ADD evaluation coming up...

[Hypebeast]

Some background: SWIM is 17, male, 160lbs and has used Adderall, Ritalin, XR versions of both and various other stims

So finally SWIM was able to get an appointment at my doctor to take the test for ADD (which my other doctor was SURE SWIM had, but wouldn't prescribe anything since he wasn't an expert) and is ready to go in. SWIM has some questions to those of you that have taken the test though:

1. Do they look at prior drug test results (SWIM showed up positive for amphets on a drug test in the past but his mom made sure it was noted Sudafed had been consumed the day of the test), and how much of an impact could this have?

2. Will they drug test SWIM before offering me medication (SWIM is currently taking Adderall to study for finals)

3. Can someone describe the layout of the test to SWIM? SWIM has heard that it can be as basic as the doctor reading a story and seeing if you can repeat it. Any experiences to share?

Sorry for the long post, any help is appreciated so SWIM can make his habit legal!

[thenightwatch]

Self-medicating prior to a valid diagnosis of ADD is a documented phenomena, and one that your physician is probably fully aware of. I would consider being honest up-front... perhaps frame it by saying you started out using Caffeine, but that quit working after awhile and so you explored other options and found that the ADD medication did in fact solve your problem... such, you are now looking for an official diagnosis so that you can treat your affliction the proper way, under the care of a physician.

But, then, I have never gone through the process that you are attempting, so I'm not sure if my advice is the best advice. Just a possiblity for you to consider. Sorry I don't have the answers to your other questions... but I'm sure with enough digging online, you could find the answers.

[Hypebeast]

Originally Posted by thenightwatch

Self-medicating prior to a valid diagnosis of ADD is a documented phenomena, and one that your physician is probably fully aware of. I would consider being honest up-front... perhaps frame it by saying you started out using Caffeine, but that quit working after awhile and so you explored other options and found that the ADD medication did in fact solve your problem... such, you are now looking for an official diagnosis so that you can treat your affliction the proper way, under the care of a physician.

But, then, I have never gone through the process that you are attempting, so I'm not sure if my advice is the best advice. Just a possiblity for you to consider. Sorry I don't have the answers to your other questions... but I'm sure with enough digging online, you could find the answers.

thanks for the advice. the caffeine thing sounds like a good idea, ive read that basic stims work for add too so maybe that would work

[bloot]

This forum is for members 18 years and up.

[kckool]

Luckily SWIH is 17, which has nothing to do with the poster in question.

[bloot]

That does not matter. He must be eighteen years of age or older.

[fizzle]

Crap, someone is 17! forget someones age since it is someone who does not even know about this board or else they would be on it I am sure. He is asking a question for his friend, Should he really be banned or "cited" for violating a rule that is not clarified appropriately. So anyone can be any age on here as long as it is never mentioned. No one will ever know. This guy mentioned someone else who was 17 and all hell breaks loose. Perhaps instead of arguing over whether or not his question should be answered should not be of any concern, but rather, the answer to the question should be. Perhaps we can help this person stop self-prescribing himself illegally and actually make him a "proper, upstanding" citizen in the eyes and minds of the American government. I however have no knowledge on this subject so unfortunatly I can be of no assistance.

[Hyphy]

SWIM got evaluated for ADD & ADHD MANY years ago, when SWIM was in middle school. SWIM doesn't really remember things much, but what he does know is that the test is nothing special. if SWIY knows he doesn't have ADD or ADHD, simply tapping his foot through the evaluation can get him a prescription. On the drug test part, there is no "test" persay, but they will ask him if he drinks/uses drugs. They will still give him a prescription unless he says something to raise a flag (i.e. saying he abuses prescription drugs) other than that, a simple blood test will be taken. Under the oath, anything that they find in the blood cannot incriminate him.