New therapist doesn't believe in adhd?

[CheekyMonkey]

Originally Posted by mctavish23

The National Comorbidity Replication Study (updated as of 7/19/07),listed the

TOTAL Percentage of Lifetime Prevalence of DSM-IV TR diagnoses for ADHD (N=9282)

at 8.1%

That compares favorably with what you'd find elsewhere; such as looking at sites

like CHADD,CDC,NIH or NIMH,etc.

Hope that helps.

tc

mctavish23

(Robert)

I know this thread is old, but thanks! This information made me more confident in my ADHD. Sometimes I still feel guilty about my deficits and think it is a ME problem.

[Dizfriz]

Originally Posted by trishcan

Where do you live? In Nebraska, that's not the case. Therapists can't diagnose unless they have some sort of medical degree. I know that there are certain states (very few) in which that's possible, but I was operating under the assumption that OP didn't live in a state in which that was the case, since the OP was seeing both a psychiatrist and a therapist.

And I'm not bashing all therapists, just those who maintain and share opinions about diagnoses that run contrary to their role in helping their client.

Trish,

Each state normally sets in its licensing rules who can diagnose what.

Most states that I am familiar with allows psychologists, clinical social workers and clinically trained therapists to make these kinds of diagnosis.

One of the issues is the shortage of board certified psychiatrists especially for children.

To prescribe medication normally does require medical training and only such as a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner can be licensed to do this. (There are a few exceptions). Most medical practitioners do not do therapy thus many have a medical person to prescribe and a non medical clinician to do therapy.

Just wanted to clarify a little.

Dizfriz

[Dizfriz]

Originally Posted by Dizfriz

Trish,

Each state normally sets in its licensing rules who can diagnose what.

Most states that I am familiar with allows psychologists, clinical social workers and clinically trained therapists to make these kinds of diagnosis.

One of the issues is the shortage of board certified psychiatrists especially for children.

To prescribe medication normally does require medical training and only such as a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner can be licensed to do this. (There are a few exceptions). Most medical practitioners do not do therapy thus many have a medical person to prescribe and a non medical clinician to do therapy.

Just wanted to clarify a little.

Dizfriz

Trish, didn't catch the date. My post is valid but should not been made in this context.

Dizfriz

[homestead4u]

I agree with everyone above you should find a MD with a background in ADHD and take it from there.. Best of luck :-)

[bradd]

Therapists traditionally don't know how to treat ADHD. Their interest lies in the healing of emotional problems. Their training is in the healing emotional problems. With this in mind, I'm not all that surprised by her statement; which to my mind is a hint of her discomfort regarding any expectation upon her, to know how to proceed respecting the ADHD.

[ginniebean]

Originally Posted by Dimes

I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist mid january (I'm 18 if that's relevant, probably isn't, though) and referred to a therapist for help with addiction problems.

My therapist says adhd is 'overdiagnosed' and she thinks there's almost always a different underlying issue. Furthermore, she said she doesn't see many of the signs in me. However, she said it is important to keep taking medication for it, because my risk assessment skills are horrendous. I am getting mixed signalsI .

UGH! Your therapist knows darned well that she is giving you mixed signals. She would lose her licence if she told you to stop taking meds prescribed by a legitimate psychiatrist and so instead of doing that she's undermining your confidence in the psychiatrist and the diagnosis. Pretty damned sleezy bordering on unethical.

I think I'd want to rip her a new one, her response is one of prejudice and NOT based on any research about adhd or even a rudimentary understanding of ADHD. I would most certainly tell her when it comes to ADHD she's incompetent to be making any sort of opinion and to go do her research and stfu. She deserves a Sarah Sweets for sure!!!

Does this mean I don't have adhd? My own faith in the diagnosis is shaky at best. Also, is it wise to continue seeing her? I find it odd that she doesn't think adhd is a 'real' condition. Other than that she's been very helpful though.

Thanks!

Ditch her, she is purposely instilling doubt because her 'theory' is more important than your health. You can trust your psychiatrist and one of the other major problems I see here is that self doubt is very much a symptom of ADHD and this 'therapist' is capitalizing on it whether knowingly or unknowingly. If you go off meds, and 'self' determine you don't have ADHD because of the undermining this woman is doing it can have long term consequences for you and your sobriety. YOU are the one who pays the price for that while she remains a comfy are chair critic who is casually reinforcing her own belief at your expense.


She's gotta go!

oops, didn't read the posts and didn't realise I'd already responded to this post.. well .. consistency at least