Is formal testing necessary to diagnose ADD
Question:
Hi- My brother has taken paper screening tests for ADD/AD(H)D and shows he has both inattentive and hyperactive versions. History as a child demonstrates symptoms throughout school as well. Before he sees a psychiatrist for meds, does he need to be formally tested or do they usually just talk to the client and prescribe meds from what they find out from their interview with the client? Any opinions about which is preferable? What experiences have you guys had? Thanks- Susan
Response:
<< Before he sees a psychiatrist for meds, does he need to be formally tested or do they usually just talk to the client and prescribe meds from what they find out from their interview with the client? The client does not prescribe; The doc prescribes. Just find a good one, hopefully at a university center, or a well-recommended doc. Check out www.chad.org Hope that helps! _______ Blog, or dog? Who knows. But if you see my lost pup, please ping me! <A HREF="http://journals.aol.com/virginiaz/DreamingofLeonardo"http://journal s.aol.com/virginiaz/DreamingofLeonardo</A
Response:
Hi- My brother has taken paper screening tests for ADD/AD(H)D and shows he has both inattentive and hyperactive versions. History as a child demonstrates symptoms throughout school as well. Before he sees a psychiatrist for meds, does he need to be formally tested or do they usually just talk to the client and prescribe meds from what they find out from their interview with the client? Any opinions about which is preferable? What experiences have you guys had?
Depends on the doctor. Some do after an interview, some require more elaborate testing. If the more elaborate testing includes evaluation for other conditions such as sleep disorders that can show similar symptoms but require different treatments, then it’s desirable. If it’s just tests of attention-span then it’s probably a waste of money. Thanks- Susan
– –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Response:
: Hi- : My brother has taken paper screening tests for ADD/AD(H)D and shows he : has both inattentive and hyperactive versions. History as a child : demonstrates symptoms throughout school as well. : Before he sees a psychiatrist for meds, does he need to be formally : tested or do they usually just talk to the client and prescribe meds It depends what the psychiatrist decides. Mine will not (NOT) take pts w/o a full 8 hrs of psycho-educational testing from a clinical psychologist. (Which i believe is a wise choice. Knowing the pts problems, strengths and weaknesses intricately is responsible & desirable.) Emma
