RLyons, I am ADD and there's not really an objective or easily measured "test" for it, the way there are blood tests or urine tests or saliva tests for other things. There are some ADD expert doctors who are doing brain scans of ADD and ADHD brains, but that's primarily for study and research, not diagnosis (at least not yet).
When I was diagnosed with ADD, I went to a psychiatrist who talked to me, asked me questions and explored the protocol with me. Basically, if you answer enough of the diagnostic questions in specific ways -- and if those behaviors have been consistent all the way back through your childhood -- you most likely have ADD.
While your boyfriend doesn't need a medical "test," he does need a doctor's appointment, as you are right, all of the stimulant medicines for ADD/ADHD are controlled substances. Not only will he need to get a prescription, he'll have to return to the doctor regularly for continuing prescriptions, as those medications are federally controlled substances and therefore can't simply be "called in" to a pharmacy.
The other reason for him to see a doctor is that there are several medicines for ADD now, and one may work better for him than some of the others.
What would I tell him, if I could talk to him? I would tell him to pay the money and see a doctor or psychiatrist who can talk to him and, if appropriate, diagnose him. Then work with that doctor on finding what medicines, as well as nutrition, vitamins supplements and/or exercise, will help him the most. I have to say the day that I first took an ADD medicine I was astonished -- this is what the rest of the world can do? This is how they can focus? It is an amazing thing to realize. I don't like taking medicine, but for me, not taking medicine for my ADD is like not wearing glasses or contacts for my eyes. Without it, the world is fuzzy and I spend most of my time chasing my tail. With it, the world has more clarity and I'm able to move forward. There's no comparison.
Much good luck to your boyfriend. If he has ADD or ADHD, he'll be amazed at what a difference some treatment can make.
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RLyons, I am ADD and there's not really an objective or easily measured "test" for it, the way there are blood tests or urine tests or saliva tests for other things. There are some ADD expert doctors who are doing brain scans of ADD and ADHD brains, but that's primarily for study and research, not diagnosis (at least not yet).
When I was diagnosed with ADD, I went to a psychiatrist who talked to me, asked me questions and explored the protocol with me. Basically, if you answer enough of the diagnostic questions in specific ways -- and if those behaviors have been consistent all the way back through your childhood -- you most likely have ADD.
While your boyfriend doesn't need a medical "test," he does need a doctor's appointment, as you are right, all of the stimulant medicines for ADD/ADHD are controlled substances. Not only will he need to get a prescription, he'll have to return to the doctor regularly for continuing prescriptions, as those medications are federally controlled substances and therefore can't simply be "called in" to a pharmacy.
The other reason for him to see a doctor is that there are several medicines for ADD now, and one may work better for him than some of the others.
What would I tell him, if I could talk to him? I would tell him to pay the money and see a doctor or psychiatrist who can talk to him and, if appropriate, diagnose him. Then work with that doctor on finding what medicines, as well as nutrition, vitamins supplements and/or exercise, will help him the most. I have to say the day that I first took an ADD medicine I was astonished -- this is what the rest of the world can do? This is how they can focus? It is an amazing thing to realize. I don't like taking medicine, but for me, not taking medicine for my ADD is like not wearing glasses or contacts for my eyes. Without it, the world is fuzzy and I spend most of my time chasing my tail. With it, the world has more clarity and I'm able to move forward. There's no comparison.
Much good luck to your boyfriend. If he has ADD or ADHD, he'll be amazed at what a difference some treatment can make.
June 13, 2009 - 9:11amThis Comment
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