…We encourage you to become an expert on how ADD shows up in your life…

[Anonymous]

GREAT, I’d love to!!! How do I go about doing that? Where do I begin?

I was recently diagnosed just before my 50th birthday. I’m thrilled to have the diagnosis! – it’s a validation of things I’ve felt my whole life.

I’m full of questions and no idea where to start. First is how do I find an ADD specialist? My primary care doctor just gave me Adderall and told me to research ADD. Seems strange, since I don’t think she’d give me a prescription and tell me to go research diabetes…

The email I just received from Totally ADD, said “We encourage you to become an expert on how ADD shows up in your life and what you can do about that.” Sounds like a great plan – can anybody help a Phoenix, AZ sister out with how and where to start this particular journey?

Thanks so much!

B

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[ipsofacto]

Put a comfortable chair in front of the computer; you’ll spend a lot of time sitting there figuring it all out.

I was only diagnosed a few months ago at 55, and the internet has been a big help in figuring out what it all means and what to do about it.

From my experience and what I’ve read, it’s best to find a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD. Also you need to research and decide what type of therapy looks best for you, and find a therapist that has that approach. to treatment. The Pdoc will want to do their own assessment, which might take a few sessions. Seems that most of us have some emotional baggage in addition to our ADD, that we need help with. I found my psychiatrist here http://psychiatrists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php?utm_source=www&utm_medium=speclink&utm_campaign=topnav_find_psychiatrist

Forums can be a big help, but bear in mind that people who are not having problems tend not to post on medical forums, so the prognosis may be a bit brighter than forum reading might suggest.

Interesting times…..

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[wolfshades]

LetterB: you don’t state where you live. ipsofacto’s link doesn’t show any results for ADHD psychiatrists in Ontario Canada (from which many of us are posting) so you’re not in the U.S. you may want to do a quick google search on “psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD in….(whatever your location is)”. In Toronto, there are a couple of places, one of which is called “The ADHD Clinic” and there’s another center as well.

P.S. ipsofacto is right: there’s a *lot* to learn, starting right here with the blogs and forums on this site. Welcome (?) to the club, by the way. : ) (The question mark is there because some view it as a curse, while others see it as a means of finally getting on track to do something in life more in keeping with the strengths afforded by ADHD. Lots of entrepreneurs in our little club. Also a lot of entertainers and other creative sorts.)

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[Anonymous]

Read……read….read…..and read…………think about who you are how your life has unfolded so far….write it down…..look at it……really look at it, and understand your experience to date…….. know who you are, be come intimate with yourself and your traits!! Then, if your not sure read some more….next…..consult a medical professional, or a Shrink….or both By the time you know if you need to see a Dr. you will/should have enough information to be useful to each other……..

Going empty handed, with just your hat in your hand, will likely be frustrating and unsatisfying……to both of you.

Toofat

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[Author]

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