Today I am feeling extremely anxious. Tomorrow is my first appointment with a Psychiatrist and I have to try to convince him that I have A.D.D. I don't know too many doctors that like patients that self diagnose but I know without a doubt that I am A.D.D. I have started a list two pages long so far of my symptoms but I know I'm not done yet. Of course the time snuck up on me and now I feel stressed over getting it done. I have also started a life journal on all my experiences that I feel may have been related to A.D.D. Not done that yet either and I'm not sure if I should bring that to my doc? What do you all think? It's pretty personal and touches on my abuse experiences as well.

I feel better just getting out my feelings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My appointment is tomorrow at 11am.

Sweerheartsok,

Having just had to switch psychs, I understand completely what you are feeling. Myself, I put off finding a new doc until I could no longer wait.

The thing that helped me the most was making sure the doc I went to believed in adult ADD before I ever set foot in the office. A simple phone call and leaving a message with my question was all it really took.

Your list of symptoms is a good idea - anyone who understands the condition will be greatly appreciative for that information.

All in all - as long as you don't start demanding specific treatments, you shouldn't have any trouble from the doctor for self diagnosis. After all, most people who seek professional help have an idea that something is not right.

Best wishes for your upcoming visit.
David Pershing

Hey...good luck and just take it one minute at a time. It sounds like you're well prepared and my only suggestion would be to not "run him/her over". Let the doctor lead, otherwise they can get miffed. Some doctors don't like it when a patient knows more than they do! lol

Let us know how it goes!

Kim

I had a similar experience with my first session. I told the psychologist that I identified with many of the ADD related problems but I wanted to let him reach his own conclusions. I'll have to say, though, that I'm not sure how I'll take it if he doesn't believe my problem is ADD. At some level, I'm hoping it is so the problem can be identified and treated. On the other hand, I don't want to waste time pursuing an improper course of treatment. He did have me score a list of ADD symptoms (the Utah thing, I think). I dropped off the sheets today and typically missed the turn to his office because I came from the opposite direction. I had no idea where the turn was until I had turned around and approached from the direction I took the first time.

The list of symptoms is a good idea. I think I'll make one for my next visit.