Adult ADHD testing?

[Anonymous]

I'm posting here because I thought this may be where I get the most helpful responses, but Jeff, please move this post if it should be in another place.

Where can an adult go if they suspect they have ADHD (inattentive)? Looking for recommendations, as well as descriptions of what typically happens during the appointment(s). I live on Capitol Hill. Thanks, DCUM!

[Anonymous]

You can go to almost any therapist or psychiatrist, but a good place specifically for ADHD is the Chesapeake ADHD Center in downtown Silver Spring. For adults, testing is not as important as for children. They will interview you and may give you a test, but in both cases it will mostly be your own self-reporting of symptoms. You can get a diagnosis from either a therapist or psychiatrist. They will also look for other conditions that may mimic or occur together with ADHD, like anxiety. A psychiatrist will likely prescribe medication. A therapist will talk about management techniques instead of or in addition to medication.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your response! Honest question, as I have no experience with this: Would a place like the ADHD Center have a motivation to make ADHD diagnoses? When I take ADHD quizzes online, some results say I have ADHD, while others do not, so I'm just not sure. I don't want treatment if I don't really need it, but welcome it if I indeed do need it.

Thanks again for your help.

[Anonymous]

If you are a borderline case, there is a tendency for psychologists and psychiatrists to see what they know best, so yes, they probably are more likely to give you an ADHD diagnosis than someone else.

Two other general psychiatrists I know of are David Fischer in NW DC and Jared Putnam In Chevy Chase. Dr. Fischer is expensive but I highly recommend him. Dr Putnam is just ok, but he is one of the few that does take insurance.

You might get more recommendations for psychiatrists and psychologists on the Health and Medicine forum.

[Anonymous]

20:32, what do you like more about Putnam than Fischer? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:20:32, what do you like more about Putnam than Fischer? Thanks.

Other way around. I like Fischer better. I used to be with Putnam, he was okay, probably a bit better than average, and he took my insurance. Then I had a crisis and he wasn't able to help, in fact I just got worse and worse. I had to find someone else fast. Fortunately, I got Fischer. He put me on the right medication and I felt better almost immediately.