ADD appointment?
Answer:
Well, I'm not sure what type of doctor you are seeing (i.e., a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician) but it would vary depending on the doctor.
A psychologist would meet with you, discuss your problems, and then the actual testing simulates cognitively-stressing situations. So you would do paper-and-pencil problem solving tasks that are tapping in to your ability to attend to stimuli, memory, language, and other higher-level processes. There is no machines or other devices used during the testing. I do testing with children and adults with ADHD and the testing typically takes approximately 3-5 hours spread across 1-2 sessions plus a follow-up session for feedback. My interview takes place in the first session, although every office runs differently, so it will definately depend on who you are seeing and their protocol.
A psychiatrist and family physician are different. A psychiatrist may go based on your reports or may ask for testing from a psychologist. Family physicians generally will refer you to a psychologist for testing prior to prescribing medication. However, the psychologist cannot prescribe, so you will be sent to a psychiatrist or your physician for medication, if it is warranted.
Questions will include your family history, developmental history, education and work history plus a detailed list of symptoms. Bring examples, such as - "I was trying to complete this test in such and such class and I just couldn't focus. I kept getting distracted by the birds sitting in the window outside." Those are very helpful. They will want to know where the symptoms are occurring most often, how often they are noticed, who is noticing them, when they began, etc. They will also ask questions about changes in mood, sleep, appetite, etc. because ADHD isn't the only condition that causes changes in your thinking skills.
Good luck!
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