I was wondering if you could give me the name of the Dr. that you were able to see for the ADHD testing for the $750? What state are you in? I am in Colorado and I got quoted $4000 for all the required tests so definitely want to find someone that can do it for cheaper. How did all your testing go?

Thanks,

Ron

First, I’d recommend reading Dr. Parker’s book:

http://www.amazon.com/New-ADHD-Medication-Rules-Science/dp/1938467221/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361122659&sr=8-2&keywords=paying+attention+to+the+meds+for+paying+attention

Then, I would suggest looking into

–amino-acid supplements (such as tyrosine in the am, on an empty stomach)
–optimizing your diet (protein in the morning, eliminating simple sugars and carbs, etc.)
–incorporating brain-boosting exercise (aerobic in am with “coordinated” exercise, meaning not just running or some other “rote” activity but one that requires coordination and varied movements)
–making sure you’re getting good sleep

I hope this helps.
Gina

“Love what you do and you won’t work a single day in your life.” Or something like that. I would love to hear some more advice and/or thoughts on this topic. I’m nervous about the battery of tests, though. Thanks!

That’s a lot of dedication on your part!

There are many things you can do to improve your brain function in the meantime — get exercise in the morning, get enough sleep (not always easy for some people with ADHD, I know!), eat a protein breakfast in the morning.

I wonder if it’s just Adderall (and any other amphetamine stimulant) or if the methylphenidate class is prohibited as well. Same for Strattera, which is not a stimulant (but in my experience is not entirely effective as a standalone treatment for ADHD).

I can see the reasoning. Many people with ADHD don’t take their medication consistently. Or it’s not the most effective medication at the best dosage. So, the testing makes sure that you can function well without your medication (in case you don’t take it!).

Still, it does seem to penalize people who are responsible about being diagnosed and taking medication responsibly.

Good luck!
g

I was diagnosed as an adult and had been on the medication for 2 years when I started work on my private pilot license in January. The first step was being denied my medical. The second step was a letter from the FAA stating that I could not fly with ADHD and while taking Adderall, but if I was off the medication for 90 days and could pass a battery of tests (including a UA) I could obtain my medical. September 6th marked my 90th day off Adderall and next Monday I am taking the day off work to complete the testing. I hope that I can pass. This has been a very difficult path to take as I find that my symptoms are worse now than when I started taking the medication. I would encourage shopping around for testing resources as my initial contacts quoted around $2,000 but I was able to find a doctor to do the tests for $750.

It’s available as a paperback, a Kindle and Nook book, and as an audiobook.

Thanks!

I requested this book from the library, thanks for the recommendation.

This is something I am interested because of my significant other. Reading the comments on your Meetup page made me curious about common experiences with ADD in relationships. The comments seemed to be more focused on functionality in the world and coping with things like depression.

One question, for example, is how can ADD affect relationships and how can it be worked with. Mood seems to be a huge factor but my inquiry is more about issues like not being able to contain troughs and set internal boundaries with a significant other. The closer someone is emotionally, the more issues there are of course. I’m sure there are many other factors, so the inquiry is endless.

But you gave me a resource to look into and I appreciated it!

Actually, I just hosted a lecture here in Palo Alto with Dr. Lidia Zylowska, author of “The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD.” Look for the book on Amazon. There is a CD in the back with guided meditations.

It’s true, though, that some people with ADHD will have a hard time with any meditation practice until they take medication. The two together can be quite powerful. Some people with ADHD, depending on severity of symptoms and life situations, will be able to practice the techniques in the book without medication. It just depends on the person.

On the blog I write for CHADD, you can read a guest post by another physician who teachers Mindfulness Meditation for the ADHD community, Dr. Mark Bertin: http://adultadhdrelationships.blogspot.com/2012/06/communicating-mindfully.html