Finally admitting I have ADHD

Thank you! I have been poking around a lot on this site both for myself and my son who was just diagnosed as well. Because of sites like this and further educating myself we have recognized that his behavior has not been entirely just a product of his age and there is a way to help him rather than just disipline him.  

I will follow the link you provided, thank you!

Brandi

Gail,

I don't know if "your Dr" is your family practitioner but I would urge you to seek professional psychiatric help for an official diagnosis and treatment. My GP knows nothing about my ADHD other than the medications I am currently taking because I believe this is an issue that deserves expert help, not the opinion of whomever the military has decided to assign me to this week (the Drs. at military clinics change a lot). Not to knock general practitioners or military medicine, but they are usually not as well educated on ADHD research as psychiatric professionals. Specifically, those who specialize in ADHD, which can help a lot with proper diagnosis and treatment. 

I also do not know your medical insurance situation but please see if psychiatric services are covered and what you need to do to obtain them, referral from Dr. vs self-referral. If you ARE already seeing a psychiatrist please open a dialog with him regarding your diagnosis and why he feels you do not need to be on medication. It's YOUR health, find out what his treatment plan for you is.

Be Well!

familynut

I'm sorry Gail, I cannot email you because there is no hyperlink on your name. No way to contact you.

That being said, I do not know your personal situation and what the doctor has decided would be the best course of treatment for you. Perhaps there are addiction issues he is concerned with that limit his treatment options for you. Perhaps there are other issues regarding your physical health that prohibit stimulant medication (heart trouble perhaps), I do not know and cannot override anything your doctor has already recommended for you.

However, if you do not feel comfortable with the course of treatment you are currently on it is your right to seek a second opinion from another doctor at the same practice, or another doctor at another practice. I do not know what insurance you have but there is a strong possibility a second opinion may not be covered and you may have to pay out of pocket; but it might be worth it to find a better "fit" in your dr/patient relationship. Please check with your insurance carrier first, they all have customer service advocates who can help you with this question. 

Please feel free to email me at this site, my name is in blue which is a hyperlink to email me, if you want to discuss this further. Perhaps you just need a community to talk to like they have here. Although I wish there was more interaction among the members, not just the experts who are so proactive about responding to most all share posts (THANK YOU EXPERTS!) but I'd love to see more "everyman" kind of dialog. But that's just me. AND, I just digressed.

I need to add one caveat Gail. I in NO WAY want to counter what your doctor has decided is your best course of treatment. He knows you far better than I and I am NOT a Dr. All I can give is my opinion and support so please, discuss this further with him or consider your second opinion options if you are dissatisfied.

Be well,

Brandi (aka familynut)