Can a regular doctor prescribe ADHD meds without a diagnosis?

[Blimey]

Hi, was wondering if anyone could confirm this - can a regular doctor (called GPs here...not sure what they're called elsewhere? "Family doctor" maybe?) prescribe meds without a proper ADHD diagnosis?

[Targaryen]

My Family doctor did.

Seen your other thread as well and I was diagnosed after being placed on meds by my GP by a psychologist without any evidence from a third party. I did have to go see him a few time and take a few test.

[ginniebean]

In the UK, not likely. Most people can't even get a psychiatrist to take adhd seriously. Most people have to pay out the wazoo for a specialist.

[spunkysmum]

I have no idea how that works in the UK. I did here, in the US, get prescribed by my GP pre-diagnosis but that likely doesn't help you.

[CheekyMonkey]

Yes they can. Should they? Probably not.

[Asier3d]

Originally Posted by CheekyMonkey

Yes they can. Should they? Probably not.

The same here in Spain. A Doctor is a doctor, so can prescibe, but let you specialist do it, because he/she knows what´s better fot you

[CrushCrush]

Originally Posted by CheekyMonkey

Yes they can. Should they? Probably not.

I think they should prescribe us whatever we ask them to. Give us the pros and cons and let us decide. They need to play more of the role of the employee and we the customer are the boss. I'm not a fan of people dictating onto other people.. Especially when you are paying them.

[silivrentoliel]

My doc wouldn't prescribe them until it was re-confirmed that I had ADHD. Covering his butt, I know, but still annoying (and expensive at the time!)

[Fuzzy12]

Blimey, the way it works usually in the UK is that you get diagnosed by a psychiatrist or ADHD specialist but it's the GP who prescribes the medication.

GP's can't make an ADHD diagnosis but once you have a diagnosis they can prescribe meds (and usually do, I think).

EDIT: Oops, sorry, just read your question properly again

Anyway, no, without a diagnosis GPs shouldn't prescribe ADHD meds.

[rockydaydreamer]

My general doctor had me try Strattera.. the insurance needed the doctor's authorization though.

[plank80]

In the UK GPs wont prescribe ADHD meds unless directed by a psychiatrist.

This is done under the direction and supervision of a specialist.

Even then some refuse to prescribe them. Its up to the individual dr wether they will or not.

[CheekyMonkey]

Originally Posted by CrushCrush

I think they should prescribe us whatever we ask them to. Give us the pros and cons and let us decide. They need to play more of the role of the employee and we the customer are the boss. I'm not a fan of people dictating onto other people.. Especially when you are paying them.

That sounds extremely dangerous given most people have not gone to medical school and have no background knowledge of chemistry and how medications work and interact. While you make *think* you know what you are talking about, it would be beneficial to have a specialist prescribe.

Doctors are not a vending machine for medication. You pay them for their knowledge, not their ablity to write a prescription.

I'm all about advocating for yourself and finding a doctor who will listen. However, dismissing advice from one's doctor simply because you think you know best seems a bit foolish to me.

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by silivrentoliel

My doc wouldn't prescribe them until it was re-confirmed that I had ADHD. Covering his butt, I know, but still annoying (and expensive at the time!)

My doc did the same thing last month, but apparently, whatever the psych told him did the trick, because at my last appointment, suddenly no static and the office was quite ingratiating and accommodating.

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by rockydaydreamer

My general doctor had me try Strattera.. the insurance needed the doctor's authorization though.

Mine did too at first. I think it might have been because he had samples in the office. LOL.

[Buffie1313]

Originally Posted by Blimey

Hi, was wondering if anyone could confirm this - can a regular doctor (called GPs here...not sure what they're called elsewhere? "Family doctor" maybe?) prescribe meds without a proper ADHD diagnosis?

Sadly no...Well, my GD gave me strattera but it doesn't do much.