I divorced my husband March 2008.  I wanted to rebuild my life with my 3 year old daughter.  I spoke to my family Dr. in regards to being depressed.  I made a consultation with a counselor because I was having trouble with what I thought was Depression.    In the first month, he evaluated me and my life history.  He ask me if I had ever been evaluated for ADD.  I said no, but I thought maybe I had slipped through the cracks in grade school.  He scheduled a computerized testing, then later scheduling a QEEG.  I was diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar continuum disorder, anxiety disorder, and cognitive disorder NOS.  This was such a blow for me.  I had only been to a Dr. for bronchitis once a year.  I didnt know how to feel.  I had bumper to bumper insurance while married.  I had to seek my own insurance during separation from my husband.  Unfortunatly, I went with a major medical/catithrophic(misspelled) Plan.  My current insurance plan did not include mental health...never thinking I might need it...or counseling.  I think all plans should include at least 6-8 sessions.  I really needed to be counseled on my diagnoses, but it was at my expense.  I had agreed to budgeting for "Rebuilding my Life"...never dreaming the can of worms that exploded in my life.  I talked to my counselor in regards to my financial issues.  I agreed I was very serious about my issues and would find the money to continue the counseling and start neurofeedback.  I did neurofeedback for 3 months and really started to see a great change.  My counselor and I have a great relationship...he is very easy to talk to and makes me feel very good at where my life is going.  I felt like it was totally different from what I had originally called him about, but I wanted to do the right thing for my daughter and seek the best for my diagnoses.  I felt like he was helping me cope with my diagnoses.  I started having more trouble with my finances with couseling, meds...adderall xr, lexapro, and lamictal.  I was spending out of pocket $638 a month.  This is very tough for a single Mom.  As most people, I thought I was feeling and doing great.  I stopped attending my sessions and neurofeedback to save money.  I have not and will not discontinue my meds until I am advised by my Dr.  I do know the importants of staying on schedule.  I went from taking something for an occassional headache to 3 meds everyday.  

Since I initally wrote in, I have scheduled a session with my couselor.  I feel like the QEEG is a test in which the diagnoses is very accurate.  My question...do I seek another opinion.  I really want to accept my diagnoses and make my life better.  I  will not be able to seek counseling 4 times a month and pay for all meds, but I will see my counselor monthly.  I know the neurofeedfack is not in my finances at this time.  I was intridged in the different ways of making my brain function better and did see progress. 

Dr. Diana, I thank you for your feedback.  This is such a great site for networking.  I have not been able to tell my friends and family members of my diagnoses (only my parents).  I would love to hear from others on this matter.  LeighAnn