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New ADHD Diagnosis - What To Do?

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Thread : New ADHD Diagnosis - What To Do?
5 May 2008 @ 7:23 PM
ohhmama	Join Date: Mon 5th May 2008 Threads: 1 Posts: 0
New ADHD Diagnosis - What To Do? Hi! I am so glad to have found this site, and I have a question and I really hope to get a better opinion, as I can't stop worrying about this. I see a therapist for postpartum depression, and I am well on the road to recovery with that, but I was talking to her about going back to school, but afraid, because school has always been SO hard for me. She suggested that we go ahead and have a full neuropsychological exam done, so that we can see if I have any LD's, so we did, and since then I had a friend tell me that she thinks that I may have ADHD, so I started to research like crazy, and really saw myself in the stories that I read, I actually cried to my husband, because I felt like something has always been different about me, and here I was reading about other people that sound just like me. I got the results to my exam today (which they apparently tested me for ADHD with part of the exam) and the Dr told me that I have mild ADHD, and she told me that I excelled in most of the academics parts, and have an upper average IQ, which really surprised me, because I thought she was going to tell me that I have a lower than average IQ. Anyway, the problem is that I have always had this great fear that I am bipolar, not that there is anything wrong with being bipolar, it's just that for some reason I have a fear of it, so when I took the tests I made sure to minimize anything that might have to do with impulsivity, or hyperactivity, because at the time I was only taking the test to see if I have a LD. I told the lady this and she said that she caught a lot of my impulsivity in the testing, but I really feel like I may have altered the testing as she seemed to think that this is only a minor problem, that won't need medication, or much treatment, that I just might need to study harder, and test in a quiet area. Since taking the tests, I really believe that I have ADHD, and I want help with it so badly. I am so frustrated now, because I think I screwed up my results, by not being fully honest on my tests and with the Dr giving them. Here are my issues, that cause me to believe that I have ADHD, let me know what you think about me having it, and where I should go from here: -Impulsive shopping, I see something that I want and I just buy it, then later wonder why I can't control my shopping impulses. -overwhelmed by my toddlers, ie, my head feels like it's going to explode when they climb on me, and distract me from anything I am trying to focus on. -I spend hours each day on the computer, researching and with like 5 tabs open, and it is one of the only things that is relaxing for me. -My roommate before I was married was in her doctorate program for psychology and she told me she thought I had ADHD. -When I was a little girl, I couldn't stop talking... ever, still can't. I remember that I got in trouble constantly by my teachers, because I was turned around in my seat talking all the time. It was the main thing that they told my mom at parent-teacher conferences. Also, my mom would pay me in nail polish if I could try to stay quiet for 5 minutes, I couldn't ever do it. -I love to read, but when I am reading almost all textbooks, or anything that doesn't interest me, I can't focus, it's nearly impossible. -I can't remember anything, and I am always losing things. I have lost friends over this, and constantly hurt people's feelings, because I forget to call them back, or do something I said I would. -My mind is always running a million different directions, I am always changing the subject. -I get these huge ideas for projects, and business ideas, and then I impulsively go at them, until something else catches my eye, then Imove onto that. (This frustrates my husband to no end) I just can't finish them, I want to, but I can't. -I can no longer do the laundry, wash the dishes, or do other mundane tasks, because of the distractions from my toddlers. -I can't sit and focus on my toddler boys much at all, and I want to so bad, but I can't. -My husband says that I am always deep in thought, and he has to say my name several times sometimes, to get me to hear him. -I can not sit and do nothing, I always have to be reading a book I enjoy, or be on the internet, or have my ipod in, otherwise I just feel overwhelmed. There is so much more, but I feel like I am beating a dead horse, so I hope this is enough info for any of you to give me some advice. I felt so relieved reading about ADHD and feeling like this explained away my whole life, and now the Dr says it sounds like a very mild case. I feel like it is more than mild, and I want help. How accurate are those exams? Can you alter them? What do you think? Thank you so much for reading this! Ohhmama Quote

Thread : New ADHD Diagnosis - What To Do?

5 May 2008 @ 7:23 PM

ohhmama

Join Date: Mon 5th May 2008
Threads: 1 Posts: 0

New ADHD Diagnosis - What To Do?

Hi!

