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ADD Testing

post #1 of 33
10/14/10 at 7:55pm
Thread Starter 
So I am fairly confident I am ADD and Have been for years. I just never really wanted to be dependent on pills but its only getting worse. I called to make an appointment to get tested well they tell me the test costs $2500 and insurance only pays $600 of it. Apparently the reason the price is so much is because I am an adult. For some reason I feel this isnt right. Anyone have experience with this?
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post #2 of 33
10/14/10 at 7:56pm
There are tests for ADD? What do they involve?
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post #3 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:05pm
Thread Starter 
I was told it was a three day deal or something of questions and other things. I researched on the net and it said that doctors just ask you a few questions and determine from that. This is why I am confused.
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post #4 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:09pm
I'm obviously not familiar with the specific symptoms of ADD you're suffering from, but you might just consider voicing your concerns to your doctor and trying to get prescribed adderall. I know you said you don't want to be dependent on pills but from what I understand it doesn't really create a dependency. They help you function but can still do without them. For example, I know people who take adderall everyday except on the weekends. I've taken adderall a few times when I needed to get stuff done (as far as I know I don't have ADD) and it has really improved my concentration. The only possible negative side effect I've experienced is a decrease in appetite. This was very pronounced for me, but not a big deal.
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post #5 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:15pm
Thread Starter 
Yea ive realized I need something to help me and friends tell me I should get adderall because it helps them. I told my regular doctor my symptoms and she recommended me to this place that has this test thing. I might just go to another doctor and see what they say.
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post #6 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:28pm
I was diagnosed as an adult (20), and I didn't have to take any special test. One of my friends had really bad ADD when we were kids, and his mom must have seen some of those traits in me. She gave me some information, and it piqued my interest. The next time I was at the doctor I brought it up. We discussed some of the stuff that I thought might be "symptoms," and I left with a script ADD meds.

The problem was that I hated, hated the meds, and I ultimately stopped taking them after less than six months.
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post #7 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jokerman View Post
So I am fairly confident I am ADD and Have been for years. I just never really wanted to be dependent on pills but its only getting worse. I called to make an appointment to get tested well they tell me the test costs $2500 and insurance only pays $600 of it. Apparently the reason the price is so much is because I am an adult. For some reason I feel this isnt right. Anyone have experience with this?

What makes you think you have ADD? Be specific.
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post #8 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrG View Post
I was diagnosed as an adult (20), and I didn't have to take any special test. One of my friends had really bad ADD when we were kids, and his mom must have seen some of those traits in me. She gave me some information, and it piqued my interest. The next time I was at the doctor I brought it up. We discussed some of the stuff that I thought might be "symptoms," and I left with a script ADD meds.

The problem was that I hated, hated the meds, and I ultimately stopped taking them after less than six months.

Hmm I wonder how its so easy for some people to get scripts? I voiced my concerns to my doctor and he sent me to get a full range of tests.
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post #9 of 33
10/14/10 at 8:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by inq89 View Post
Hmm I wonder how its so easy for some people to get scripts? I voiced my concerns to my doctor and he sent me to get a full range of tests.

I wouldn't say it was easy. I omitted parts of the story for brevity. I should have mentioned that I was referred to a more specialized doctor, with whom I had a lengthy discussion. Reading it again, I realized I made it sound like this all happened at my GP's office.

The important part of my experience was that I didn't have to sit through a battery of tests.
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post #10 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:04pm
Thread Starter 
Im not so much worried about the testing as I am about the cost. I am 20 and don't have $1900 to blow on a test and I sure as hell dont want my parents to have to spend that much on me.
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post #11 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:08pm
There are various health issues that can mimic symptoms of ADD. Treating it without being sure could mask an underlying illness which may be a more serious problem.
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post #12 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:11pm
I wouldn't worry about taking the test. I don't know how concrete it is but if you think you have ADD, you probably do. The best test is to ask someone close to you (gf/wife/mother/etc.). If your goal is to get medicine to help with treatment, pretty much any psychiatrist would prescribe you meds with or without a test (if you show symptoms of course).
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post #13 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:20pm
My psychologist gave me a 15 min computerized test as a sort of first guess at whether or not I had ADHD. I got the feeling that, had it shown I was very likely to have it, it would have been enough for a prescription. It was so informal I doubt it even got sent in to the ins company.
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post #14 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by distinctive View Post
I wouldn't worry about taking the test. I don't know how concrete it is but if you think you have ADD, you probably do. If your goal is to get medicine to help with treatment, pretty much any psychiatrist would prescribe you meds with or without a test (if you show symptoms of course).

The symptoms of ADD are similar to other conditions. The reason someone may think they have ADD is because it is more recognized and the symptoms are well known. From looking at the symptoms, I have all of them but have not considered myself having the illness.

The stimulant medicine used for treatment increases the positive neurotransmitters and release of dopamine in the brain. People who use medications that have similar effects sometimes report emotional numbness after discontinuing long use. It may be due to the brain's dependency on the drug and minimizes its neurotransmitter functioning under natural response.
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post #15 of 33
10/14/10 at 9:45pm
Just get the pills and slang them.
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