What to expect, first time going to a psychologist

[iraqiran]

I went to see a psychiatrist, who said I exhibited signs of ADHD andreferred me to a psychologist, I also was told by my therapist I more than likely have ADHD. After doing research about it online, contacting CHADD about it I kind of figured out it is a possiblitiy, at first I thought I was only affected in some areas, but inattention and impulsiveness are the most for me, not sure if fidgeting in seat, such as shaking your legs is hyper activity. but I do that too without noticing.

Anyways What I really wanted to address were a couple of things. What do I expect when I visit the pscyhologist Iv never seen him but I will see him in on 9/20/2012 Do they make you take tests in the first day you go there? How long does the testing process last until your offically told weather or not you have adhd, What is the first line of treatment do you think they will put me on? I'm 20 years old, A chadd member told me that you're not allowed to refill your prescription for adhd like other medications. That you have to personally go to the doctor and get it is that true?

[iraqiran]

Here is a list of things I always do.. and somethings I missunderstood and thought it was me being lazy, or lack of will power.. not smart enough..

the only one I cant agree with is the last one on the list which is, take risks frequently.

get distracted easily?
have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time?
tend to be disorganized?
have a hard time focusing or paying attention during conversations, listening to others, or while reading?
often forget things like appointments or obligations?
have trouble following directions that have multiple steps?
have difficulty starting and finishing projects?
tend to procrastinate?
have trouble prioritizing information?
get impatient easily?
often feel restless and antsy?
lose track of time and have trouble with time management?
often misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?
act before thinking through consequences?
speak or blurt out before thinking about the impact your words will have on others?
tend to have lots of racing thoughts?
get bored easily?
tend to make careless mistakes when you have to work on a tedious or difficult project?
take risks frequently?

[sarahsweets]

Im surprised you psyche referred you to someone else usually their the moms that diagnose. There are no tests of any kind to diagnose adhd

[DvlsAdv0c8]

It depends on the doctor. Like Sarahsweets, I'm surprised a psychiatrist referred you to a psychologist - that's like going backwards.

I know some people on the forums have been subjected to many different "tests," or screened by the doctor asking certain questions. It seems like some also had to return multiples times to complete this process.

In my case, my insurance company has its own doctors and facilities that you can use for the least expense, or you can choose your own doctor outside of their system and pay more. I was able to see one of their own psychiatrists (who turned out to have ADHD herself - talk about hitting the jackpot!) who asked me questions and observed me over about an hour and a half and made her diagnosis right then.

(I also had been diagnosed at age 7, but never treated, so this probably facilitated her quick diagnosis. Plus I did a LOT of research on ADHD before I went so I could more clearly explain the things that applied to me.) And since she's an M.D., she was able to write my scrip right away. I got my meds the next day.

If the doctor prescribes something, you will get a special copy of the written prescription to be taken in and filled. Since ADHD meds are controlled substances in the U.S., this is necessary and required by law. It is supposed to curb abuse of these meds. You will need to go get this from the doctor every time you need to refill.

Again, it depends on the doctor and their experience/knowledge of ADHD. If you don't feel comfortable with this doctor, FIND ANOTHER ONE until you find someone you ARE comfortable with and that is knowledgeable on ADHD.

You should keep in mind that there could be issues other than ADHD causing these problems for you. Be honest with the doctor, and educate yourself on what some of these other possibilities are. The sticky threads at the top of the Adult Diagnosis & Treatment section of the forums has a lot of information.

[iraqiran]

from the clinic place that she works at, the psychiatrist works on the following

Procedures and Conditions Treated

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder

I'm guessing she referred me to a psychologist who specializes in adhd is it normal for psychiatrists to do that?

[mctavish23]

There is no "normal" in mental health.

Please look at any of Dizfriz's posts on Diagnosis FIRST.

An evidence based ADHD diagnosis is determined by the QUESTIONS about

a HISTORY OF IMPAIRMENTS (compared to peers), and NOT the METHODS

(i.e., TESTS's). Sarah's right, there are NO TESTS for diagnosing ADHD.

