These days, getting a diagnosis for anything is easy. The more difficult questions is... getting a quality evaluation, that leads to a quality differentiated diagnosis, which leads to quality treatment.

That question is not so easy to answer.

http://askdreric-schoolpsychologist.blogspot.com/

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You need to try another doc. There are GP's out there that are familiar with it.

If you have really good insurance, get a psyc that can dispense scripts. There are also specialty clinics in atlanta that do evening sessions for those who work. It can alll get expensive. Always ask if they have experience with adult ADHD. Don't say " I think I might be ADHD" on the phone. "Firmly ask"Do you have experience treating adult ADHD?" This helps avoid docs that say they don't believe it exists or that they don't treat it, after they have relieved you of your money. IF they do that, then you can report them to the state board for intent to defraud. I got my money back one that way. Took 3 docs to get a good one, good luck.....

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I remember being told the same thing, about having to have had the symptoms in childhood. The diagnostic criteria for ADD/ADHD is that some of the symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 7. I don't remember having trouble prior to about age 10 or 11. To go back that far, it's a good idea to ask a parent or caretaker from when you were that age. They may not believe or remember whether or not you had symptoms. My mother refuses to believe that I have ADD (even after a clinical diagnosis via screening) because my brother was diagnosed with ADHD around 7 or 8 and he was disruptive and messy and we were very different in that way. Also, a brain/head injury does have the potential to cause drastic changes in brain function and I believe it's possible that a head injury can cause a person to develop ADHD/ADD well after age 7. I, too, have developed almost-devastating memory problems. It's been over a year since my ADD diagnosis and in all honesty, I don't even believe in ADHD/ADD as a medical disorder/condition. I've tried to look into other medical reasons why I may be inattentive and forgetful. I've been treated for depression with no improvement, ADD with no improvement, hypothyroidism with no improvement. I've gotten to the point where I am going to ask my doctor (when I find one, since I've moved) to try an Alzheimer's medication called Namenda. I've heard of other people with ADD/ADHD who don't have Alzheimer's having good results with this drug. You could consider that with your doctor.

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