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Hi all my name is becca and my counslor wants me to get tested for ADHD or ADD I know nothing about this but my doctor refered me to a shrink to be tested is this normal? What can I expect to happen? How much testing is involved and how do I know if I have it? I've always just assumed everyone felt like me but could control it better. Am I sick in the head more than I thought? I already have major depressive disorder as well as PTSD is it possible to gave ADD also. Maybe I've already reached my qouta!
Please fill me in I am so uneducated in this arena. Thanks becca
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Avatar universal
Hi I am 41 yrs old and I am ADHD I was in denial for many yrs and would not get help but my wife helped me brake the ice with it but I will tell you it's not abnormal to feel the way you feel because I was in yr shoes at one time once you go and see the Dr and he or she says that you are ADHD it's not the end of the world I take vyvanse for it and I feel 100% better there are many of mess out there for it but I find that this one is the best but there are many people out there that don't even know that they suffer from ADHD but it's just something that you have to adjust to I have a 8 yr old doughter that has it to yeah she more than Lilly got from my bloodline my mom has it and I got it from here but all and all don't fear it it's just something in life we can get help for......Tim
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Avatar universal
I had to go through a plethora of testing for my ADD.  They actually thought I was having silent seizures because I kept zoning out in class.  Then again, I was tested when I was 8 years old.  But, like most people will tell you, ADD/ADHD is overly diagnosed in this day and age.  Some just use it as an excuse when their kids are obnoxious and out of control.  On a side note, be very careful with the meds if they decide to prescribe them to you.  I highly recommend Concerta.  Aderol is fine, but it messed me up pretty good.  I guess it depends on how your body reacts to it.  But the end all be all for me was Concerta, still is.  

Happy trails.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   I have seem some really great posts by people with ADHD/ADD.  I usually thank them for their input and ask them to keep posting.  There is just no way, that I could ever have the experience they have had.  Typically, they will post a couple of times - and then just seem to lose interest - or maybe its a function of having ADHD?  Anyway, I do wish that there were more people posting.  Also, most people who post here are ones worried about their kids.   Over on the child behavior forum, there are always a lot of different people helping, and I think that the different opinions are important.  But ya, lately, it seems to be only me - which is getting kind of tiring.  Anyway- to answer your question -
  As you know - amphetamines, can be quite addicting.  However, if you have ADHD, it typically isn't - or we would have about 10 millions kids hooked on it.   If you tried it, and didn't get the rush that's normal, I think it would be a sign you have some form of AD/HD.  While you may not want to mention it to your doctor, It might be worth mentioning it to your "shrink" (probably after a session or two and you hopefully feel comfortable with him).  Hope that helps - and feel free to add your own input to the forum :)
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Avatar universal
Sandman thanks so much for the info I like to know what to expect. It's to bad that there isn't a blood test or something that could tell me. So I don't want to put you off by this but I am going to trust that I won't. I did methamphetamine a few times and when I did I felt clearheaded and could focus for obvious reasons meth is a bad choice but does this indicate anything? I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing that info with my doctor but am interested in what you think. I read some posts here and it seems you carry the forum for the most part, what's up with that. Are there so few ADD people? Becca
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Ok, you will have to use the reference as a google search.  For some reason this site won't print the link.  By the way, I have never used the test.  But it will give you a feeling for what your psyc might ask you.  Or just go in with no preconceived notions.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Not sure why the reference for the  online test came out that way.  I think that you can get to it by a google search, but here is the site - http://************.com/addquiz.htm
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Actually becca, you may be less sick in the head than you think.  From the book,  "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley comes the quote that 10 to 30% of children with AD/HD are thought to have depression.  She goes on to say, " As the children grow from year to year, they become more aware of their differences from others and their inability to fit in. leading to an increased risk for depression."  My own experience from being on this forum the last 4 years is that those kids/teens who have been undiagnosed, but actually have AD/HD - can indeed become very depressed.  It is possible that if this diagnosis holds for you, it could explain a lot about how you feel.
  Probably one of the hardest parts of ADHD/ADD to diagnose is ADD in girls with enough intelligence to get by in school with B's or C's.  The hyper little boys always get noticed immediately.  Failing kids get noticed.  The kids just making it - when they really could/should be doing much better, tend to slip under the radar.
  I am very glad to hear your doctor is sending you to a shrink.  Many times doctors will try to handle this their selves and they really aren't trained to do so.  There are two types of shrinks.  Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Because a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed, I tend to favor those.  But the main thing is that the shrink is experienced in dealing with someone of your age.  I am guessing that since no mention is made of parental permission that you are over 18.  So you want someone who has experience in this age category.
  For kids, the typical exam involves questionnaires that are sent to parent and teachers.
That obviously will not happen in your case.  Searching through my long list of references I have a few that might help you.
   First an online test - http://************.com/addquiz.htm
   Second a list of references - http://jeffsaddmind.com/resources
   Third - an adult ADD site with lots of information from people with ADD -                                http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
    Fourth is a pretty detailed site with tons of information.  Its aimed for parents, but the information on diagnoses and treatments is top notch. Also tons of info here.
        http://www.healing-arts.org/children/ADHD/#ADD

   Don't try and go through all of this stuff at once - its just too much.  Probably, the main thing that you should realize is that ADD is very treatable by a variety of techniques.  It could explain at least some of the things that have been bothering you.  And if you don't have it - that eliminates something that doctors would have to worry about in getting you more help.  Kudos to your counselor for the suggestion, and to your doctor for pointing you towards someone who has experience in this area.    Best wishes and if you have any more questions, I will monitor this post.  Good Luck!!


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