I was just clinically diagnosed with ADHD

[postbacpremed87]

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Will this hinder me getting into medical school?

 

[Catalystik]

I was just clinically diagnosed with ADHD
Will this hinder me getting into medical school?

Med schools won't know unless you tell them. You are not obliged to reveal information about any medical condition.

 

[MyBffPutin]

I have ADD too and its no big deal. A lot of working doctors have ADD/ADHD themselves. Just be careful about sharing this info with your classmates. Some of them are hellbent on getting Adderal/Ritalin/etc. I've had a few personal experiences with these crazies and it is not fun.

 

[DrHouse579]

How did you find out? I have several ADD symptoms, but didn't think much of it. If you don't mind sharing, how exactly does the doctor confirm the diagnosis?

 

[StudyShy]

Will this hinder me getting into medical school?

Nope, you are good to go. There are med students with ADHD, bipolar disorder, you name name it. There is someone. And unless you tell them...like in a PS or something, they shouldn't know about it.

Half the emergency room physicians I work with have said that they have ADHD. I actually think that it makes them great doctors.

 

[Knocked Up]

Will this hinder me getting into medical school?

Have you taken the MCAT yet? You may be able to get extra time if you get it documented by a physician. There are more hoops to jump through with AAMC then your ugrad, but it may well be worth it. I've heard of people getting their OWN separate room and extended time per section. How wonderful would that be?

 

[music2doc]

Have you taken the MCAT yet? You may be able to get extra time if you get it documented by a physician. There are more hoops to jump through with AAMC then your ugrad, but it may well be worth it. I've heard of people getting their OWN separate room and extended time per section. How wonderful would that be?

You mean except for the fact that if you do do well, schools will discount your score for having been taken under "non-standard conditions"? Or the fact that the USMLE does not allow testing modifications (therefore, schools are naturally going to have reservations about people who required such modifications for the MCAT)? Taking the MCAT under non-standard conditions is probably not a great idea, IMO, unless the OP is truly unable to perform satisfactorily under standardized conditions.

 

[CaveJohnsonHere]

I have ADD, CAPD, OCD and panic disorder. Sucks, but if you can learn to deal, it shouldn't hinder you.

 

[Conflagration]

So, if you have a condition, you don't have to disclose it?

Thank God, I thought that my diagnosis of Asperger's was going to bar me(granted, it was given when I was 3 and a half, and I've been to therapy non-stop until I was around 11 or 12. Never got medications and I got off an IEP last year).

I know a few people with ADHD, as long as you know how to keep yourself on task for the time necessary to retain the information in your classes, you should be fine. =D

 

[mmmcdowe]

Take your meds, don't sell your meds, don't use it as a crutch if you fail to meet your goals or expectations. Follow those three rules and it will not hinder you.

 

[orthomyxo]

I have reason to believe I have some type of attention-deficit disorder (hoping to get diagnosed over winter break), and it has interfered with my ability to perform academically to some extent, which is reflected in my somewhat low cGPA. If it turns out that I do have a condition, should I mention it in secondaries that ask to explain poor performance, or am I better off pretending it doesn't exist?

 

[Osakhomen]

I'm pretty sure I have a relatively rare LD (compared to ADHD/ADD) called CAPD, or Central Auditory Processing Disorder. I fit almost all the symptoms... Anyway, I went through college thinking I probably had some type of LD, but I used (almost unconsciously) my strengths, like I'm a very visual person and have a pretty good photographic memory. So when studying sciences I would always look at pictures and draw diagrams. So my GPA for undergrad is really good, however my MCAT is mediocre. Looking back I can now say my LD was probably why it was what it was. If I would have known I had a LD before taking my MCAT, I would have prepared more adequately for the test. But I'm not sure if I would have tried to get more time on the test. In life, just because you have a LD doesn't mean you get more time to deal with it, you have to deal accordingly and play on your strengths.
I'm not in med school yet, but I've already gotten in, so long story short, getting in to med school shouldn't be a problem/

 

[CaveJohnsonHere]

I'm pretty sure I have a relatively rare LD (compared to ADHD/ADD) called CAPD, or Central Auditory Processing Disorder. I fit almost all the symptoms... Anyway, I went through college thinking I probably had some type of LD, but I used (almost unconsciously) my strengths, like I'm a very visual person and have a pretty good photographic memory. So when studying sciences I would always look at pictures and draw diagrams. So my GPA for undergrad is really good, however my MCAT is mediocre. Looking back I can now say my LD was probably why it was what it was. If I would have known I had a LD before taking my MCAT, I would have prepared more adequately for the test. But I'm not sure if I would have tried to get more time on the test. In life, just because you have a LD doesn't mean you get more time to deal with it, you have to deal accordingly and play on your strengths.
I'm not in med school yet, but I've already gotten in, so long story short, getting in to med school shouldn't be probably.

