While you are waiting for a ADHD diagnosis, there are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms such as try a change in diet, exercise, and take supplements such as fish oil. You don't need a prescription (or even a diagnosis) to try alternative ADHD treatments. Some people find non-drug ADHD treatments to be very effective.

You may also want to read these articles to insure you get a correct diagnosis from your doctor. Your ADHD Diagnosis: How to Make Sure it is Accurate

ADHD Diagnosis: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Who Can Diagnose ADHD?

Hang in there. Life will get better. I think you'll feel better just knowing that you are doing something to help yourself.

Dena

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You may also want to check with your insurance company and your local CHADD chapter if there is one in your area (go to www.chadd.org and you can find the closest one by clicking on your state) and see if there are any other doctors qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD. In the meantime, I would get a list of the symptoms and write down at least 2 specific examples of each symptom that you have that is a problem for you. For example, someone may say that they frequently lose their car keys and this has caused them to be late for work numerous times. Or I lost several jobs because I was always late to work or because I was so disorganized. I can never finish a book or I start numerous projects but never seem to be able to follow through and finish them.

This will help the doctor with the diagnosis and by being prepared, you won't have to worry that you will forget what you wanted to say. You have more time to think about it before the visit and it should make things go smoother. Be sure to include examples from when you were a child as well. You want to establish that these symptoms are not something new but have been a problem your whole life. Some doctors will dismiss the symptoms if you say you can't concentrate by attributing it to your depression so that's one of the reasons you need to establish that this is an ongoing problem and not just another symptom of depression. If you happen to have any old report cards that include comments about your tendency to daydream, or that you don't always turn in your assignments or apply yourself, etc., that would be a good idea to bring those with you as well. And don't forget to mention that your child was diagnosed with ADHD.

Good luck,

Elaine

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If you have nothing left to do, then please pray... I'm sure He will help you if you will just call him and sincerely ask what you really need...

God bless...

Take care...

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there is alot you can do prior to getting in to see a dr for dx. changing your diet as i saw posted in another response. sometimes it is not add, but symptoms caused by the foods and products we use. Try to get off processed foods and focus on whole foods and natural foods, organics. avoid dyes, high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients and preservatives. avoid the use of msg or nitrates. check out the feingold program. Also take a good omega 3, may want to look into ATTEND a natural alternative supplement that has alot of essential nutrients that are missing or lacking for someone with ADD. daily exercise, organization and structure to your daily life . get outside and get some vit d and be sure to get a good nights sleep. Make yourself a priority Many of these things will only help you. good luck! and god bless

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I have been diagnosed with ADHD. I also have Borderline Personality Disorder, high anxiety, and sever depression. I finally looked for help and got put on Abilify...when you add Strattera every thing is better. My question is, is there anyone else out there with a list of mental disabilities and ADHD? I am trying to figure out if instead of being hyperactive, i was an insomniac. Is that odd?

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My sonis fifteen years old and has adhd and never sleeps. It is normal for you to have both. It could also mean you are bipolar . You need to get on sleeping medication also but not all of them work. I feel like a guinne pig sometimes with my doctor because I have the same thing. Sometimes the doctor does not understand their might be more to your add or adhd that you have that is why it is important to talk it over about everything that you are expeirencing. I forget to do that sometimes. My son is out of control it takes six to eight weeks for him to get his medication after he sees the doctor. Which is really crazy because I dont know what he is going to do next. He hit the vice principal at his school which is a lady on top of it and is thrown out of school. Again this will be the fourth school he is going to this year. I am to the point I might have to put mine in Sheppard Pratt a mental facility. Which is the last thing I want to do to him. Goodluck. Take a hold of it now before it is to late.

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