Hi kareneb!!
Your not alone at being diagnosed later in life. I'm 40 and had to go see a Psychologist before my Primary Care Dr. would treat me.
I really think it is as it should be. I'm wondering if your Dr. just wants to cover all the bases and make sure there wasnt a misdiagnosis somewhere down the line. There are other things, after all, that can cause ADD symptoms. And, quite frankly, a good primary care Dr. will recognize that he may not be quite qualified to catch them all.
As for him thinking ritalin is addictive.. well, to some people with addictive personalities, it actually can be. But for the most part, ADDers dont get addicted to their medications.. we spend so much time trying to stay clear headed --- why in the world would we want to screw that up by abusing and getting loopy on the very thing that is meant to help us??
Sherry
First and foremost, I think its miraculous that people can go a good portion of thier lives without a diagnosis for something that affects them day in and day out. I know that 56 years ago (like my father says) "When I was growing up, you either had something wrong with you, or you didn't." I still think he is full of Sh*T sometimes....It is never too late to better yourself.....I was reading about the famous Terry Bradshaw (Steeler Quarterback who won many superbowl) who said after games, he used to cry alone at night by himself. Many divorces later, he was diagnosed recently with ADHD and takes medication.Hi, I am 56 years old and diagnosed my own ADD 7 years ago. I have been on Ritalin since then, first in combination with Wellbutrin, then about a year ago my dr changed the
wellbutrin to Effexor. I started going off the Effexor (with dr approval) two weeks ago, He has started Cymbalta. I have never had a dr who really knows anything about adult ADD. The one I see now included. He thinks Ritalin is addictive. I disagree. He has decided after all thses years that I should be tested for ADD. I really do have it. The meds have helped in many, many ways, they just don't cure it. What opinioins does anyone have about testing now? Suggestions about meds for adults?
Thanks!
Karen