question

[HolyAlchemyzt]

when you talk to a psychiatrist and you tell them you have symptoms of adhd will they give you a test or just ask you some questions?

[Valter]

I would advise you not to approach him/her that way. Not every doctor is open-minded and your suggesting that you might have ADHD might entice him to pursue other things. What you're doing is basically presenting a solution to a diagnosis. They could see it as strpping away a call (supposedly theirs) or giving the patient too much autonomy/abuse of power.

Explain what you feel/have felt and then, if you're not on the same page, present a good argument to your disagreement. For example, if the doctor thinks depression is the problem, tell him/her why not (or not only).

[zoomman]

I'm thinking you're going to get a lot of different experiences and advice HAlchemyzt. I've seen a lot of stories here. Just for example, I was told I had ADHD by my daughter's therapist, just as an offhand comment and anecdotal evidence towards my daughter's having ADHD. I took a (then available) online test at WebMD, scored righteously high combo type, called my insurance provider and asked about local psych folk specializing in ADHD, brought some report cards to my first meeting and a printout from the WebMD test, and asked, "well, what do YOU think we should do next."

I was just talked to. But I was 40 at the time, and taking my history was enough.

That's my experience. Others will offer theirs. I hope I was helpful

[dopestep]

Originally Posted by HolyAlchemyzt

when you talk to a psychiatrist and you tell them you have symptoms of adhd will they give you a test or just ask you some questions?

i went into a psychiatrist after being confirmed "textbook adhd" by a psychologist. i told the psychiatrist i had been diagnosed and all she did was ask me a few questions about depression and anxiety and then sent me on my way with a script for some antidepressant(i dont have clinical depression nor an anxiety disorder), i felt so let down. this "doctor" made no effort to screen me for adhd and she referred to me as "borderline adhd" multiple times. (threw the script in the trash and never went back)

its been almost two years since then and im still procrastinating on going back even though i know i desperately need to. im not sure how to approach it next time. i keep telling myself i should just walk in there, tell them i have adhd and explain all the aspects of my life that prove this conclusion. if they try to sell me on some other ********* that i dont have im just gunna tell them straight up, treat me for my adhd or i will find a doctor who will. i dont know how well this will work tho. i feel like i might be put on some list of drug seekers which is ********* cause i dont wanna be on pills in the first place. this is my last resort and i shouldnt have to fight to get the treatment that IM PAYING FOR.

RAGEEEEEEEEEE!! /rant over

[Electra2]

Many many many strange and somewhat entertaining tests and a looot of questions!!It
took several years of therapy to figure it out

[sarahsweets]

Since there are no tests for adhd, I would guess a q&a is what seems to happen.

[Beekeeper]

I went to a pdoc who specializes in ADHD and child psychiatyr. I went in with a diagnosis from my psychologist and five pages of notes. After a test evaluating impulsivity and I forget what else, we talked for an hour. He asked a LOT of questions. Diagnosis made.

Can you see a psychologist first, and have them recommend a psychiatrist? That was how I ended up going to the pdoc that I did.