its a shame but many old school docs will start you out with "mood stablizers" these are for bipolar or anti-psychotic meds they are generally harsh with bad side effects unless you really need them for bi-polar or psychotic issues i would say clear of them. they're just affraid to prescribe controlled substances or have issues with "drugs" in general. i've seen a woman who refused categorically to prescribe stimulants for any reason based on her own values and principals Dr. Brenda Planck. my advice see a younger more informed doctor who's willing to help you make informed decisions -don't fall prey to patient syndrome. Some docs will just experiment with your brain using lousy medication unless you take responsibility for your own health decisions.

i don't know what add or adhd you have but its food for thought
children who have adhd and no say they'll throw ritalin at like cookies and cake to control them but for adults who have add issues it can be like pulling teeth out of a chicken. the drug war hasn't been helping our cause much either.

Our government, and Doctors in general are all about numbers. They don't look at you as an individual, you are simply another number. My advice, keep looking for Doctor's that suit you. You will find the right one, sometimes it just takes some time.

meowcat I thought I was the only one who used the "like pulling teeth from a chicken".

Any way each doctor has their own set of standards, and some are not comfortable enough with treating ADD in adults to prescribe stimulants. As far as I am concerned if they are not experienced enough to know when to prescribe ADD medication and when not to then I would just prefer they don't. Seeing a doctor who experienced in treating adults with ADD and is aware if the latest research would be more likely to be able to determine weather or not you need to be treated for ADD or not.

Many things can mimic ADD and stimulants can make those conditions worse. A doctor who is experienced with treating adults should be able to explain his choice of treatments and reasons why he has made his choice in terms you understand. When I say explain his choice of treatment I mean medical reasons for his choice frankly doctors who hand me this moral issue stuff aren't comfortable treating ADD in adults and are not sure enough of them selves for me to be comfortable going to in the first place. I am really picky about who I take my brain to.