I am so glad to have found this site, and I have a question and I really hope to get a better opinion, as I can't stop worrying about this. I see a therapist for postpartum depression, and I am well on the road to recovery with that, but I was talking to her about going back to school, but afraid, because school has always been SO hard for me. She suggested that we go ahead and have a full neuropsychological exam done, so that we can see if I have any LD's, so we did, and since then I had a friend tell me that she thinks that I may have ADHD, so I started to research like crazy, and really saw myself in the stories that I read, I actually cried to my husband, because I felt like something has always been different about me, and here I was reading about other people that sound just like me. I got the results to my exam today (which they apparently tested me for ADHD with part of the exam) and the Dr told me that I have mild ADHD, and she told me that I excelled in most of the academics parts, and have an upper average IQ, which really surprised me, because I thought she was going to tell me that I have a lower than average IQ. Anyway, the problem is that I have always had this great fear that I am bipolar, not that there is anything wrong with being bipolar, it's just that for some reason I have a fear of it, so when I took the tests I made sure to minimize anything that might have to do with impulsivity, or hyperactivity, because at the time I was only taking the test to see if I have a LD. I told the lady this and she said that she caught a lot of my impulsivity in the testing, but I really feel like I may have altered the testing as she seemed to think that this is only a minor problem, that won't need medication, or much treatment, that I just might need to study harder, and test in a quiet area.

Since taking the tests, I really believe that I have ADHD, and I want help with it so badly. I am so frustrated now, because I think I screwed up my results, by not being fully honest on my tests and with the Dr giving them. Here are my issues, that cause me to believe that I have ADHD, let me know what you think about me having it, and where I should go from here: -Impulsive shopping, I see something that I want and I just buy it, then later wonder why I can't control my shopping impulses. -overwhelmed by my toddlers, ie, my head feels like it's going to explode when they climb on me, and distract me from anything I am trying to focus on. -I spend hours each day on the computer, researching and with like 5 tabs open, and it is one of the only things that is relaxing for me. -My roommate before I was married was in her doctorate program for psychology and she told me she thought I had ADHD. -When I was a little girl, I couldn't stop talking... ever, still can't. I remember that I got in trouble constantly by my teachers, because I was turned around in my seat talking all the time. It was the main thing that they told my mom at parent-teacher conferences. Also, my mom would pay me in nail polish if I could try to stay quiet for 5 minutes, I couldn't ever do it. -I love to read, but when I am reading almost all textbooks, or anything that doesn't interest me, I can't focus, it's nearly impossible. -I can't remember anything, and I am always losing things. I have lost friends over this, and constantly hurt people's feelings, because I forget to call them back, or do something I said I would. -My mind is always running a million different directions, I am always changing the subject. -I get these huge ideas for projects, and business ideas, and then I impulsively go at them, until something else catches my eye, then Imove onto that. (This frustrates my husband to no end) I just can't finish them, I want to, but I can't. -I can no longer do the laundry, wash the dishes, or do other mundane tasks, because of the distractions from my toddlers. -I can't sit and focus on my toddler boys much at all, and I want to so bad, but I can't. -My husband says that I am always deep in thought, and he has to say my name several times sometimes, to get me to hear him. -I can not sit and do nothing, I always have to be reading a book I enjoy, or be on the internet, or have my ipod in, otherwise I just feel overwhelmed. There is so much more, but I feel like I am beating a dead horse, so I hope this is enough info for any of you to give me some advice. I felt so relieved reading about ADHD and feeling like this explained away my whole life, and now the Dr says it sounds like a very mild case. I feel like it is more than mild, and I want help. How accurate are those exams? Can you alter them? What do you think?

