can a PCP diagnose and treat Adult ADD?  

 

I've read so many posts where posters talk about seeing a psychiatrist to treat their ADD. Is this necessary? Can my regular doc diagnose and treat my symptoms? I realize a PCP may not be as well informed as a specialist but does that make much difference? I really don't want to go thru the hassle of finding and explaining everything to a new doc.

I take Lexapro now for anxiety but am interested in trying something specifically for ADD. I've done some research over the years and have always felt deep down that I have ADD (especially looking back on my childhood) but chose to focus on the anxiety issue. That's what concerned me the most. I didn't realize that anxiety was also a symptom of ADD. I've got so many ADD symptoms and all this time I thought it stemmed from the anxiety. Lexapro has helped but it's not enough. I know that now. It's like a lightbulb just went off. It's helped so much reading this message board. Thanks!

PCP = primary care physician?

That woul ddepend upon the physician and weather or not he/she feels comfortable diagnosing adult ADD - while some family doctors feel comfortable doing this others do not -  
Psychiatrists are experts in the field of diagnosing and treating these disorders through med management. Finding the right med and dose requires a Psychiatrist  who is highly skilled and/or educated on the subject. If I had a heart condition I wouldn't be treated by my PCP but rather a cardiologist I'n any event, anxiety can be a symptom of many things, including OCD as OCD is a severe anxiety disorder or it could also a generalized anxiety disorder but what I recommend is that you get a formal diagnosis to rule ADHD in or out as anxiety can also develop as a result of untreated ADHD. Good luck.
 


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