Getting the Diagnosis

[catalyticdragon]

What would you recommend I look for in a specialist (neuropyschologist).  What questions should I ask?

I'm looking at getting a formal evaluation to figure out WTF is going on with me, and I have no idea where to start.  Self-diagnosis will only get you so far..

Thanks for any advice at all.

Slight edit, and to add:  I realize I need to be more

Comments

[rainarana]

I went to a psych clinic without any pre(self)dx and was just honest about my issues and history. I figured that they are far more experienced in what it might be than I am, so I let the shrink have a go at it. You can always disagree if the dx is way off. I was surprised with my dx, was actually suspicious I might be bi-polar, but once I looked into what ADD actually is I suddenly recognized myself.

[catalyticdragon]

Oh, I've been up and down the DSM, and I'm pretty sure I'm in the ADD camp. But because it's a structural disorder, there are actual cognitive and perception tests that can be done to confirm or eliminate ADD as a potential diagnosis. I want one of *those* - questionaires and lists of symptoms I can find on line all the doo dah day.

"Suddenly recognized yourself". Heh. I can totally relate to that. Thanks for sharing your experience, it is sincerely appreicated.

[kibbles]

http://www.tovatest.com/

I didn't take it -- but my daughter did.

[sanikleen]

Usually the process is to first find a good therapist. If they feel it's necessary (or better yet, just sympathetic) they'll refer you to a psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will give you the official diagnosis.

[kisekileia]

Try to find someone who actually specializes in adult ADHD.

[catalyticdragon]

How do I go about doing that? What questions do I ask? Certifications or training to look for? Things to watch out for or be wary of?

[shoesandships]

if you have health insurance you can usually look for a provider by specialty on the insurance's website. call and ask if they know adult ADD which I think will help a lot better than someone just used to children. tell the doctor what you've read that matches your experience. my psych just asked me a million questions, suggested the diagnosis, and then we began playing with meds. they should definitely ask you lots of questions.

neuropsychological testing is expensive and and often not the best way to test for ADD because it offers novelty and a bunch of short tasks, both of which ADD brains love. so sometimes you perform better during neuropsych testing than you do in life. however it can test for other cognitive problems which often coexist with ADD so it might be worth a shot if insurance pays for it. otherwise though a good doctor should know by interviewing you.

[catalyticdragon]

Thanks - that was really really helpful!

[philososaur]

This has been on my mind lately, too. I went to the counseling center at school today and they told me my GPA was to high to have ADD...so frustrating. Anyways, I'm glad you posted this so I can steal your advice XD