When I first sought professional help to be tested for ADHD, I made it clear to the psychologist that I was not as interested in being medicated for it. . .I just wanted to know if that was the "reason" behind so many of the difficulties I'd been having.

Since then, I've continued seeing the same psychologist for general therapy/counseling, learning to manage my ADD, etc. At one point, several months ago, she asked a simple question about the location of a career-placement meeting I'd attended, and I started rambling about how the first time I'd tried to find the building where the meetings were held I became terribly lost and frustrated.

She stopped me, asked me if I heard the original question. . .we both kind of laughed when I realized how off-track I'd gotten in my response, and I said "oh, yeah, I was getting to that!" It was then that she suggested I might want to at least consider medication, since I was (and still am) in the midst of a job search.

It's only now that I'm seriously considering trying meds. . .the thing is, I don't think the psychiatrist at the office has an opening for quite a while. However, I do have an upcoming appointment with my GP next week and am considering bringing up the topic to him. He put me on Lexapro for the anxiety/depression last summer (before I was diagnosed with ADHD-I), but I HATE it and decided on my own to stop taking it without consulting him first. Long story there, but he went into limited practice and I simply couldn't afford the added cost to be in his "program" until just recently, so I haven't been his patient since last November.

Would it be unreasonable to ask if he would consider prescribing something to address the ADD, or is that generally something that should be left up to a psychiatrist? I can get a letter from my psychologist affirming that she has diagnosed me, and thinks I could benefit from medication.

Your thoughts?

I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask at all! I usually get my meds from my GP.

In my life, at least, a lot of anxiety comes from trying to manage the inputs and all the priorities I have and the things I'm trying to remember and the feeling that I'm "add-ing." In other words, I think much anxiety for an ADD person comes from trying to function like a non-ADD person, and knowing that something is amiss.

Hence, medicate the ADD, go a long way towards solving the anxiety problem.

Of course, stimulant meds can also increase anxiety, especially if you're used to self-medicating with caffeine, and are still using caffeine *along with* the stimulants. That being said, I think caffeine causes much more anxiety than the stimulants, at least for me. Stimulants are definitely a much better way to go. I really get angry when I think about how much therapeutic stimulant use has been demonized in popular culture. The therapeutic dose of Ritalin, Adderall or what have you are *1/10* of what a druggie would take to feel a sensation.

Have your psychologist send over a copy of the diagnosis over to your GP. That is what I did and my GP is the one who prescribes meds. I am sure my GP appreciated having the formal diagnosis conducted before asking for meds.

andyum is right,
just take a copy of your eval or have it emaile to the doc If he says will consider being your prescriber based on a current evaluation!! Some doctors will say no irregarless because the do not want to bother with more complicated prescription writing or the over sight of the legal system..
katts

Thanks for the responses!

I met with my therapist today (she had an appointment open up at the last minute and was able to get me in for a visit - yay!). We talked a little about looking into meds, and she said that a letter she'd previously written (for job-related reasons) confirming my diagnosis would probably be acceptable to my GP. If he has further questions, he can contact her directly.

My appointment with him is Wednesday. . .hope all goes well!!