| Your absolute first step with Attention Deficit | | | | might be surprised to find out who you already know |
| Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit | | | | that has dealt with ADHD, they may know of some |
| Disorder (ADD) before considering medication and | | | | local experts. |
| ADHD treatment is to ensure a proper assessment | | | | What to expect from the assessment and diagnosis: |
| and diagnosis. | | | | Whoever you go to, you want to make sure a |
| Why is this so important? | | | | thorough history and a physical examination is |
| There are a number of variances within ADHD and | | | | conducted. Generally speaking you will want to spend |
| other medical conditions that share symptoms. It is | | | | at least 45 minutes to an hour on the thorough history. |
| extremely important to know exactly what you're | | | | Some doctors may break this up into several |
| dealing with before you seek treatment. It's like treating | | | | appointments, but just know that diagnosing ADHD in |
| the common cold with antibiotics - they don't have any | | | | about five minutes is generally poor medical care. The |
| effect and the cold won't go away, likewise you'll be | | | | doctor will likely give you some questionnaires, ask |
| putting things in your body that you simply don't need. | | | | about background information, and schedule another |
| However, with ADHD an inaccurate diagnosis and | | | | visit. |
| mistreatment has much more significant risks because | | | | The physical examination itself is very important. If |
| ADHD doesn't go away like the common cold. It | | | | you're seeing a psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis, it is |
| affects every aspect of your life. | | | | also important to see a physician for the physical |
| So your absolute first step is to ensure a proper | | | | exam portion. Psychiatrists generally do not do the |
| assessment and diagnosis. | | | | physical exams. |
| Where do you go for your assessment and | | | | The physical exam is important because it helps to rule |
| diagnosis? | | | | out other conditions. For example, if somebody has a |
| Ideally you want to get a proper assessment and | | | | hearing problem, and they are not paying attention - it's |
| diagnosis performed by an expert in ADD/ADHD. For | | | | because they can't hear properly. So the proper |
| children and teens with ADD this is often easier simply | | | | treatment is a hearing aid, not an ADHD medicine. |
| because there are more pediatricians and child | | | | Right? There are many background conditions that |
| psychiatrists comfortable with ADD than there are | | | | can cause people to believe there is an ADHD |
| adult psychiatrists comfortable with adult ADD. | | | | condition when there really isn't. |
| If you're an adult looking for a specialist who is an | | | | To begin treating ADHD without a proper diagnosis |
| expert in ADD, then the best place to start is with your | | | | simply results in treating the wrong thing. The problem |
| family doctor, or primary care physician. The next step | | | | doesn't get resolved, in fact things can become worse, |
| (if your doctor doesn't know who to send you to) is to | | | | and you're left with a medicine cabinet full of |
| contact your local medical school, or the biggest | | | | medications for improper diagnosis. Take the time to |
| medical school close to where you live. Speak to the | | | | find a qualified ADHD specialist and obtain a proper |
| secretary of the department of psychiatry and ask | | | | diagnosis and assessment. It will mean all the |
| about who is working with adult ADD. | | | | difference with your treatment experience and |
| I also recommend asking around your community. You | | | | success. |