Wow, you sound almost exactly like me. I have CAPD (diagnosed) and a photographic memory. I study the same way (pictures, diagrams, etc). My auditory memory sucks, and I always have trouble hearing people if I can't read their lips.

 

[Starlightembers]

You mean except for the fact that if you do do well, schools will discount your score for having been taken under "non-standard conditions"? Or the fact that the USMLE does not allow testing modifications (therefore, schools are naturally going to have reservations about people who required such modifications for the MCAT)? Taking the MCAT under non-standard conditions is probably not a great idea, IMO, unless the OP is truly unable to perform satisfactorily under standardized conditions.

The USMLE does allow for certain testing modifications (extended time, extra breaks, etc); however, if one opts to use them, residency programs will know that you received said testing modifications and which ones you received (they will not be able to learn why you qualified for them, though, unless you tell them).

Nope, you are good to go. There are med students with ADHD, bipolar disorder, you name name it. There is someone. And unless you tell them...like in a PS or something, they shouldn't know about it.

Half the emergency room physicians I work with have said that they have ADHD. I actually think that it makes them great doctors.

This.

Take your meds, don't sell your meds, don't use it as a crutch if you fail to meet your goals or expectations. Follow those three rules and it will not hinder you.

And this. Especially this.

OP, though I do not have AD/HD, I have suffered from various mental illnesses for most of my life (as per the words of my psychiatrist, recovered and unlikely to relapse). If it is impairing your functioning, get it treated and under control. Once you do that, as long as you don't disclose it and/or try to use it as an excuse, you should be OK.

 

[NickNaylor]

The USMLE does allow for certain testing modifications (extended time, extra breaks, etc); however, if one opts to use them, residency programs will know that you received said testing modifications and which ones you received (they will not be able to learn why you qualified for them, though, unless you tell them).

Testing modifications might be available, but frankly that seems like a pretty big red flag in my view - especially if you request modifications for something like ADHD. At some point you just have to buck it up and accept that "out there" is the big, mean, and unfair real world. Your patients and colleagues likely won't care about your disabilities. They're going to care about your ability to perform well and treat them, however you go about doing that. Asking for accommodations on a professional licensing exam just doesn't seem right to me (not in a moral right/wrong kind of way, but in a "you probably shouldn't do that" kind of way).

 

[Starlightembers]

Testing modifications might be available, but frankly that seems like a pretty big red flag in my view - especially if you request modifications for something like ADHD. At some point you just have to buck it up and accept that "out there" is the big, mean, and unfair real world. Your patients and colleagues likely won't care about your disabilities. They're going to care about your ability to perform well and treat them, however you go about doing that. Asking for accommodations on a professional licensing exam just doesn't seem right to me (not in a moral right/wrong kind of way, but in a "you probably shouldn't do that" kind of way).

I (for the most part*) agree with you and I wasn't saying one should request testing modifications; not only would it likely hurt someone in the match, it just seems to be delaying the inevitable situation in which such accommodations (extra times, extra breaks, etc) will not be available. Certainly, though I could most likely make a case for receiving them, I do not plan to request them, nor have I ever requested anything like it except during my most acute point (which was only a couple of months). Though I know many hold different opinions, if I can get to a point where I can garner an acceptance, I want my accomplishments to be my own.

I was just posting the link to point out an inaccuracy in music2doc's statement (in case one did want to request them), not to suggest that I think one should use them. If my post suggested that, then I apologize as it was a case of miscommunication.

*There are exceptions to this that are too numerous to go into here. In addition, standardized tests usually require documentation for one to bring in an inhaler, snack, etc into the testing room; though not a modification in the traditional sense -- and one's test will not be marked as being given modification -- I also want to point out that I believe this should be allowed. I have low blood sugar (Reactive Hypoglycemia), for example, and do not feel my need to carry with me and eat snacks more frequently than the average person to have an impact on my ability to care for patients.

 

[NickNaylor]

I (for the most part*) agree with you and I wasn't saying one should request testing modifications; not only would it likely hurt someone in the match, it just seems to be delaying the inevitable situation in which such accommodations (extra times, extra breaks, etc) will not be available. Certainly, though I could most likely make a case for receiving them, I do not plan to request them, nor have I ever requested anything like it except during my most acute point (which was only a couple of months). Though I know many hold different opinions, if I can get to a point where I can garner an acceptance, I want my accomplishments to be my own.