Here's what I tell new client's at the beginning of a Diagnostic Assessment :

If you went to 10 different psychologist's, you'd get 10 different types of

personalities, and 10 different ways of doing the same thing. Then I add,

and at least 5 or 6 of them would be either wierd, arrogant, or boring as hell.

(I'm NOT kidding either). So I hope you do well with whomever. The caveat

is that you please be alert that the referral is not exclusively for some 9 hr.

neuropsych testing; NONE of which diagnoses ADHD.

In closing, the unfortunate reality is that most mental health professionals are

truly in the dark on diagnosing ADHD. Why is that ? Because they simply DO

NOT READ THE RESEARCH on how to do it appropriately. Sad but true.

Good Luck.

u r welcome

[Rebelyell]

much to the chagrin of the counselors here I wouldnt expect much

[mctavish23]

No chagrin here dude.

The main thing is to make sure you are a well informed consumer, because

you are ultimately your own best advocate.

Good Luck Again.

u r welcome

[iraqiran]

Originally Posted by mctavish23

There is no "normal" in mental health.

Please look at any of Dizfriz's posts on Diagnosis FIRST.

An evidence based ADHD diagnosis is determined by the QUESTIONS about

a HISTORY OF IMPAIRMENTS (compared to peers), and NOT the METHODS

(i.e., TESTS's). Sarah's right, there are NO TESTS for diagnosing ADHD.

Here's what I tell new client's at the beginning of a Diagnostic Assessment :

If you went to 10 different psychologist's, you'd get 10 different types of

personalities, and 10 different ways of doing the same thing. Then I add,

and at least 5 or 6 of them would be either wierd, arrogant, or boring as hell.

(I'm NOT kidding either). So I hope you do well with whomever. The caveat

is that you please be alert that the referral is not exclusively for some 9 hr.

neuropsych testing; NONE of which diagnoses ADHD.

In closing, the unfortunate reality is that most mental health professionals are

truly in the dark on diagnosing ADHD. Why is that ? Because they simply DO

NOT READ THE RESEARCH on how to do it appropriately. Sad but true.

Good Luck.

u r welcome

Thank you so much for the info

[iraqiran]

going to head off to bed now, wish me lucky guys

[DvlsAdv0c8]

So, how did the doctor visit go today?

[Rebelyell]

I said what I said and then i read mctavishes post as I didnt want to be totally negative and I wa slike holy **** ! Thats the whole nutshell right on the head deal.I have seem many counselors,buddy did when he was going thru a divorce,we were talking about it aat work as I said to him I have to wonder if the people that are suppose to help me need mental health help themselves or maybe its just me?He replied oh no its them,one told him life is like a calling card when its all used up there is no more problems or soemthing off the freaking wall.WTF!?Can some one say BELLVIEW

[mctavish23]

Medicine, including Psychiatry, and Psychology are NOT exact sciences. All 3 depend on

subjectivity. However, the movement towards embracing evidence based practice rolls

on; in spite of resistance to change. Simply put, THERE IS an evidence based ADHD

protocol. However, the clinician has to be passionate enough about their practice, to

always strive for a best standard of practice outcome. The ONLY way to achieve that

though, is by taking the time to READ THE RESEARCH.

Hope that helps some.

tc

mctavish23

(Robert)

[Rebelyell]

Yeah but where or how does the freaking weirdness come into play?!Sometimes I feel like saying will ya pop a freaking zannax or thorazine already!:O

[mctavish23]

Personality types.

Remember that advanced degrees (in anything) DO NOT EQUATE with COMPETENCY.

The old adage that "Good Therapist's Are Born, Not Educated," is so true.

All that aside, it doesn't mean you won't or can't, find someone who can help you.

The "flip side" is that therapy is always a "two way street," without "magic wands."

Good Luck.

mctavish23

(Robert)