Thank you so much for reading this! Ohhmama

Quote

6 May 2008 @ 8:34 PM Reply # 1
Elaine20	Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007 Threads: 3 Posts: 150
New ADHD Diagnosis Ohhmama, From all that you have described, it appears you have ADHD but I wouldn't call it mild. If it has caused you the problems that you mentioned, affecting your academics, your family and relationships, your domestic responsiblities, etc, it is hardly insignificant. Testing is fine for learning disabilities but it is not the recommended approach to diagnosing ADHD. It can offer some additional insight but the primary method of evaluation is taken from an account of your history that you provide and someone who is close to you, such as your husband, can also help by reporting symptoms that he has noticed. I was recently diagnosed (the other members of my family have it and were diagnosed several years ago) with the inattentive type of ADHD, just last month. I had already known a lot about ADHD and had read dozens of books and magazines on it but I didn't think I had it. When my son was at his last doctor visit, the doctor was telling us something that got me thinking about the possibility that I might have it. He told us about a research study that compared individuals with and without ADHD who had the same IQ. They found that the individuals with ADHD were one school behind the others who didn't have ADHD. The individual with ADHD might graduate with a bachelor's degree but the individual without would have a Master's degree or more. Those with ADHD did not attain the same level of education as the others who had the same IQ. That really clicked with me because although I have a bachelor's degree, I have always felt that I wasn't smart enough to go further. I felt too stupid to write a good paper and like you, I had trouble focusing or remembering what I read in textbooks that didn't interest me. I love to read though and my IQ is over 140. According to my IQ I should have no problem getting a Ph.D. and am capable of becoming a leading math or physics professor at a university!! When I read that, I definitely knew something was wrong. I also came to understand how my high IQ and the ways I compensated for my weak areas masked my ADHD. I also had a lot of anxiety growing up which also countered some of the ADHD. Since I've had my anxiety treated with medication, I have noticed more ADHD symptoms. I talked to my doctor and he agreed it was very likely I had ADHD. However, since I had previously indicated that I felt I did not have ADHD several years ago at my first doctor visit, he said he would need a good bit of documentation from me. He told me to get the book, "Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and read it. Then I went through the ADHD criteria (you need the most recent criteria list with the 18 criteria as the book has an older version) and gave examples of each of the symptoms that I had. (Others can help you as sometimes they notice things about you that you don't). I also wrote a letter, somewhat like your introductory post, that described some of my symptoms and how I felt. All together I had 5 typed pages to present to the doctor. He was rather impressed. (By the way, when you read the book, there is also a list for adult ADHD symptoms but officially there is no separate adult criteria yet. So I incorporated some of the things mentioned in the adult criteria list into my letter.) The doctor told me that once I was on medication I would find out just how smart I really am. He also gave me this analogy of what it is like for someone with ADHD who tries medication for the first time. He said I have a nice Lexus that I have been driving around for a while and then (when I go on the meds), I realize that the parking brake has been on all the time that I have been driving it. Someone else here at this forum said that having ADHD was like driving in the rain without your windshield wipers on. Both of those analogies make a lot of sense to me now. I have gone on the medication and I'm amazed at what I have been able to accomplish. I even have more self confidence. I can work faster and more efficiently, I am able to think more clearly, to prioritize and not get distracted by unimportant things. I do many more things that I used to procrastinate about. And it's only been two weeks! I would suggest you do the same, regarding reading the book I mentioned and documenting your symptoms that match the criteria. I don't think you should have a problem getting treatment if you present that to your doctor. And if she still is unwilling to treat you, I would find another doctor. I am 47 years old and I have had a few people ask me why should i bother to get treated now if I managed to cope for all those years. My response is that I like being able to think more clearly, to comprehend what I read better and to work more efficiently both at home and at work. If you had found out that you needed glasses at age 47 (and had the same vision problems since you were a child but didn't realize it), would you not be thrilled to get glasses and finally be able to see better? And who knows, I'm considering pursuing more education in some areas that have interested me. I have found that in many areas you have to be pro-active. Sometimes doctors don't want to take the time to really consider what is wrong or to help you. Do your research and provide the information that spells it all out for them. Makes their job easier too. And you will learn a lot in the process. If I can help you out in any way, feel free to email me at elaine5687@comcast.net or you can send me a private message on this forum. Good luck. I hope you are able to get some help soon. It is definitely worth it!! You and your husband and children will benefit from your treatment. Sorry this post was so long but I had so much I wanted to say to you. Elaine Quote

6 May 2008 @ 8:34 PM Reply # 1

Elaine20

Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007
Threads: 3 Posts: 150

New ADHD Diagnosis

Ohhmama,

From all that you have described, it appears you have ADHD but I wouldn't call it mild. If it has caused you the problems that you mentioned, affecting your academics, your family and relationships, your domestic responsiblities, etc, it is hardly insignificant.

Testing is fine for learning disabilities but it is not the recommended approach to diagnosing ADHD. It can offer some additional insight but the primary method of evaluation is taken from an account of your history that you provide and someone who is close to you, such as your husband, can also help by reporting symptoms that he has noticed.

I was recently diagnosed (the other members of my family have it and were diagnosed several years ago) with the inattentive type of ADHD, just last month. I had already known a lot about ADHD and had read dozens of books and magazines on it but I didn't think I had it. When my son was at his last doctor visit, the doctor was telling us something that got me thinking about the possibility that I might have it. He told us about a research study that compared individuals with and without ADHD who had the same IQ. They found that the individuals with ADHD were one school behind the others who didn't have ADHD. The individual with ADHD might graduate with a bachelor's degree but the individual without would have a Master's degree or more. Those with ADHD did not attain the same level of education as the others who had the same IQ. That really clicked with me because although I have a bachelor's degree, I have always felt that I wasn't smart enough to go further. I felt too stupid to write a good paper and like you, I had trouble focusing or remembering what I read in textbooks that didn't interest me. I love to read though and my IQ is over 140. According to my IQ I should have no problem getting a Ph.D. and am capable of becoming a leading math or physics professor at a university!! When I read that, I definitely knew something was wrong.

