Good Optometrist, Dentist, And A.d.d Doctor?

[Yunnie]

Hi

I know a lot of people are in the BKK area instead but I'm hoping to find some people who are in Chiang Mai. Since I'm completely out of my element in dealing with Chiang Mai. I'm going to there in February to study at Payap university. Also, I'm going to Laos soon so we might just make a quick trip over the river to Udon Thani instead of trying to cram all of this in Chiang Mai, while my mother is with me.

I was wondering if any one knows a good optometrist - I need to get new glasses and contacts.

As well as a good dentist there with reasonable prices... - I need a wisdom tooth pulled and maybe some fillings. I saw a few websites with English speaking dentist, but I'm not sure which is good. They can even be Thai doctors that speak English as well, although my Thai is okay.

But the most important thing would be, who do I go to see about getting diagnosed with Adult ADD?

I've never been diagnosed here in the US and found out I dont have enough time to go in to see a doctor here (I leave in a couple days for Laos). But I've been struggling with many of the symptoms of ADD since high school. I'm pretty sure I might need to go on medication. My symptoms have been progressively getting worst in recent years no matter how much I change my lifestyle and daily habits. So I'm getting pretty worried. I'm just not sure if I can just see a regular doctor or if I need a specialist. And if I need a specialist - who?

Thanks.

[Sheryl]

Dentists and optometrist you can surely find in Chang Mai altho I have to leave it to CM folk to tell you where (might also help to do a search in the ChinagMai forum)

Adult ADD, indeed needs a specialist and highly unlikley to find in CM. Even in Bkk it will be a challenge to find one familiar with the concept of ADD in adults. I will look about and get back to you on it but almiost it will be in Bkk.

You will need also to be under the regular care of the specialist if you start meds to monitor dosage and response etc. This is not something to rush into. You've lived with it this long, wait until you are back from your trip.

[Yunnie]

The issue is I'm going to start taking classes in Feb in Chiang Mai and I will probably be in Thailand for a year. The trip would pretty much be a waste for me if I cant do well in school.

[Sheryl]

P.S. While ADD can exist in adults onset is usually in childhood. In fact the official diagnostic criteria include onset of symptoms by age 7.

If your problems began in your teens it is more likely another disorder e.g. BPD.

[PeaceBlondie]

My ADD began to interrupt my studies at age 17, and only became noticeable because I recognized more symptoms. I doubt it got worse. It has been diagnosed by various psychiatrists and neurologists, differently, for 35 years. You must be diagnosed by a specially trained neurologist or psychiatrist. The one who prescribed Rubifen for me at Sripat in Chiang Mai might have understood.

Good luck. Most educators here don't know what ADD or dyslexia are.

[Sheryl]

My ADD began to interrupt my studies at age 17, and only became noticeable because I recognized more symptoms. I doubt it got worse. It has been diagnosed by various psychiatrists and neurologists, differently, for 35 years. You must be diagnosed by a specially trained neurologist or psychiatrist. The one who prescribed Rubifen for me at Sripat in Chiang Mai might have understood.

Good luck. Most educators here don't know what ADD or dyslexia are.

PB

Is that doctor at Sripat someone you'd recommend she see, if so name?

I'm personally open to the possibility that ADD, or a condition that presents like it and responds to same treatment, might not appear until a later age, but the diagnostic criteria are onset of symptoms by age 7. In my experience Thai docs in particiular are likely to go by the book when dealing with conditions they are not very familiar with which may back it difficult for this poster if in fact ADD is the conditions/he has.....

[Sheryl]

The issue is I'm going to start taking classes in Feb in Chiang Mai and I will probably be in Thailand for a year. The trip would pretty much be a waste for me if I cant do well in school.

I understand, Yunnie. But as I and PeaceBlondie have mentioned there is a real lack of experience and familiarity with ADD in Thailand. There is also a widespread reluctance to prescribe the related medications.

If you are still in the US, you would be well advised to get tested and diagnosed there now. If you do have ADD you will stand a better chance of getting the needed treatment if you have with you a doctor's letter from home. Otherwise this is going to be tough going to say the least.

If on the other hand you actually have BPD (symptoms of mania/hypomania and ADD can be quite similiar) then Thailand has more to offer as BPD pretty common here.