OK, I just realized that my first post was in the childs diagnosis forum, so I posted this here. I have my second visit with the psych today at 4 o'clock. If anyone remebers, he is a non-believer in ADHD, and gave me wellbutrin because he saw a slight case of depression, which I really believe are just some symptoms of ADHD. I finally found a psychologist that is going to give me a second opinion and test me next week. Should I tell the psych this. I'm already going to let him know how the wellbutrin has done nothing for my memory nor my focus and concentration, and the only things it has done is made my muscles sore, given me headaches, and made me irritable. I was thinking about re-explaining my symptoms with him, this time bringing in a list, but I don't think he will listen.
Also, I just started my LSAT class, and it is only confirming my belief that I have ADHD. Out of the 40 people in my class, I am always the last one to finish the practice questions, as I have to read the passages at least 3 or 4 times just to be able to remember the information, and thats if I can actually keep my eyes on the paper instead of wandering around.
Thanks for listening,
Kyle

Kyle,

I'm disturbed that the doc said he doesn't believe in inattentive ADHD. That would indicate to me that he's rather incompetent.

I'm a died-in-the-wool, hardcore, show-me-the-evidence skeptic, and I can tell you the research is very supportive.

I'm wondering if perhaps you misunderstood him? Maybe he meant that it is over-diagnosed in LA? I still think that's wrong, but at least it would make more sense.

Given your symptoms, I would also wonder if depression isn't the problem. It isn't a bad idea to put you on antidepressants first and see how you do.

But, if the doc doesn't budge on it, and you don't see improvements in memory and focus within 2 months of taking Wellbutrin, I'd get a second opinion.

Regarding the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists:

A psychiatrist is an MD and will prescribe medication. These days many stick to meds management, but there are still a great deal that practice therapy as well.

A psychologist is a PhD or an MFT (or something similar) who cannot prescribe medication. They specialize in various therapies and most who work with a clinical population (those of us with disorders, not just life issues) usually work in conjunction with an MD who will prescibe the medication.

Either of those that are willing and able to discuss ADHD with you are well-qualified to make a diagnosis.

Good luck!

Hi Kyle,

Seconding everything Barb just said, it's appropriate and feasible to be diagnosed by either an MD-psychiatrist or a non-MD (psychologist or therapist). You might have better luck, however, working with someone who has treated a lot of adult ADD. It sounds like your second source could be one of those, which means you can have a higher degree of confidence he will recognize it when he sees it.

It disappoints, but not surprises, me that so many clinicians still view ADD in adults so skeptically. Despite all the research and studies, old attitudes are hard to change and some people just wont budge, even some who claim to be open-minded about it. In other cases, they do believe it is possible, but want you to jump through all other kinds of hoops first (like months on inapparopriate drugs) before they grant the possibility, and even then may do it reluctantly as they dont like dealing with stimulants.

A specialist in ADD understands what he or she is seeing much more quickly and is much more likely to grasp the way the whole range meds are likely to be experienced by different kinds of patients, so there may be less trial and error before you find your personal recipe.

As to whether you "should" tell the first psych you intend to see the second, I would not feel obliged unless it feels relevant since he seems so stuck in his views, which itself does not sound like good news. If #2 seems more helpful to you, then just count youreself lucky you found him :)

Ok, got back a little while ago, and will definitely be getting a second opinion. This time, he not only said he doesn't believe in adult ADHD, but that "Adult ADHD doesn't exist" and that "diagnosis' of adult ADHD is bullshi**." THat really suprised me. imean to not beleive in it is one thing, but for a licensed professional to call ADHD bullsh** is just outrageous. He even told me again, that according to the rules on his little palm pilot, I displayed many qualities, but since I can't remember having these problems past the age seven, there is no chance I could have this problem. While it is true that I can't remember having these problems in my early chidhood, I can for a fact remeber suffering through them ever since junior high school (starting around 12-13 yrs old). He tried to give me a prescription for more wellbutrin, but I told him I want to wait until I see a psychologist who specializes in ADHD, and does not consider it bullsh**. Sorry, but that made me pretty angry.
Thanks for the replies,
Kyle

Kyle, don't waste your time and money going back to him!
I can only remember having real ADHD trouble after the age of 12 too....maybe it's too long ago to rememebr back that far for me! I do remember a lot more impulsive things I did as a young child,(5-12years old) but not any real school problems until I reached 12-13+++++
Good luck with your next appointment with the new bloke

I can't remember having problems before age 7. My mom can though.
I wouldn't waste your time going back there either. You can see a regular physician and be put on meds for ADD. I've heard of others doing that. I like to think of the psych as the one who will help me with my emotional problems, and a Dr. as the one to help with my physical problems. Since meds fix the physical problems, it might help to just start there then talk to SOMEONE ELSE about your emotions.

even my parents had trouble remembering my symptoms prior to age 7!

Unless you're determined to change his mind about adult adhd I wouldn't be seeing him again. It will be like butting your head against a brick wall. My gp helped me find a psychiatrist who specialised in adhd. At least if you know they believe in the condition then you have a starting point. Even if they don't feel you've got it they would have at least looked for it. I doubt the other psyc did.

Being accused of not being ADD because you can't remember before age 7? That is nonsense! Doctors who don't believe in ADD in my opinion, practice bad medicine. I suffered too many years, ADULTHOOD years with ADD to listen to anymore doctors like that. They're not the ones suffering! Don't waste your time with him.

