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3:29 pm
January 25, 2011
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Cindy Scheible
| | Southwestern Ontario | |
| New Member | posts 2 | |
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I'm wondering what the assessment process entails. My boys' pediatrician gave me forms to give to their school and the teachers filled them out. According to the forms, they were diagnosed ADHD and have been on Biphentin ever since (almost 2 years now). They seem to do ok on the meds, but I'm just wondering if there is anything else that I should do to actually confirm this diagnosis…I guess I'm asking about a second opinion.
Thanks! 
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4:57 am
January 26, 2011
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Becky Fox
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We saw a neuro-psychologist who does various tests to actually measure – auditory, visual, etc. We did the forms too, and they were not really indicative of adhd, but with the testing it was VERY clear and what the neuro-psychologist explained from the test results tracked exact to what we and the teacher were experiencing. We are on week 3 of Concerta and for the first time all year he raised his hand, waited and then asked his question in class vs blurting out. The neuro-psychologist retested him on a computer test this last weekend to compare pre-meds to post-meds and his scores showed great improvement. Yeah!
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1:09 am
February 8, 2011
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Pearl
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I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old (25yo now), back then it was not very well known so I think it was based on teachers' reports and I had some sort of IQ test done and saw a psychiatrist… that's all.
Just recently a few years ago because I refused to believe I (still) had ADHD my psychiatrist made her preliminary diagnosis with the DSM criteria, sent me for neuropsychological testing, then SPECT scans (bit controvertial, I know) and some forms I completed all were apparent "textbook" ADHD.
Now I know what the facts are but I'm not entirely convinced, thinking of seeing another opinion from another ADHD expert… only thing is that it's hard to find them in Perth cuz the one I'm seeing is an expert already!
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1:29 pm
February 12, 2011
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Dr. Kenny Handelman
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Hi,
It's important to remember that the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is a clinical diagnosis – i.e. it is done via a clinical assessment. At this stage, there are no tests which reliably diagnose ADD/ADHD.
A doctor (ideally an expert in ADD/ADHD) should do a clinical history, looking for the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as any other condition which may also impact concentration – i.e. mood disorders (i.e. depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, etc.
Often symptom checklists are done – for several reasons:
- to rate the level of the symptoms
- to get info from other sources (i.e. from a teacher, or daycare worker, etc., as well as a parent – - or in adult adhd, the patient, the spouse, etc.)
- to see if these observers put the symptoms in the 'clinical' or concerning range
- to have a baseline of symptoms which helps with monitoring of symptoms.
The doctor may want to rule out some medical issues – i.e. elevated thyroid, low hemoglobin, etc. Blood tests are not required routinely, but can be helpful if there is a medical concern that the doctor identifies.
If you or your child was diagnosed a while back, it may be worthwhile to get another assessment/2nd opinion, if things have changed or you have questions.
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2:21 am
February 14, 2011
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Ken Rury
| | Poulsbo, WA | |
| New Member | posts 2 | |
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As an adult I self diagnosed initially after watching ADD and Loving It! and saw so many similarities with Patrick that I went to the TotallyADD website and completed the online Virtual Doctor for a quick assessment and scored 16 out of 19 questions. They also have more clinical description and checklists for download. While from the video and the VD they re-iterate to get proper diagnoses it was enough to at least see my doctor about it.
Being ADHD though I researched as much as I could before the appt, and unfortunately found I either knew more about it then my doctor or he just didn't have time to address it (only given 15min). He basically asked how long I thought I had it, I said since childhood. I think he assumed that since I was 47 that I must have learned how to deal with it. I said I think ADHD helped me to be as successful as I am, but with added stress, chronic pain from fibromyalgia and insomnia I was no longer able to cope. I was having impulsive behavior (remodeled yard, remodeled house, thoughts about adding house extension), obsessed with organizing but not able to, unable to focus on work unlike I had ever experienced before. I said while I'm not anxious to take drugs I need something to bring the level down to coping levels. So he prescribed me Concerta.
