Ok, so I'm newly diagnosed and I have an appointment with a psychiatrist tomorrow. A couple of questions:

1) I have an hour long appointment. What should I expect? What questions should I be prepared to answer?

2) What do I need to know about medication? I'm willing to trust my psychiatrist, but I'd like to come to the appointment prepared.

Anyway, thanks for your time.

It's really hard to to say because lot of psychiatrists and other professionals have different styles and methods.

My psychiatrist just went over the papers I filled out, looked at my records from the hospital...checked into some things with my GP, then we just talked...it's true...they like to ask questions about your childhood and your parents. lol
Overall for me it was just a talk session, when he wasn't on the phone with the hospital trying to get my records.

I would not expect to be diagnosed by a Psychiatrist. In fact, I would expect it to be missed or denied.

Too many do not believe in ADD.

I'd suggest testing if you run into problems.

They can't deny your test results. ;)

I think if it's an hour long appointment that is a good sign. In my experience, the psychiatrists who don't take their work seriously or who just aren't any good want to get you out of the office as soon as possible. They certainly wouldn't reserve a full hour for you.

A good psychiatrist will ask you a great deal of questions regarding your behavior. Just answer truthfully. Don't prepare answers in your head ahead of time. It's not an exam or a job interview!

If you don't feel that what the psychiatrist says at any time is accurate, my advice is to trust your gut. I have been misdiagnosed a good deal of times. I was always inclined to just believe the doctor at first because they were the one with the psych degree. But this never got me anywhere. Trust that you know yourself better than anyone else. Don't let a psychiatrist talk you into anything you don't agree with.

In terms of medications, they may write you a prescription right away or give you some samples to see how you do on something. Be honest about any side effects you have. If something is making you sick or crazy, stop taking it!

I really feel that a good psychiatrist is hard to find, but that a good psychiatrist is also necessary. If you don't feel this person is right for you, keep looking.

For the most part, it went pretty well. But I did find out just how damned expensive ADD meds are. :(

My meds aren't too bad, but I have insurance. It's sad; it costs me more to see the psychiatrist than it does to get the meds.
For the most part, it went pretty well. But I did find out just how damned expensive ADD meds are. :(