FAQ - Attention Deficit And Disruptive Behavior Disorders
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How do people get diagnosed for Attention Deficit Disorder?


I'm 16 and live in canada. Can i see a doctor without my parents consent and get a prescription?
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Which is the best medication against Attention deficit hyper activity disorder ? ADHD and ADD?


What kind of Dr do I need to visit to be diagnosed with ADHD attention deficit hyper activity disorder or ADD ?

What exactly is Attention deficit hyper activity disorder ? ADHD and ADD?

What are Symptoms of ADHD ( Attention deficit hyper activity disorder ) diagnosis or diagnose ?

Which is the best medication against Attention deficit hyper activity disorder ? ADHD and ADD?

What is ADD?

Adderall 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg
Retalin HCI 5mg
Concerta 27mg
Or what other be as detailed as possible
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In order to answer this question, we first must establish that ADHD is not just one disorder, but rather a spectrum of disorders. It's often broken up into 3 separate categories or subtypes:

Inattentive (difficulty concentrating, but not bouncing off the walls, blurting out answers or comments impulsively, etc. This type is often more along the lines of what we might associate with as being "lazy" or "space cadets")

Hyperactive/Impulsive: As it's name suggests this subtype is more hyper and less likely to "filter" out comments or behaviors for appropriateness. They like to grab and play with things they can get their hands on, engage in more risky behaviors without thinking things through, and are the ones bouncing off the walls. They squirm and fidget when sitting. In general, however, this group is less likely to have learning disabilities, reading problems, etc. than the inattentive subtype. This subtype is relatively uncommon, as many also exhibit inattentive symptoms and fall into the third subtype, the combined subtype.

Combined (a combination of the other 2): This is the most common form, and often requires the most medication and other treatments, since both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors must be treated. Kids who begin to show defiant or conduct problems along with their ADHD, often fall into this subtype.

In addition to this, individuals with ADHD often have comorbid (co-existing) disorders, such as anxiety, depression, Tourette's, tics, conduct or behavioral disorders, etc.

The problem with medicating is that some meds improve the ADHD symptoms but may worsen one of the comorbid disorders (and sometimes have dangerous effects, especially at high doses).

Here's brief overview of some of the most common meds:

Stimulants: The most common stimulants are methylphenidate (which includes Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and Daytrana), Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Focalin (essentially an isolated version of one of the two compounds in methylphenidate, this compound is often the more "active" or "potent" form of the drug, so typically half of the dosage is needed), Dexedrine (dextro amphetamine, which, contains just the more "active" forms of amphetamines in Adderall), and Vyvanse (which is an inactive form of amphetamines like Dexedrine, but needs to be chemically altered by enzymes in your body to release the active drug form. This cuts down on abuse).

While the stimulant class of meds has been shown to work with all subtypes of the disorder, typically lower levels of drug are needed for inattention, more for straight up hyperactivity, and more for the combined subtype. Of course, this is just a rule of thumb.

Generally, most physicians start with methylphenidate (typically Ritalin first and then Concerta), as it is often a bit less "potent" or hard-hitting of a stimulant than a straight up amphetamine. However, it's often more of a hit-or-miss, especially for more severe symptoms, as some individuals do horrible on Ritalin or Concerta but do great on Adderall (or vice versa).

Having said that, Vyvanse often exhibits some of the best effects as a stimulant, at least based on my research, mainly due to it's delivery method and release. Additionally, it often is a bit more "hardy" than the other stimulant meds, in that it can be less affected by food or other medications. Again, take this with a grain of salt, some individuals do horrible on Vyvanse and better on other meds. Additionally, Vyvanse is typically much more expensive.

Other downsides to stimulants (especially in higher doses) are greater risks of side effects, such as appetite suppression, insomnia, cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate or blood pressure, although these are typically mild). Also certain comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression can be even worse when stimulants are taken for ADHD. In general, these disorders often occur more frequently alongside the inattentive types of ADHD (but not always), so non-stimulant meds might be chosen in their place.

Non-stimulants: Strattera (atomoxetine) is one of the most common non-stimulants for ADHD. It often works better for the predominantly inattentive (as opposed to hyperactive) forms of the disorder, however, there are certain exceptions. It typically does not have the same pronounced effects on anxiety or depression as the stimulants do.

Other methods: If depressive symptoms occur alongside of ADHD, drugs such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) can sometimes work well. Although an anti-depressant, Wellbutrin has a unique mode of action that makes it act almost like a stimulant as well. I personally know individuals who do well with Wellbutrin for this combo.

Other non-ADHD meds can sometimes be used for ADHD such as Tofranil (imipramine), which can sometimes work for the inattentive type. This drug is actually used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), which, believe it or not, is often  (+ info)

Student test taking for students with attention deficit disorder?


