If I was diagnosed with ADD as a child, do I have to get re-diagnosed as an adult?

Question

When I was in 8 I was diagnosed with ADD. I took medication off and on through high school but, quit after I graduated. I am now 24 and have been trouble with my school work again. Do I have to be re-diganosed to get a new prescription? Or can I just go to my regular doctor and ask for a new presciption?

Answer 1

You'll probably have to get "re-diagnosed" but getting an ADD diagnonsense these days is easier than getting a speeding ticket so it shouldn't be too hard.  Just go to any old doc and tell them your symptoms.  They'll most likely be more than happy to medicate you.

Answer 2

You can go to your doctor and explain to him the problem. He will mostly likely ask you a few questions and look for any signs or symptoms for himself to get a better understanding unless he was the doctor who diagnosed you. mostly likely though if you have been diagnosed once then you should not have a problem.

Answer 3

you should only need to be diagnosed once.  talk to your doctor (if it'sa different doc) about your history and ask what you need to do.

Answer 4

Just talk to you doctor about you past history and your present concerns, and the doc will know what to do.   Often, the prescriptions that work best in adults are not the same ones used with children, so don't be surprised if the doc is reluctant to prescribe Ritalin; there are many other choices and you may have to try a few different meds before you find one that works well and does not have unacceptable side effects.