That could have been a false diagnoses, considering he didn't really review the questionnaire, but I doubt. It also could have ended up going down the wrong path of treatment, but frankly I needed something immediately while I worked through what I know should happen which is a proper assessment and diagnoses (by someone else). I have had no negative reactions to Concerta, and considerable improvement with focus and lessening of impulsivity. It wasn't immediate nor a total fix yet, but only been on it 2 weeks. I am also starting to get back to normal sleep.
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The following neurological illnesses found at age 47:
Dyslexia, probably since childhood.
Fibromyalgia diagnosed 6/2010, probably at least 6 years earlier. Gabapentin (Neurontin 1500mg)
Adult ADHD 2/2011, probably since childhood. (Concerta ER 18mg)
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6:53 am
March 7, 2011
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ksgirl
| | Belgium | |
| New Member | posts 2 | |
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Pearl said:
I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old (25yo now), back then it was not very well known so I think it was based on teachers' reports and I had some sort of IQ test done and saw a psychiatrist… that's all.
Just recently a few years ago because I refused to believe I (still) had ADHD my psychiatrist made her preliminary diagnosis with the DSM criteria, sent me for neuropsychological testing, then SPECT scans (bit controvertial, I know) and some forms I completed all were apparent "textbook" ADHD.
Now I know what the facts are but I'm not entirely convinced, thinking of seeing another opinion from another ADHD expert… only thing is that it's hard to find them in Perth cuz the one I'm seeing is an expert already!
Pearl, I'm just curious, but why do you think you don't have ADHD? Does it seem that you don't have the symptoms?
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8:42 pm
March 7, 2011
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Pearl
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| Member | posts 22 | |
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I'm not sure, ksgirl. Perhaps some form of denial? It can be useful as well as unhelpful. It's made harder because ADHD cannot be proven. It's simply a collection of symptoms. I know I had the SPECT scan and neuropsychological evaluation to support the diagnosis but somehow I don't think I have ADHD. It's like, it's just the way I am? Sure I have the symptoms, and people have noticed it also, and I have the internal symptoms too. But it can be personality too right?
And yet… I'm here. LOL  I guess I want to learn more about managing this so-called ADHD of mine. Please don't get offended, I'm sure ADHD exists for many people, I just find it hard to accept it in myself. I guess you can call me "confused" but persistent. Nice to meet you by the way.
ksgirl said:
Pearl said:
I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old (25yo now), back then it was not very well known so I think it was based on teachers' reports and I had some sort of IQ test done and saw a psychiatrist… that's all.
Just recently a few years ago because I refused to believe I (still) had ADHD my psychiatrist made her preliminary diagnosis with the DSM criteria, sent me for neuropsychological testing, then SPECT scans (bit controvertial, I know) and some forms I completed all were apparent "textbook" ADHD.
Now I know what the facts are but I'm not entirely convinced, thinking of seeing another opinion from another ADHD expert… only thing is that it's hard to find them in Perth cuz the one I'm seeing is an expert already!
Pearl, I'm just curious, but why do you think you don't have ADHD? Does it seem that you don't have the symptoms?
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9:12 pm
March 7, 2011
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Cindy Scheible
| | Southwestern Ontario | |
| New Member | posts 2 | |
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Dr. Kenny Handelman said:
A doctor (ideally an expert in ADD/ADHD) should do a clinical history, looking for the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as any other condition which may also impact concentration – i.e. mood disorders (i.e. depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, etc.
Dr. Kenny, can you point me to one of these experts? I tried to have the pediatricians office contact your office for a referral, but was told that because we don't live in your catchment area that we didn't qualify. We live near Sarnia and are planning a move to Toronto by this summer. I'm not sure exactly what your catchment area is, but I'm willing to drive (even if it is 3 hours from where we are now). I think they even tried your Windsor location to no avail.