Is there any added test taking time allowance for Michigan high school students with attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.)
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I am not from Michigan. However, I do know a bit about the school system and disabilities considering I once was a student in that position. If the student has had an official diagnosis, the school will evaluate the results presented to them and then create a plan with the student. The accommodations are entirely based on how extensive the medical report says the disability is. I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder as a sophomore in high school. I presented the school with my psychiatrist's report as well as an additional extensive evaluation by a specialist. My mother had to fight like hell to get me the accommodations. You will find that often the school does not want to deal with it, and will try to bully people out of it. The important thing is, I am almost certain that in any state ADD is a legal learning disability, which must be accommodated by the school district.  (+ info)

What medication is available in Italy for Attention Deficit Disorder?


Looking to find out what treatment options are available for ADD/ADHD in Italy.
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go to a doctor and ask for some meds but there isnt a treament for it u are suck with it for life i have had add my whole life and deal with it on a daily basis but if there was a cure for it i would be so very happy email me if u need or im me if u want more info on this i am 30 years old living with it and i am not on meds either  (+ info)

How can i tell if I have attention deficit disorder?


I have many symptoms of ADD like poor concentration, memory loss and depression. I don't wanna tell my parents because if i do, they'll think I'm just being dramatic and finding an excuse. but i do share a lot of symptoms. how can i get treatment?
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you don't..
ur just a teenage boy.
i promise u, u don't. i have adhd and those symptoms that you listed have nothing to do with it. memory loss? depression? that's not in the ADD symptoms those are just symptoms of growing up. and ADD doesn't just come randomly. ur practically born with it. as a child your parents, or your teacher would have noticed it. but if you really are concerned go to the doctor but they are just going to tell you the same thing i am.  (+ info)

What is Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, what are the symptoms and the treatments?


I find that I can't concentrate on things for an extended period of time. Since I've moved to Chicago, I get frustrated with my self becuase I find that when I am speaking with people, I get tongue tied and I studder becuase what I am thinking wont come out as quickly. When it comes to my design projects, if I'm not fully into my project I can't concentrate more than a few minutes and reading a book... well that's a daunting task.
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http://www.oneaddplace.com/addcheck.htm

There is a quiz here that may help you know if you fit the pattern for Adult ADD.  (+ info)

What is the real definition of Attention deficit disorder?


I Think I have it and say I do sometimes but Im not sure If my case and the status are the same. If Im not doing anything at all then occasionally I will get flashes of recent or past events, pics, videos, places or people and actions. sometimes there both regrettable and or unpleasant things that I remember doing or seeing and other times there just odd things that I remember hearing or saying.
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As the person above me said, that is just memory, not ADD. I have ADD and it's more than simply having memories of past events. Symptoms of ADD include: a chronic inability to concentrate, being easily distracted, sometimes hyperactivity or a tendency to fidget, disorganization, and sometimes impulsive behavior. People with ADD often forget things or forget to do things.  (+ info)

Where do I go to get my teenage son tested for attention deficit disorder?


He lacks interest and is easily distracted. He has suggested that this may be his problem and I don't know who to call or where to go.
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You can take him to your regular physician. He will have a survey that is filled out and he will also have surveys for his teachers to fill out then it will be determined if he does in fact have add. It's not complicated at all. good luck  (+ info)

How do you determine if you have attention deficit disorder?


My mom has always joked that she has ADD because she can never stay on topic and will even stop in the middle of a sentence and not finishing it, and will suddenly forget what she was talking about and start talking about something else. I can never sit still in class and I'm really fidgety. If I write anything or have long conversations I get really off topic and i'm constantly told by my friends that I'm soooo random and i can't help it. my brother also thinks i have add. do i?
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http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/adhd/symptoms/symptoms  (+ info)

What kind of doctor diagnostics Attention Deficit Disorder?


I have a kid that presents simptomslike ADD, we have no medical insurance, so I think is better to take him to the right doctor the first time. Any suggestion would be helpful.
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Only a psychiatrist can diagnose ADD or ADHD correctly. Once the diagnosis is made, medication can be obtained through your GP or pediatrician. Some of the meds require a new prescription for every refill because they are amphetimines or in the amphetimine family. Think "speed". The aphetimines have the opposite effect on a child with ADD: instead of making them hyper, it slows them down. The reason the meds are a controlled substance is because of their "street value" as uppers.

My son (ADHD) was on meds for 12 years and outgrew the need for them. He still fidgets, but his mental alertness & ability to focus is awesome & he is in nursing school now. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to provide consistancy in all areas of life, such as a time schedule for meals, baths, bedtime, homework, etc. The more structure, the better. One classic syptom is doing the homework, but not turning it in, so good communication with the teacher is a must.

Check out the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. By calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669), patients can learn whether they may be eligible for one or more patient assistance program. A trained specialist will ask a series of short questions and help identify the right patient assistance program for them.
Patients can also visit the program's user-friendly Web site, www.pparx.org, which will guide them through the application process.
The patient assistance programs available through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers prescription medicines to treat a broad range of illnesses, including mental illnesses.
Though each patient assistance program has its own eligibility criteria, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance encourages anyone who does not have prescription coverage and has trouble affording their medicines to call 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or visit www.pparx.org to see if they may qualify for one or more programs.
In addition to handling calls from English and Spanish speaking callers, the call center will be able to take calls from callers speaking more than 150 other languages  (+ info)

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