ADHD
My TDoc says that I have ADHD and I need to talk with my PDoc when I see him next. I know the TDoc can't diagnose but she said she is really sure that I have it. So what are the methods to deal with ADHD and what drugs are used for this. I want to go into the PDoc which as much info as possible.
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Hey Thor i have ADHD as well! My TDOC also suggested I get tested. At the time my TDOC and my PDOC were in the same practice so they were able to arrange a test to be done. I'm not sure which of the meds I take is for ADHD but it's nice to know why things are happening. I hope you feel better Thor.
My Pdoc is phoning it in. Still charging me for an office visit though. Nice. Hmm
How are you tested for ADHD? Is there some sort of written test or is it multiple choice? I know that my mind races all the time. More so when I am in mania but even in depression, it races.
Deckard - Mine are both still live and in person. No phoning it in.
I don't know if this helps but I take medication for ADHD despite not being diagnoised with it because I have trouble/ problems concentrating or focusing for long periods of times as my mind is always racing as well, hope this helps a bit and that you end up figuring what the proper disgnosis is :)
I would seriously, seriously talk to your Pdoc about this before you rely on the Tdoc. A diagnosis of ADHD at your age, among all of your other diagnosis is rare, because there are common symptoms between them all. Tdoc's mean well, but they are not trained to Diagnose, especially when it comes to multiple Diagnosis Situations.
The medications to treat ADHD are Amphetamines, Stimulants, Methamphetamine's and a couple of newer generation Norepinephrine and/or Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors that do not generally work well for most people with your other Diagnosis both medical and mental.
A racing mind is more a symptom of BiPolar than it is of ADHD.
The following are criteria of symptoms that have to be met for someone to be Diagnosed as ADHD:
Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:
o Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work, or with other activities.
o Often has trouble holding attention on tasks.
o Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
o Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
o Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
o Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
o Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. work materials, tools, paperwork, wallets, keys, glasses, cell phones).
o Is often easily distracted
o Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:
o Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
o Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
o Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
o Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
o Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
o Often talks excessively.
o Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
o Often has trouble waiting their turn.
o Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
• Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
• Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
• There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, or work functioning.
• The symptoms are not better explained by another currently mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
Talk to your Pdoc about this, before you put too much time into overthinking what your Tdoc is saying Spencer.
OLDerCPer - I have several of those symptoms but not all. Some (many) describe me to a "T"
Yep and if you take the ones you have and then cross-reference them between symptoms of BiPolar Disorder symptoms, Anxiety Symptoms and PTSD Symptoms you'll probably find that many if not all end up on the same lists...so it gets very difficult.
For someone at your age to successfully do the Career you've done your entire adult life while having ADHD without treatment would be what most professionals would call...."Case Worthy."
While ADHD has many of the same symptoms as other Mental Illnesses it makes the brain act in quite a different way, and it's a very noticeable way when it comes to work, school work and concentrating on projects/activities.
I raised a child who was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the young age of 3 and then progressed down to Adult ADD. Its a very noticeable Disorder and the way it affects the brain and how the person is able to perform tasks or control their attention span is quite distinctive.
All I'm saying is, talk to your Pdoc and make sure he's on the same track and there is something to this.
I've had it my whole life it didn't get diagnosed until I was 45. Meds helped me to stay on track and retrain my brain. I learned a lot of coping strategies that really helped me. It's overcome-able and can make you quieter and more peaceful.
Thanks everyone. Lot to think about. The forgetfulness and attention span are so me that it is is scary. Remember that my career enabled a lot of my mental issues.
I have gone out and tried to find info on ADHD ahead of my meeting with the PDoc. I did not understand the term and what it entails. There were quite a few online quizzes to see if you have ADHD. So after taking my tenth quiz, I was a little disheartened by the scores. Each scored very highly in ADHD. I did some other poking around about how PDocs was thinking about ADHD and came across the idea of neurodiversity and that ADHD is not "broke" but "different." I like that idea as I have brought forward different and non-traditional solutions to problems often. I think ADHD also works with my need to be in the center of chaos. I loathe the idea of yet another disorder to be diagnosed with, but it seems to fit me well.