Newly diagnosed, now what??

[Anonymous]

My psychiatrist whom I’ve been seeing for three years now, prescribed me Vyvanse 3 weeks ago after he discussed the possibility of me having ADD. Based on the ADHD Self Report Scale, he was convinced that I presented as an ADD adult. I noticed an improvement immediately with the meds. Wow! I am amazed at how “calm and focussed” my brain is. I saw him again today and I wanted him to confirm my diagnosis and he only vaguely answered my question by saying, based on my history, the information he’s gathered, my test results and the fact that meds have significantly helped me improve all around, he turned the question back to me and said: “What more proof do you need?”. So, I suppose I’ve been officially diagnosed. Would you agree??

REPORT ABUSE

[Anonymous]

I encountered something similar after recently accessing counselling under my insurance for concentration, memory and hearing issues. Was told by two different counselors that I had inattentive ADHD, I met with a medical physician who’s having me get blood testing. All three stated based on the information I provided that its strong for ADHD. I too thought by the time I got to the MD that there would be more testing of some sort.

Basically, I’m diagnosed too. But I am looking into testing for Auditory Processing Disorder as well. If the blood tests are clear, they’re talking non-stimulant meds for me. I’m relieved for the diagnosis but I had come to an acceptance in the past 10 years that something was out of sync and not “my fault” or “being lazy”. Although I feel stupid most of the time, I figured there was an organic (pathology) reason for it. Just finally got tired enough of the struggle to concentrate to figure out what it is. From what I’ve read it seems that diagnoses seems to come mainly from mental health professionals or neuropsychologists. Anyone else have anything to contribute on this?

REPORT ABUSE

[Anonymous]

I would, if it were me………..be guided by whether I, was comfortable or not……..I would not concern myself with what anybody else thought, I have to live with it, and we are as unique as snowflakes……..sooooo……..the question may be …….are you comfortable????

If so…… onward…..

Toofat

REPORT ABUSE

[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.

REPORT ABUSE

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I trust my psychiatrist’s judgement, he’s very knowledgeable when it comes to ADHD (he’s actually giving a presentation to other health professionals next week on the subject). I also know that he’s been gathering info for awhile now, making sure that he diagnoses me correctly. 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with depression. I’ve been seeing him regularly since then and also dealing with anxiety. No antidepressants worked for me. I always questionned my husband and psychiatrist to see if they noticed an improvement in my mood. Couldn’t really tell for myself. With ADD meds, I noticed an improvement right away. I guess I assume I was diagnosed correctly but like “billd” said, I’m also the type to overanalyse and want solid proof. I have been a little anal myself about this whole thing, trying to find anything and everything on the subjetc, wanting to attend presentations on the subject and doing all kinds of things to educate myself and try to figure out if it could be anything else. Truth is, when he brought it up and I started educating myself, I had a HUGE “aha” moment, realizing that OMG, NOW I get it. This makes so much sense to me!!

Thanks for responding!

I see my psychiatrist in 2 weeks, I will certainly ask him a gazillion questions again (he knows I question just about EVERYTHING!). He’s used to it!

REPORT ABUSE

[Author]

Posts