advice regarding adhd testign

Guys...i need a bit of advice....I am actually an internation graduate student in US....I have always had problems and symptoms similar to that of adhd/add....so I decided to get tested....

however I have been feeling that when I get tested and if it comes out to be positive...it might prevent me for getting employed....

as I said I am new to US..and dont know about the various laws..do companies generally search through medical history during employee recruitment...and can they deny employment if I refuse to give them permission...

It would be really good if you guys could give me some advice...since now that I have scheduled an appointment...and given it some thought..i am having feelings that its better not to get tested...since if by anychance the tests are positive...it will ruin my chances of employment....

I would really appreciate any comments or critiques ....

thanks a lot

[tschock]

There are a LOT of famous people that have,or did have, ADD/ADHD...some of them in jobs that require a great deal of concentration.
I'm not sure on the laws in the U.S, as I am in Canada,but I can't see them being too much different.
As far as I know it is against the law to not hire someone due to religious beliefs,nationality,political views,or handicaps (that is why those questions are not on application forms...however,during an interview they may ask you if you have any problems that may interfere with your job...I don't think you need to tell them about ADD/ADHD, unless you yourself believe that you may have an issue with a certain aspect of the job)...unless you are applying to be an airplane/ground controller or some other highly intense job that demands strict concentration...I can't see why you wouldn't be hired.
I know a lawyer that has ADD,and a pediatrician that has Tourette's syndrome.
Both are excellent in thier fields.
Most of us with ADD/ADHD find that when we are doing a job that we love and that we are good at we excel in that field.
For example: if you love to read it is hard for anyone to interrupt you while doing so...however,if you dislike math and are trying to study,you will find that ANY distraction will pull you away from it.
I know a few employers that find having someone with ADD/ADHD very rewarding...as long as that employee likes the job that they are doing...we tend to pay more attention to the job at hand...possibly it's just to show up the non-sufferers lol.
Anyway, take a look on-line and type in "famous people with ADD/ADHD" into your internet explorer...see what or who pops up.
Hope that helps.

[Sandman2]

the confidential laws in the US are quite strong.  Your company cannot get their hands on them without your permission.  For that matter, there is no way they can know you have been tested unless you tell them.

[marmee]

I have worked in the medical field for the past 30 yrs.  If your employer needs your medical record (which is very rare)  you can release general medical information.
On the Medical Release of information form there are sections where you can mark off to exclude Behavorial health, and Sexually transmitted diseases, labs etc...

This is under the Health Information Act.

[GINMN]

In addition, should you find that you need an accomodation due to your illness once you have a job, you should look at the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act and check into the Job Accomodation Network (JAN)  They have some very helpful information regarding the rights of employees with disabilities.  You should keep careful records of your illness - testing, diagnosis and treatment in the advent that one day you might need to refer back to them.