I was just posting the link to point out an inaccuracy in music2doc's statement (in case one did want to request them), not to suggest that I think one should use them. If my post suggested that, then I apologize as it was a case of miscommunication.

*There are exceptions to this that are too numerous to go into here. In addition, standardized tests usually require documentation for one to bring in an inhaler, snack, etc into the testing room; though not a modification in the traditional sense -- and one's test will not be marked as being given modification -- I also want to point out that I believe this should be allowed. I have low blood sugar (Reactive Hypoglycemia), for example, and do not feel my need to carry with me and eat snacks more frequently than the average person to have an impact on my ability to care for patients.

Oh no, I wasn't trying to imply that at all. Just interjecting my opinion. I agree with your post entirely.

 

[IMSingular]

I as a patient will be quite concerned if the doctor who is about to perform a surgery on me has ADHD or ADD. Other kind of diagnostics and treatment I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[American Shero]

How did you find out? I have several ADD symptoms, but didn't think much of it. If you don't mind sharing, how exactly does the doctor confirm the diagnosis?

I am curious about how this works as well. My younger brother was just diagnosed with ADHD by his school psychologist or something like that. Now my mom wants me to get tested as well, b/c we have similar problems.

I made an appt for January and the receptionist made me an appt with an "intake specialist". Is this the person that will be evaluating me? I don't have insurance, so they're charging me over $200, and therefore I'm a little hesitant to go if this person isn't going to do a legitimate evaluation. The receptionist said they would refer me to one of their psychiatrists, after my appt., if I'm "seeking meds" for it.😕

So, I'm a bit confused. I thought a doctor would be evaluating me. Any insight?

 

[Starlightembers]

Oh no, I wasn't trying to imply that at all. Just interjecting my opinion. I agree with your post entirely.

Ah, I see. Apologies for misreading the intent of your post.

Glad to see we are on the same page, then.

I as a patient will be quite concerned if the doctor who is about to perform a surgery on me has ADHD or ADD. Other kind of diagnostics and treatment I wouldn't be concerned.

...as long as the AD/HD does not impair his or her ability to practice -- which, if well controlled, may not -- I do not see an inherit danger in an ADD patient doing surgey on you.

I am curious about how this works as well. My younger brother was just diagnosed with ADHD by his school psychologist or something like that. Now my mom wants me to get tested as well, b/c we have similar problems.

I made an appt for January and the receptionist made me an appt with an "intake specialist". Is this the person that will be evaluating me? I don't have insurance, so they're charging me over $200, and therefore I'm a little hesitant to go if this person isn't going to do a legitimate evaluation. The receptionist said they would refer me to one of their psychiatrists, after my appt., if I'm "seeking meds" for it.😕

So, I'm a bit confused. I thought a doctor would be evaluating me. Any insight?

You will likely be evaluated by a Clinical Psychologist of some sort. The psychometric testing that is usually used in the diagnosis of AD/HD is more in line with a psychologist's work than an MD's*. You can call, ask and check, certainly; however, this is my hunch.

*Obviously, MDs can diagnose patients -- including those with AD/HD. It's just common practice that psychometric testing is used, which is something a psychologist would do.

 

[American Shero]

.

You will likely be evaluated by a Clinical Psychologist of some sort. The psychometric testing that is usually used in the diagnosis of AD/HD is more in line with a psychologist's work than an MD's*. You can call, ask and check, certainly; however, this is my hunch.

*Obviously, MDs can diagnose patients -- including those with AD/HD. It's just common practice that psychometric testing is used, which is something a psychologist would do.

Will do! 👍

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I am curious about how this works as well. My younger brother was just diagnosed with ADHD by his school psychologist or something like that. Now my mom wants me to get tested as well, b/c we have similar problems.

I made an appt for January and the receptionist made me an appt with an "intake specialist". Is this the person that will be evaluating me? I don't have insurance, so they're charging me over $200, and therefore I'm a little hesitant to go if this person isn't going to do a legitimate evaluation. The receptionist said they would refer me to one of their psychiatrists, after my appt., if I'm "seeking meds" for it.😕

So, I'm a bit confused. I thought a doctor would be evaluating me. Any insight?

As another poster mentioned, in terms of things like testing accommodations, psychometric testing is going to be required. In terms of an actual diagnosis, the DSM doesn't require any cognitive testing per se, but its use is often included as a means of objectively classifying presence/degree of impairment beyond simple self-report of symptoms.

If the evaluation they're going to give you would qualify for something such as ACT/SAT/MCAT or college classroom/testing accommodations, and they're "only" charging $200, you're getting quite a good deal, actually.