I really can't afford places like the Dr. Svec Institute here in Sarnia because it's not covered by OHIP. The biphentin is working – to a certain degree – but there has to be more to it than medication. It seems to have killed their appetite (my twins are 8 1/2 years old and about the size of a 5-6 year old). They are being dwarfed by all the other kids in their class. They just aren't growing like they should be and their doctor doesn't seem to be worried about it (if he is, he hasn't said anything to me at our bi-monthly visits to get meds refilled).
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12:39 am
March 10, 2011
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janine isenberg
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my daughter, jamie, was kind of given the "once over" by a couple of doctors, 18 years ago, who determined she had ADHD. that is about how it went. for many, many years i could find no infor on ADHD and if jamie "really" had it or not. i didn't know what to look for, i didn't know what was in store for me either….jamie could have benefited 100% with even some of the knowledge that i have already lerned on the initial website that this all started on, cnt remember the name. my husband and i and my other daughter didn't know what in the heck was wrong with jamie, she was hyper, that i could deal with, she would stick her head in between the bars of an outside step railing and see if she could get her head in and then out again, she climbed trees and then didn't know how to get down, she was sooooo daring, sometimes she scared the s*** out of me. then the teenage years hit…….jamie changed from a very high-spirited happy-go-lucky young gal to a very quiet subdued teenager, who wanted to always be behind the scenes so nobody really saw her. she didn't want any attention drawn to her at all especially at school, that was the worst. about this same time the losing homework, not doing it, school was beginning to b too difficult, and that whole vicious scenario came about, it about did all 4 of us in. jamie barely passed her classes in 10th and 11th grade, fact is, they pushed her thru 11th grade and passed her with what we have in MN "the no child left behind" thing. im assuming u kno all about it. henceforth turning 18 on nov. 13, 2010, she quit high school cuz it was just too stressful for her and she just wasn't coping with it at all. jamie is adopted and comes from a very heavy alcohol/drug background from her birthparents. i do believe she has in herited the gene, and also has a 90% higher tendency to use than other teenagers, and that is what happened, and omgosh what a verbally abusive child/teenager i had…..it was horrendous!!!! she was worse than a truck driver with her swearing, etc. and she also decided not to take her vyvanse cuz "she didn't want to, and now she was 18 and i cldnt make her". life was sooo much easier when she would take her meds, she started throwing them in the trash, cheeking them, holding them under her tongue, u name it, i guess she did it. i had no idea she wasn't taking her med cuz i would stand there and give it to her and watch her pop it in her mouth and swallow!!!! how dumb is that!!!!
anyway, sure wish i had access to information like this even 5 years ago, i hav adult ADHD which is somewhat different from talking to jamie about her ADHD. i hav told jamie how adderall makes me feel and what it helps me with. on a good day, she would admit she should stay on her meds, but didn't follow through, another thing mentioned in this forum. just reading about job hunting for teenagers w ADHD and their thinking style has helped me to understand why jamie acts the way she does, it has been a great relief, cuz she lies, cheats, steals, so no words out of her mouth were sacred. now, when she procrastinates, i tell myself, ok, iknow where that is stemming from, i can deal with that, losing papers, sloppiness, ok, now iknow where that is coming from, this way i wouldnt be soooo frustrated with her and not understanding why she did the things she did.
the psychiatrists she saw over the years, prbly 5 of them, as they come and go out here in no-man's land, just nod their head say yes she has ADHD, and would fill her meds or change them…….wow, this has been a big help to just listen, read, all the things u have downloaded for us. i thank you soooo very much from the bottom of my heart!!!!!
God put u in my path for a reason, i am seeing the reason now. God bless~~~~janine
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9:37 pm
March 9, 2012
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Stephen Masacre
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| Member | posts 92 | |
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ksgirl said:
Pearl said:
I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old (25yo now), back then it was not very well known so I think it was based on teachers' reports and I had some sort of IQ test done and saw a psychiatrist… that's all.
Just recently a few years ago because I refused to believe I (still) had ADHD my psychiatrist made her preliminary diagnosis with the DSM criteria, sent me for neuropsychological testing, then SPECT scans (bit controvertial, I know) and some forms I completed all were apparent "textbook" ADHD.
