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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Renee N on January 22, 2000, at 23:40:36
My pdoc diagnosed me with ADHD undifferentiated type when I presented him with my symptoms and history. That was a year ago. Stimulants then stimuant plus ADs hasn't helped my spacey, forgetful symptoms. I am glad to say I feel less anxious about the ADD since he added the ADs. I still have some problems with self esteem, getting things done, and just not enjoying much besides work. I do love my job! :) Anyway, my pdoc has hinted that he is starting to question his diagnosis of ADHD, and is leaning more towards Depression with anxiety. I don't know if he means dysthymia(which I could see) or major depression(I don't think so). Anyway, he suggested that I take the new TOVA test to confirm or deny the ADHD dx. I understand that it is on a computer and measures your responses to lists of things to memorize and respond to quickly, etc. He said it would cost $200 and that most insurances won't cover it. I guess I should see if mine will. It would have been nice if he would have offered for his office to check for me. Have any of you had this test? Do you think it's a good test? Is it worth $200 to someone whose budget is already stretched pretty thin? Did your insurance cover it? My insurance is an HMO Rush-Prudential. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.
Posted by Noa on January 23, 2000, at 8:11:02
In reply to TOVA test for ADHD, posted by Renee N on January 22, 2000, at 23:40:36
What I would ask myself is this: what difference will the test make in treatment? Will a change or confirmation in diagnosis alter the treatment plan? Will your doctor change your medications? I think much of the time diagnosis is not as helpful as looking at each of the symptoms. The same meds are often used anyway.
Posted by Renee N on January 24, 2000, at 0:00:54
In reply to Re: TOVA test for ADHD, posted by Noa on January 23, 2000, at 8:11:02
> What I would ask myself is this: what difference will the test make in treatment? Will a change or confirmation in diagnosis alter the treatment plan? Will your doctor change your medications? I think much of the time diagnosis is not as helpful as looking at each of the symptoms. The same meds are often used anyway.
Noa, Good point, but I am curious.
Posted by saint james on January 24, 2000, at 12:40:34
In reply to Re: TOVA test for ADHD, posted by Noa on January 23, 2000, at 8:11:02
> What I would ask myself is this: what difference will the test make in treatment? Will a change or confirmation in diagnosis alter the treatment plan? Will your doctor change your medications? I think much of the time diagnosis is not as helpful as looking at each of the symptoms. The same meds are often used anyway.
James here....
While I agree with Noa's points it is possible the Doc might want proof in the form of a test b4
he/she treats for ADD. As stims are the mainstay
of ADD treatment and are scheduled and watched the doc may want some backup.j
Posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 15:03:45
In reply to Re: TOVA test for ADHD, posted by saint james on January 24, 2000, at 12:40:34
But stimulants are used for depression, too. I take methylphenidate sr.
Posted by Renee N on January 25, 2000, at 22:16:34
In reply to Re: TOVA test for ADHD, posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 15:03:45
> But stimulants are used for depression, too. I take methylphenidate sr.
Renee N here---I've alsready been on various stimulants for over a year. I think he may be trying to get rid of the ADD dx in favor of a dysthynia with anxiety dx. I don't know if he would get rid of the stimulants in that case. I don't think he would. I have told him the effexor makes me sleepy in the afternoons and early evenings. I'm only on 150 Effexor XR a day. I think I will ask if I should try more. Some here have said that a higher doe is usually more energizing. I hope so. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired!(Well, not so much sick, but it sounded good, didn't it?) :)
Posted by rchamberlin on July 7, 2006, at 11:15:06
In reply to Re: TOVA test for ADHD, posted by Renee N on January 25, 2000, at 22:16:34
Hopefully somebody is still interested in finding out about the TOVA test and how it works, 'tho there has been no activity on this thread for about 5 1/2 years...
I was 52 when I heard about ADD, and immediately suspected I was a candidate for evaluation. All the typical experiences - inattention, lack of focus, not paying attention, goofing off in class, would do better if applying himself etc.
After an interview with a psychologist, it was suggested I take the TOVA test. There are two phases of testing - unmedicated and medicated with about a week between the two.
Here is how the test worked for me -
I sat in a fairly comfortable chair holding a button in my right hand. I watched a computer screen and was told to only press the button when I saw only one pattern on the screen. There were two different patterns, but I should only press the button for the one with the square on the botton of the screen, and at no other time.
The test went on for a half hour. The sequences appeared random, as well as the amount of time between them.Unmedicated results indicated I was slightly below the line in 4 or 5 areas indicating I had ADD.
I spoke with a psychiatrist next, who then approved the single dose medication (stimulent) for the next test.
A week later, I went back, having taken the little blue pill 1/2 hour before the test.
After taking the TOVA test again, my scores were well above the line indicating the medication had helped me normalize my impulse, focus, concentration and several other areas.
My health insurance paid 80% of the cost and I consider it well worth it.
Medication is not the complete answer though, as I still have to deal with procrastination, followthru, and attending to detail.
My wife and younger daughter can tell if I'm not medicated though, but I can't.
Let me put it this way. When I'm medicated, people are friendly and treat me so much nicer than when I'm not.
E.g. I take a pill, and they improve their attitudes - go figure.
> > But stimulants are used for depression, too. I take methylphenidate sr.
>
> Renee N here---I've alsready been on various stimulants for ...
This is the end of the thread.
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