My psychiatrist certainly emphasized the importance of the symptoms going back that far, but didn't expect me to prove I was impaired at age 6. It was enough to say that I've never known a time when I wasn't confused by an inability to stay on task with certain stuff or disengage with other stuff.

My GP wanted nothing to do with it and when I showed up at his office in November crying desperately for help, he promptly told me that I needed to find a mental health professional. This is understandable consider that the treatment of choice is a controlled substance and it's not his area of expertise. He's more than happy to keep me on Prozac since I came to him with a decade-old diagnosis & a med that has no abuse potential, but asking him for an ADD diagnosis wasn't in the cards.

However, he was thrilled to see me smiling yesterday (I've got the flu & needed to make sure I hadn't developed an ear infection) and Adderall added to my list of medications!

Adult ADHD doesn't exist" and that "diagnosis' of adult ADHD is bullshi**." THat really suprised me. imean to not beleive in it is one thing, but for a licensed professional to call ADHD bullsh** is just outrageous.



He tried to give me a prescription for more wellbutrin, but I told him I want to wait until I see a psychologist who specializes in ADHD, and does not consider it bullsh**. Sorry, but that made me pretty angry.


Kyle good for you ….I think the doctor may have been full of fertilizer!!!

Although this was unpleasant it isn’t an isolated incident this “non-believing” attitude …so much so it prompted the following thread…which may be of interest!

If you have access to a printer it may be worth printing the initial post by McTavish23, for the sharing of information to those who are obviously uninformed!


"No scientific basis" - Here's the Proof (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16810)


Written by a member who knows “both sides” of the ADD equation!

He even told me again, that according to the rules on his little palm pilot, I displayed many qualities, but since I can't remember having these problems past the age seven, there is no chance I could have this problem.
According to Barkley Taking Charge of ADHD and Brown Attention Deficit Disorder -- there is no research to back up 7 years of age as a magic figure and suggest it may not be included in the DSM-V. Women frequently don't exhibit many symptoms before age seven (in fact for many not until their teen years) and bright inattentives (guys and gals) are less likely to be spotted early too. Also because ADDers are such poor observers we often don't remember our symptoms realistically. I thought I didn't have any symptoms in grade school to speak of (although I was diagnosed by age 4), then I found my old report cards, achievement tests, and comments from my classmates -- wow, what an eye openner. :eek:

Brown challenges the whole have to have it in childhood thinking anyway saying many things like aging, hormones, and such can put a person who was on the "normal" side of the line over into problem territory. Since ADD is on a continium I think those would probably be folks just over that tipping point -- but a little difference can yield a huge difference in results at certain points. Barkley thinks "childhood" should be much more broadly construed to include older kids.

I can't believe a professional would speak that way against something with so much evidence backing it up. But obviously, he hasn't bothered to read anything recently on the subject. Glad you found someone else.

Scattered

My first thought when reading this title was, why would anyone want to see an idiot psychiatrist twice in two hours?

My second thought was, I wonder if he would believe in a big, fat malpractice suit?

Thanks everyone for your help and support. My insurance company finally sent the psychologist an approval form and she faxed it back to them, so hopefully I will be able to see the her this week. She has been unbelievably helpful in pushing this along, but my insurance on the other hand has been very hard to deal with. If everything goes right I will find out the true story this week and post it up to let everyone know.

Thanks again

good luck, and thanks for the update!!

My first thought when reading this title was, why would anyone want to see an idiot psychiatrist twice in two hours?

My second thought was, I wonder if he would believe in a big, fat malpractice suit?
I thought the title meant she was seeing the psych twice in two hours as well!!!

I had to go back and see what both of you saw! LOL, I read it the other way, which is unusual for me as I skim way too much, and only get half the point! My first thought was "gee, I hope you don't have to go far, you only have 2 hours to get there!! " I always leave an extra hour or so early just in case I get lost :-)

Talked with the psychologist over the phone yesterday and it looks like my insurance company DID NOT approve my claim to get a diagnosis. I have no idea why this would be. So it looks like I can't get a diagnosis from her. She said she could still do it, but it would cost $700, and being a student, there is no way I can afford that. On top of this, I just got the bill from my university insurance (blue cross) for when I saw the psychiatrist and I owe $170. I guess I was being ignorant because I had no idea it was going to cost me that much. Blue cross only covers 50% of the bill. I am not sure what to do now. I can't afford anymore of these bills, but I feel so strongly about having a disorder, I would like to get a correct diagnosis whether it proves or disproves my beliefs. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should do? Is it cheaper to see a GP than to see a psychologist or psychiatrist? I am going to my university mental health office on monday to see if they can diagnose, and to see what my options are.
Any help is appreciated
Kyle

Well, $700 is dirt cheap. You can easily expect a $3000 bill for an eval and diagnosis for adhd. But, if you are sure you have adhd, and you are on meds and it is working, don't bother with getting the label until you can afford it. Going to your GP is going to be the cheapest route. Your GP is qualified to diagnose based on symptoms. Technically, your GP can treat adhd, and will do a good enough job of it, but if your problem is complex, you are much better off getting treated by a psychiatrist. At some point tho, you really will need to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis so that you can get the best possible treatment.

Me :D