

[blackdog]

@mcd

I can understand how you feel. But in defense of the doctors, ADHD is very difficult to diagnose. It is a spectrum disorder and it effects everyone differently. And it looks like so many other things. Also, there are still a lot of people out there who don’t believe it exists. And it can be very hard to find what you need on the Internet when you don’t know what you are looking for. But you have come to the right place now.

First, I suggest that your son read as much as possible about ADHD himself and learn about the diagnostic procedure and treatment options. Knowledge is power and it can help to ease the fear. There are self tests available online that are very similar to the ones the psych will use in the assessment. You can find links to some of them on this site. They will give him an idea of what to expect.

Second, try find a doctor who specializes in ADHD. If you can find one who specializes in diagnosing and treating adults that would be even better. You need someone who is knowledgable and understanding.

I am not sure what kind of “messing with his head” it is that he’s afraid of. Is it talking to the psychiatrist? Or is it the medications?

As far as the psych goes, he will probably only have to go 2 or 3 times at the most and he never has to go to see a psych again if he doesn’t want to. He may have to answer a few uncomfortable questions and it is best to be completely honest. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. But it’s relatively painless.

And as for medication, there are many different options to choose from. If he is not comfortable with some of them then he doesn’t have to try those ones. And of he is worried that it will somehow change who he is, it won’t. If he is taking the right medication at the right dosage it should only make him more able to be himself, to be the person he is capable of being when the ADHD doesn’t get in the way. He can also choose not to take medication at all. Many people are able to cope without it.

What is most important is that he develop some coping strategies. If he does have ADHD he will always have it. So he needs to learn how to live with it. Exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, activities to reduce stress, etc. will help. What he needs will depend on his unique set of symptoms and his circumstances.

And last but not least, take care of yourself. Being so stressed is not good for your health.

If you have any more questions please post them here. You are not alone. 🙂

 

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