New here I have a psych visit next Tuesday for Adult ADD. I have been on Ritalin before and stopped in high school. I have decided I no longer have to live my life with this constant caos. Can I expect the psychiatrist to give me a script first visit or is it a long drawn out process. How many of you got scripts the first visit?

Sorry so short but if you are like me I cannot read an entire long paragraph without moving on.

Lea:)

If Ritalin helped, you might want to have your records from the physician who prescribed it sent to your new psychiatrist. However, your new psychiatrist might want to approach this his own way. My psychiatrist put me on Lexapro to help rule out anxiety as a cause of my poor concentration instead of ADD causing it. Each state is different, but many states require doctors to keep documentation for the DEA for patients on stimulant/Schedule II drugs, such as Ritalin. If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD/ADD, he could presribe a non-stimulant ADHD medication such as Strattera at the first visit. If you are eventually prescribed a stimulant, don't be surprised if it takes a couple months.

Every physician /psychiatrist will have their own way of doing things.The main thing they have in common though is the Medical Model.

Depending on the nature of the practice and how swamped they are (I didn't even attemtp to say "busy," as waiting lists abound all over the country), that would determine how the initial Intake or Diagnostic Assessment is done.

At our rural, non-profit, community mental health center, clients have to see a therapist first for an Intake/Diagnostic Assessment before a referral can be made. The reason is to substantiate whether there is a "medical necessity" for the referral.

After the first session, most appointments w/ the psychiatrist are 15 min med checks.

For ADHD, it's important to document the "impairments" or probems created by the disorder in the first place.

Impairments in major life activites that have been "present from an early age" are the main thing to look for in kids.

That would include grades, friendships,ability ot carry out tasks,including chores, and later, driving.

Hypothetically speaking, someone who really had ADHD, would still have problems later on in life,although they aren't going to look the same way as when they were a kid.

A "chaotic" life, would be one way to describe it.

good luck