Now I know what the facts are but I'm not entirely convinced, thinking of seeing another opinion from another ADHD expert… only thing is that it's hard to find them in Perth cuz the one I'm seeing is an expert already!
Pearl, I'm just curious, but why do you think you don't have ADHD? Does it seem that you don't have the symptoms?
KSGirl, I just want to say this quick but this is what I have seen from decades in the world learning this ADD / especially the Adult ADD now…
those simple tests, they are not the defining factor, although they do obviously tell you a lot up front. the problem is that I think this is where when ADD and Ritalin became a thing with kids in the 90s or in the beginning, most Doctors simple did this and that was it. Obviously you can see how alot of patients ( kids mostly from the start ) , were mis-diagnosed, there may have been numerous reports of bad things happening, or just worse reactions from the patients after they were being treated … etc etc .. then that comes up to today .
well we for sure have a ton ton more research and test / clinical trial results since then that can prove and show a lot more about ADD to get much more deep into the core for each patient .. I mean I think that really was the main reason why the ADULT ADD was even able to become something real in the medical world in the last 10 years when before and still even today and is already a a stigmatic area mostly with children to adolescents etc etc …
but to finish, like Dr. Kenny made a great point and said it quite clearly , so I suggest we all read it again.
( it does not just stop at the basic symptom test scale ) , it also should involved all the other factors following that, and while even you may be given the medication to start right away, it will / should be even somewhat but surely fully followed up and monitored together with all the other steps to ensure that you are getting the best care from your physician as possible )
but what can we do sometimes, it is never perfect because Doctors are not all what they should be with you , especially on your one specific "maladie" needing the attention it deserves .. . eh ? :-)
Fine Here:
Often symptom checklists are done – for several reasons:
- to rate the level of the symptoms
- to get info from other sources (i.e. from a teacher, or daycare worker, etc., as well as a parent – – or in adult adhd, the patient, the spouse, etc.)
- to see if these observers put the symptoms in the 'clinical' or concerning range
- to have a baseline of symptoms which helps with monitoring of symptoms.
The doctor may want to rule out some medical issues – i.e. elevated thyroid, low hemoglobin, etc. Blood tests are not required routinely, but can be helpful if there is a medical concern that the doctor identifies.
If you or your child was diagnosed a while back, it may be worthwhile to get another assessment/2nd opinion, if things have changed or you have questions.
If you are fortunate to have the proper physican for you, not always necessarily an expert in ADD but at least willing to learn as they are commonly helping you already with all your other medical issues as usual. Then they would be taking their time with you at least to check up with you, monitor you, catch up with you, communicate you on your level and understand what your real medical needs are …
*sigh* . – guess I am also on a last steam of air after quicly discussing that a friend is having problems with what his Doctor is doing with him , and then as we all know it can be difficult as it is, let alone even REGISTER with another doctor in many places ( for us I am speaking of Ontario / Montreal ) but .
well I hope this should give you some motivation to look at things better, and that you will be able to have the medical help you should have right now :)
Please let us know ..
Dr. Kenny, I hope that what I was saying is true, but I said that from personal experience and I now feel more fortunate than ever that somehow I did end up with a great Doctor who is great with me and listens and will learn also to help her patients … I couldnt imagine needing to look for somebody else like many people are stuck with just dumb Doctors a lot of the time, I dont know how else to say it, even my own wife is trying to find somebody and I will get her with my Dr eventually.
