Next Steps?

Hi Deborah Ann and welcome to ADHD Central! I'm glad you found us.

Many many women (and men) find out about their ADHD by reading articles and checklists that describe them so well. Perhaps that is the case with you as well, and you are smart to find out. I always suggest that adults (and children, too) first see their primary care physician to discuss the symptoms to make sure there isn't a medical reason for them. For example, allergies and sleep disorders can cause ADHD-like behaviors. Same with thyroid disorders. So I agree that this should be your first step.

You might want to pull off some articles and/or check lists from the web to show your doctor and explain to him/her that this is you and you want to explore the possibility that you could have ADHD. Most PCPs are not equipped to offer a full, comprehensive ADHD evaluation, so you might want to ask for a referral. If he/she is not sure of anyone who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults, I'd suggest you contact CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) to find the closest chapter to you. The coordinator there could share names of local clinicians. CHADD's phone number is 800-233-4050 or visit their website at www.chadd.org and click on Chapter Locator. I think it's under "finding help."

There are online ADHD directories, too, where you can find ADHD specialists. CHADD has one, as does ADDA (www.add.org ) and there's one on my website at www.addconsults.com .

As for treatment...YES! ADHD is highly treatable with excellent results. Treatment usually consists of counseling, medication and education. With proper treatment, you will find that life is much more manageable!

There are a number of helpful articles here that should help you:

Diagnosis of ADHD

ADHD Treatment

ADHD in Women

Hope this helps!

Terry

Deborah

Welcome to HealthCentral.com. You will find a lot of great information on ADHD here as well as support from other members. I am not sure that I can add much to Terry's post, she has explained everything well and outlined what steps you can take from here.

As far as feeling embarrassed, please don't let this stop you from talking to your doctor about your concerns. ADHD is a medical diagnosis and Terry is right, you should start with your family doctor to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms. It is also a great idea to print out any checklists you have completed to show your doctor. That will also give you a good place to start the conversation and to remind you of the things that you want to say.

Please keep us posted and let us know how things are going.

Eileen