Is extensive diagnostic testing beneficial after preliminary diagnosis (age 52)?

[Achtungalert21]

I was 'diagnosed' with ADHD at 50 (two years ago). The diagnosis was based on a short questionnaire, not the extensive hours-long diagnostic testing I have read about. I have tried a couple different meds and am currently on Elvanse. Through a lot of self-reflection, reading and listening to podcasts etc, is becoming more and more clear to me where my struggles within executive functioning lie. Based on a free consultation I had last week with a different specialist, it is apparent I also have dyslexia (which I suspected).

Question: will a extensive diagnostic test be of additional benefit in order to hone into the best meditation and tools to use? Do you receive tailored recommendations based on the results? The tests are quite expensive and the type of insurance I have will not cover it so if I would love to hear different experiences/ points of view.

Thank you.

[Jozlynn]

My experience was that it did not tailor anything specifically to my ADHD. I was still put on the med with an attitude of "let's try this and see how you do on it" - not "based on test results it looks like this is the best med for you". I do NOT want to say definitively that this is the case across the board - it's just one person's experience.

[Achtungalert21 in reply to Jozlynn]

thanks a lot, Jozlynn. I appreciate you sharing. Very helpful.

[Gettingittogether]

The additional testing could be helpful just for you to take and for expanding your understanding/awareness of the range of symptoms of ADHD.

The main challenge is that you get precise in understanding your own symptoms (quirky and individualistic as they are) ... and get use to monitoring those symptoms and reporting them to your provider.

Now if you find a provider who you can confirm is totally excellent and that provider suggests this, then you might go for it, because the excellent provider knows how to use this information.

[Achtungalert21 in reply to Gettingittogether]

Thank you, Gettingittogether. Yes, I’m sure there are many blind spots I still have with regard to my quirks and habits and I am keen to get more insight.

I’m assuming an in-person evaluation with a specialist (and respective initial follow-ups) is best and I indeed have not yet found a provider I feel is excellent in my area. Will keep exploring.

Thanks for sharing !

[Gettingittogether in reply to Achtungalert21]

I would say ask your provider to tinker with the dose you're on ... and to continue to try out different meds ....

[StoneJeweler]

Go to Dr Amen's website, there he has many different tests on line that can differentiate between many symptom types, and it is free.

[Old_Owl]

When I was diagnosed, two weeks ago, on of my common thoughts on this roller coaster was "Is this real?" "How can just a few questions (ok, not a few) tell if I am ADHD or not. Where's the x-ray, the brain scan?

Started researching and have come to the conclusion that there are no definitive tests, no brain scan. Dopamine in the brain cannot be measured (at least while we are alive).

However there is a lot of research on how an ADHD brain is structured, what parts of the brain are impacted and what those regions control. I found it's not just about procrastinating, and focus issues, but (for me) emotional stuff as well.

I have accepted the way to figure out what is going on with me since there's no current way to do a test proving 100 percent I have ADHD is to know and understand my symptoms, know the science based symptoms of ADHD and see how well they match.

My symptoms match is pretty stinking close. So my best theory to use in terms of treatment approaches is that I have ADHD until I find some evidence that it's something else. I've accepted something is going on in my noggin.

As such for me, I'm not desiring additional testing at this point. The diagnosis and what I have learned make sense for what I have been experiencing my whole life and the medication is making a difference (still new on my meds, but right now looking good).

best wishes in your journey.

[Achtungalert21 in reply to Old_Owl]

Thank you, Old_Owl. I had the same thoughts and I love your approach of embracing the ADHD 'diagnosis' based on all you have researched, observed and been advised until there is evidence that it is something else or there is something additional in the mix which may also be contributing to your symptoms. I am desiring additional testing because I feel there are additional challenges which may not be attributed to ADHD alone. It feels like a bit of a maze and jungle combined, and reminding myself to take it step by step and maintain other important lifestyle aspects such as quality sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection is important. I'm happy to hear your medication is also helpful!

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and observations and for the support!