But thank you guys ! ! =-)
Take Care Friends, 
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10:25 am
March 10, 2012
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Pam Olson
| | Alabama | |
| Member | posts 68 | 
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janine isenberg said:
my daughter, jamie, was kind of given the "once over" by a couple of doctors, 18 years ago, who determined she had ADHD. that is about how it went. for many, many years i could find no infor on ADHD and if jamie "really" had it or not. i didn't know what to look for, i didn't know what was in store for me either….jamie could have benefited 100% with even some of the knowledge that i have already lerned on the initial website that this all started on, cnt remember the name. my husband and i and my other daughter didn't know what in the heck was wrong with jamie, she was hyper, that i could deal with, she would stick her head in between the bars of an outside step railing and see if she could get her head in and then out again, she climbed trees and then didn't know how to get down, she was sooooo daring, sometimes she scared the s*** out of me. then the teenage years hit…….jamie changed from a very high-spirited happy-go-lucky young gal to a very quiet subdued teenager, who wanted to always be behind the scenes so nobody really saw her. she didn't want any attention drawn to her at all especially at school, that was the worst. about this same time the losing homework, not doing it, school was beginning to b too difficult, and that whole vicious scenario came about, it about did all 4 of us in. jamie barely passed her classes in 10th and 11th grade, fact is, they pushed her thru 11th grade and passed her with what we have in MN "the no child left behind" thing. im assuming u kno all about it. henceforth turning 18 on nov. 13, 2010, she quit high school cuz it was just too stressful for her and she just wasn't coping with it at all. jamie is adopted and comes from a very heavy alcohol/drug background from her birthparents. i do believe she has in herited the gene, and also has a 90% higher tendency to use than other teenagers, and that is what happened, and omgosh what a verbally abusive child/teenager i had…..it was horrendous!!!! she was worse than a truck driver with her swearing, etc. and she also decided not to take her vyvanse cuz "she didn't want to, and now she was 18 and i cldnt make her". life was sooo much easier when she would take her meds, she started throwing them in the trash, cheeking them, holding them under her tongue, u name it, i guess she did it. i had no idea she wasn't taking her med cuz i would stand there and give it to her and watch her pop it in her mouth and swallow!!!! how dumb is that!!!!
anyway, sure wish i had access to information like this even 5 years ago, i hav adult ADHD which is somewhat different from talking to jamie about her ADHD. i hav told jamie how adderall makes me feel and what it helps me with. on a good day, she would admit she should stay on her meds, but didn't follow through, another thing mentioned in this forum. just reading about job hunting for teenagers w ADHD and their thinking style has helped me to understand why jamie acts the way she does, it has been a great relief, cuz she lies, cheats, steals, so no words out of her mouth were sacred. now, when she procrastinates, i tell myself, ok, iknow where that is stemming from, i can deal with that, losing papers, sloppiness, ok, now iknow where that is coming from, this way i wouldnt be soooo frustrated with her and not understanding why she did the things she did.
the psychiatrists she saw over the years, prbly 5 of them, as they come and go out here in no-man's land, just nod their head say yes she has ADHD, and would fill her meds or change them…….wow, this has been a big help to just listen, read, all the things u have downloaded for us. i thank you soooo very much from the bottom of my heart!!!!!
God put u in my path for a reason, i am seeing the reason now. God bless~~~~janine
Janine,
I feel your pain regarding your daughter. My son really needed the help of medication and accommodations in school by the 8th grade. He decided that he wasn't any different and refused to cooperate. Mike has always had good insight as to what kind of job he didn't want and wouldn't be good at (anything that involved sitting in a chair). He was lucky and found work with the US Forest Service for 3 summers while we lived in Oregon. He worked 4 10-hour work days with 3 of them up in the woods and only 1 miserable day doing computer work. He is currently working as a server (again no sitting involved) and he is very good at his job. He has discovered many ADHDers gravitate to the restaurant industry and has found his own little support group at work. However, he knows that this is not what he wants to spend his life doing but can't seem to get moving toward any other goal or idea that he puts out there. At 25 he is still very much a teenager in this part of his life. Even faithfully taking his medication, he continues to lock his keys in the car, lose things he needs, lives in a very chaotic environment with clothes, dishes, trash left where ever he happened to drop them. I see him slowly maturing but he is definitely working on his own time-line when it comes to really maturing.
I hope your daughter reaches that place where she understands herself well enough to realize that her "brain just works differently" as my son said to me.
Pam
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