Neurological tests

[The_wOnderer]

Am I not supposed to have issues with working memory or other neurological stuff, if I have ADHD? I've just had all the tests, they didn't give me the results yet, but I know I did very good in all of them. So... does this mean I may not have ADHD? I'm so confused, it fits so well all the struggles I had during all my life, especially childhood. It made so much sense... Maybe I should just wait for the results and see what they tell me, instead of worrying over nothing ahahah... It's really bugging me though. What was wrong with me then? What's wrong with me? Why all the struggles? It fits so well with ADHD 😩

[RCJH8610]

ADHD looks different in everyone. I don’t think there is one case that is exactly like the other. I have ADHD, but I do not have any deficiencies in IQ or working memory. I think we all find ways to adapt and compensate. In short, you do not have to have issues with working memory in order to be diagnosed ADHD.

[The_wOnderer in reply to RCJH8610]

Thanks a lot

[wtfadhd]

Hey you- what do you mean you did “ good on all the tests?” What kind of tests did you take??? Sounds like IQ test vs ones typically used for ADHD. IQ has nothing to do with ADHD. Lots of us have very high IQ but just very low tolerance for stuff neuro type people can easily do.

[The_wOnderer in reply to wtfadhd]

I know intelligence is unrelated. A small part was IQ items, but they weren't measuring how intelligent I was, they focused on HOW I processed stuff. Then there was a huge part of working memory related tests, like repeating number strings, then repeating in reverse, then repeating putting the numbers in crescent order. Then some... How do I call them? Like when you need to mentally rotate a shape and see if it matches the puzzle, and also making figures out of wooden blocks. Then some language tests where I had to explain abstract stuff and find correlations. Then resolving some maths problems without writing down or reading anything. And I know I did good because the tests' answers are progressively more difficult and when a person starts to get the answers wrong they are to be interrupted. Well I never got interrupted and finished all the tests, and the psychologist was quite surprised, saying she never had it happen in her career, so yeah I did quite good, looks like my brain is neurologically fine, it can pay attention and process a lot of abstract stuff. So why. the. Struggles?

[The_wOnderer in reply to The_wOnderer]

I probably shouldn't worry right now, because I didn't even discuss the tests and the results with professionals, maybe they were performed to ensure I didn't have other neurological issues that could be confused with ADHD, and I'm loosing my mind over nothing. It's just that I'm finding it hard to get it off my head

[RCJH8610 in reply to The_wOnderer]

You are correct that a Full Assessment for ADHD usually consists of testing to assess Working Memory, Long Term Retrieval, Short term memory, processing speed, visual processing and auditory processing. Most individuals with ADHD will score below average in Processing Speed and if you have the Hyperactive component then usually there’s a deficiency is short term memory.

[DingoDoug]

The tests are to rule out other diagnosis. Usually ADHD will be negative on most tests, ones specifically targeting executive function may show a positive result

[LifeIsLearning]

I just scheduled my neurological test yesterday (after forgetting three days ago that I told the receptionist that I'd call right back in 10 minutes ). I too, am nervous about being told I don't actually have ADHD and I have not even been tested yet! Some of this fear is this ability to make things happen when I have to, when time is almost up, when it totally counts. This is why (ages ago) in school/college I could procrastinate like crazy but then actually still do decent work and get good grades (this is also part of my perfectionism). But making stress/creating pressure like this in my life to get regular or even high priority things done really exhausts me. I've read so much about the adrenaline and cortisol surges and how this is bad for your body long term. Did they observe you after the test at all? I think that after my test I will go out to my car and slump there for a while before driving home to take a 2 hour nap. The other thing I wanted to mention is that going back to think about things and not letting it go is also normal for ADHD. So, you wondering and worrying till you get the results is, well, expected.

Whatever the results, I hope you get the help you are looking for. Best wishes!

[The_wOnderer in reply to LifeIsLearning]

Yeah, after the tests I went to bed at 6 pm, and the next day I was still tired lol. I don't know what to think about this, and righteously so, that's why I should NOT think about it. I know overthinking can be related to ADHD, but I also have anxiety and PTSD, so it's really hard to determine what is what. I have to be patient. Patience, patience patience

[LifeIsLearning]

The statistics on ADHD and other conditions happening at the same time are high. I hope you get your results soon and that it helps you start moving forward. It may already be something your considering, but a counselor or trauma informed therapist might help too. Healing is a long, hard road, but it's worth it.

[The_wOnderer in reply to LifeIsLearning]

Don't worry, I totally know healing is worth it and I'm really focused on that. I've made so much progress and I'm looking forward to keep up the good work. I've been looking for therapist who could handle my situation for years, but I find myself having to mostly rely on myself. I hope the tests will help clarify what causes the struggles I linked with hypothetical ADHD and what's the best way to address the issue