Psychiatrist | ADHD Information

Hi,

I just went to a psychiatrist for the first time a few weeks ago. I had spent the last 6 months researching ADD and recognizing the symptoms in myself and making notes.

Just be honest with the doc about why you think you have ADD. Make a list of those reasons. Think of your childhood history and cite events or experiences that support your thinking.

You don't really have to go into depth, because the psych will most likely have their own "testing" criteria.

If you don't feel like things went well, see another doc.

Decide whether or not you want to try medication or go another route.

And also try to see a psych who has a background in ADD.

I think that many will agree that diagnosing ADD is not easy as there are co-existent symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

 

Your first visits with a psych doc will include a psychological evaluation.  Which is a fancy way of saying you will be asked a lot of questions about yourself.  You will be given a diagnosis if you suffer from a mental illness.  Adults who have ADD may or may not have other issues as well.  Seeing a psychiatrist for medications is only one  part of becoming and remaining stable.  Seeing a counselor or therapist is important as well.  If you in fact have ADD or any other illness, medications may not always be needed.  Once you know what you are dealing with and get facts, simple changes in lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on your quality of life.  Dont feel ashamed or scared to get help.  Good luck.

Well first, make sure the doc you go to treats adult ADHD and prescribes stimulant medication.  Even if you don't have ADHD or don't want stimulant medications, any psychiatrist who doesn't is ignorant.

Aside from that..they are professionals and know how to ask the right questions.  Different pdocs have slightly different methods, but basically, they ask about your history, your symptoms and why you came to see them.  Some will ask a few simple questions to test your mental functioning.  Well they are simple, except for the ones that hit your symptoms.  Pfft! *grin

I have had several pdocs over the years who treated my depression.  All of them were more knowledgeable and aware than I was, for sure.  The pdoc I have now, I started seeing because I thought I had ADHD.  He is by far the best. 

He asked me if I thought I had ADHD or was I pretty sure I had ADHD.  I told him, "I am pretty sure I have ADHD, but I am trying to be a good patient."  He smiled.  Bottom line is, if you can't be honest with your shrink, you don't want them messing with your head either.

Best wishes, let us know how it goes.

Hi Jude,

I took my daughter to a psychologist for testing about 2 years ago and I'm really glad I did.  A proper diagnosis is very important, especially before you take any kind of medicine.  Throughout my life I always suspected there was something wrong with me as I had many challenges and struggles that it seemed like people around me didn't have.  I didn't realize it was ADD until my daughter was diagnosed with it.  A teacher at school suggested I get her tested. 

In our case, the first visit was more like an evaluation and involved answering some questions.  The doctor listened very carefully to our answers and then left the floor open for us to discuss what we felt we wanted to talk about.  In the visits to come, the testing began and she was finally diagnosed.  After the diagnosis we were given options and suggestions and  then made decisions what to do next.  My daughter was put on what is called a 504 plan in school and is doing great, A's and B's. 

We still go to regular counseling and I think that is necessary for us in order to keep our lives happy and healthy emotionally and mentally.  Another thing that is important is to be happy with the doctor you choose.  Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the correct fit, but when you find the person that suits you best it can really improve your life.  I am a firm believer in continued counseling, especially for me, being there are 2 of us in the house with ADD.  I am no professional, but I hope something I may have said helps and there are other people here that can also share information, good advice and support.  Good luck to you.   Dee
lostmyshoe38909.2763888889 I've been trying to work up the courage to get professional help. I'm nervous. Just wondering what happens when you go to a psychiatrist. Mental health is new to me and a bit off putting. What happens when you go there? What do you say? After you've researched your possible "defects" how do you not sound like you have the answers and just want some meds?

I've gone over my problems with myself and I am pretty sure I have undiagnosed adult ADHD. Is this what I tell the psychiatrist?

Jude38909.0487152778