To make a long story short, I am a very recently diagnosed 40 yr old female with ADHD-combined. I came to be diagnosed from attending marriage counseling w/my husband and being referred for testing.

When I gave a copy of the report to my family physician, she actually told me that she didn't think I had ADHD, I was just a hard working, overwhelmed woman (like her). :mad: Upon my insistance, she gave me a script for Adderall 10mg (short acting) to take once a day! I told my husband it was like I had been driving in the rain and I just realized that I could turn on the windshield wipers. :D The problem was that the effects were short lived. I started a journal and within a few days I was taking 3 x's a day. I faxed a copy of my journal to my doctor and asked for a refill. She gave me adderall XR 10mg! :eek: The first day I noticed a huge difference (my windshield wipers broke :( ). I called and made an appt. At the appointment, she did not want to give me a higher dose of the XR and wouldn't even consider giving me more short acting. I tried to focus on facts: my inability to focus, ending up in a room and not remembering why, losing things, not having any problems falling asleep at night but waking up between 3 & 5 am and not being able to get back to sleep, etc. Finally she gave me adderall XR 15mg and insisted that I take 1/day for one week before I go to 2/day. :confused: I took 1/day for 2 days. I have been taking 2/day for 5 days and I still don't have that clear headed feeling I had with the short acting adderall 10mg. My doctor mad it clear that she will not see me/increase my dose until 30 days has passed. :mad:

I am VERY frustrated. Has anyone else had issue with their primary physician? If so, how did you handle it? Did anyone search out a physician who specializes in ADHD? If yes, how did you find them? I have tried all the different websites but find no one in my area.

I would suggest getting a referall for a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are better able to handle needs regarding ADHD medications than a primary physician. See if you can make an appt. with one in your local area and explain your situation to the doctor...

Keep trying, don't give up you will find a good doctor, it just may take awhile which can be frustrating. Personally I think that a neuropsychologist is the way to go because of their knowledge of how the brain works etc. Ask them if they have experience with ADD

Hey redgeneral, and welcome to the forum.

I agree with netsavy006 about seeing a psychiatrist. Psychiatrist are Dr's who have gone through medical school, and have extensive knowledge of not only how the brain works, but also extensive knowledge about how the body works too.

Until a few years ago psychologist were not allowed to prescribe drugs in the US, and even though some states allow certain ones to prescribe, there are some very logical arguments being made as to why they should not be allowed to prescribe. Below is a link to an brief article titled "Why Psychologists Should Not Be Licensed to Prescribe Psychiatric Drugs." I agree with the author of the article when he says:

"I oppose psychologist prescribing because I don't see how it is possible for a one-year course to adequately prepare nonphysicians to prescribe psychatric drugs. To properly prescribe drugs, it is necessary to know when they should be prescribed, when they should not be prescribed, how they might interact with other drugs, what side effects might occur, and what to do when adverse effects do occur. If new symptoms occur, it is important to know whether they are related to taking a drug or represent a new problem that requires medical care.

Psychiatrists undergo four years of medical school during which they learn biochemistry, pharmacology, and diagnosis. Then they have at least three years of full-time postgraduate psychiatric training during which they typically prescribe drugs (under supervision) for hundreds of patients. And once in practice, the vast majority learn more by reading journals, talking with colleagues, and attending continuing education courses. I don't see how a part-time one-year course can provide anything comparable for psychologists."

http://www.quackwatch.org/07PoliticalActivities/rxp1.html

That sounds true lars but if a patient was clinically depressed and wasn't seeing a psychiatrist at the moment, it helps for the psychologist to attempt at something rather than having to possibly wait a week or more for a psychiatrist to seek treatment. Yes, I do belive that a 1 year training is insufficent and if they want to make this legal a psychologist should recieve more training on psychotropic medications...

I would call your marriage counselor and ask for a referral to a physciatrist or physician who specializes in treating ADHD.

I'm a non-ADDer, but I had to change my primary care physician a year ago because she never listened to anything I said and basically always said, "oh you're fine!" Don't be afraid to change if the person treating you isn't actually TREATING you! Good luck!

Jsah is right, if the doc won't listen to your needs then he may not be the best doc to work with. If insurance is an issue (only physician covered by your insurance), see if you can get a referal to another doctor to see in another area that will also take your insurance. It never hurts to get a 2nd opinion anyways...

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I see therapist today and will ask for a referral. I think it helped a lot just to complain about it to people who would understand my frustration. Thanks again !!

No problem. Happy to help...