I also came to understand how my high IQ and the ways I compensated for my weak areas masked my ADHD. I also had a lot of anxiety growing up which also countered some of the ADHD. Since I've had my anxiety treated with medication, I have noticed more ADHD symptoms.

I talked to my doctor and he agreed it was very likely I had ADHD. However, since I had previously indicated that I felt I did not have ADHD several years ago at my first doctor visit, he said he would need a good bit of documentation from me. He told me to get the book, "Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and read it. Then I went through the ADHD criteria (you need the most recent criteria list with the 18 criteria as the book has an older version) and gave examples of each of the symptoms that I had. (Others can help you as sometimes they notice things about you that you don't). I also wrote a letter, somewhat like your introductory post, that described some of my symptoms and how I felt. All together I had 5 typed pages to present to the doctor. He was rather impressed. (By the way, when you read the book, there is also a list for adult ADHD symptoms but officially there is no separate adult criteria yet. So I incorporated some of the things mentioned in the adult criteria list into my letter.)

The doctor told me that once I was on medication I would find out just how smart I really am. He also gave me this analogy of what it is like for someone with ADHD who tries medication for the first time. He said I have a nice Lexus that I have been driving around for a while and then (when I go on the meds), I realize that the parking brake has been on all the time that I have been driving it. Someone else here at this forum said that having ADHD was like driving in the rain without your windshield wipers on. Both of those analogies make a lot of sense to me now. I have gone on the medication and I'm amazed at what I have been able to accomplish. I even have more self confidence. I can work faster and more efficiently, I am able to think more clearly, to prioritize and not get distracted by unimportant things. I do many more things that I used to procrastinate about. And it's only been two weeks!

I would suggest you do the same, regarding reading the book I mentioned and documenting your symptoms that match the criteria. I don't think you should have a problem getting treatment if you present that to your doctor. And if she still is unwilling to treat you, I would find another doctor. I am 47 years old and I have had a few people ask me why should i bother to get treated now if I managed to cope for all those years. My response is that I like being able to think more clearly, to comprehend what I read better and to work more efficiently both at home and at work. If you had found out that you needed glasses at age 47 (and had the same vision problems since you were a child but didn't realize it), would you not be thrilled to get glasses and finally be able to see better? And who knows, I'm considering pursuing more education in some areas that have interested me.

I have found that in many areas you have to be pro-active. Sometimes doctors don't want to take the time to really consider what is wrong or to help you. Do your research and provide the information that spells it all out for them. Makes their job easier too. And you will learn a lot in the process.

If I can help you out in any way, feel free to email me at elaine5687@comcast.net or you can send me a private message on this forum. Good luck. I hope you are able to get some help soon. It is definitely worth it!! You and your husband and children will benefit from your treatment.

Sorry this post was so long but I had so much I wanted to say to you.

Elaine

Quote

30 May 2008 @ 1:21 AM Reply # 2
THATSWEDE	Join Date: Fri 30th May 2008 Threads: 0 Posts: 0
oklahoma welome home girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is the most important think i can sayl...you are not crazy, you are not lazy, you are not stupid. if you want a masters and you are FOCUSED on it, it is yours. dont let anyone tell you diifferent. now i lve my reg familly practice dr BUT he not my psychiatrist. not should he be. you go to whomever you feel most comfortalble. it sounds like you have good support from your hubby, which is great. i went thru that crap inschool where i was always talking an always in trouble. Im tired, excuse the spelling is wrong. lol. im 52 and just opening up to a whole new world where i dont feel the loser anymore. its heaven. find someone you trust, most important. i mean, they are taking care of your brain and emotions here. please let me know how you come out.. if you would like some support, i am annie.marko@yahoo.com. good luck sweetie! Quote

30 May 2008 @ 1:21 AM Reply # 2

THATSWEDE

Join Date: Fri 30th May 2008
Threads: 0 Posts: 0

oklahoma

welome home girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is the most important think i can sayl...you are not crazy, you are not lazy, you are not stupid. if you want a masters and you are FOCUSED on it, it is yours. dont let anyone tell you diifferent. now i lve my reg familly practice dr BUT he not my psychiatrist. not should he be. you go to whomever you feel most comfortalble. it sounds like you have good support from your hubby, which is great. i went thru that crap inschool where i was always talking an always in trouble. Im tired, excuse the spelling is wrong. lol. im 52 and just opening up to a whole new world where i dont feel the loser anymore. its heaven. find someone you trust, most important. i mean, they are taking care of your brain and emotions here. please let me know how you come out.. if you would like some support, i am annie.marko@yahoo.com. good luck sweetie!

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