Adults and ADHD

[AimeeM]

I've brought it up to my GP and was absolutely, immediately shot down. He listened to me for about 10 minutes, decided I basically just have too much on my plate, perhaps OCD, told me that he "never prescribes ADD medication - ever" (I didn't ask for medication; I brought up a concern at an appointment I made specifically to discuss the concern) and moved on. I'll note that he suggested, and prescribed, Ativan and Wellbutrin to help me shut my brain down a bit... Ativan. Won't consider ADHD, but will suggest and prescribe Ativan?

 

With that said, he did say he wouldn't stop me if I wanted to pursue an evaluation at the local ADHD clinic. I know nobody who has used the center, as most people here just go to their GPs for these things. If I decide to go through with an evaluation, I need to be pretty sure. Insurance will likely not cover portions of the eval (we have excellent insurance, but for some reason the initial eval isn't covered - only the medical testing portion).

 

DD15 is dx'd as ADHD and has medication. My sister is ADHD. Apparently it was a concern for my teachers/admins during my school years as well (I wasn't told until adulthood). I failed 9th grade twice... for no other reason than boredom and mischief. I would read through my materials within a week of school starting and simply find other (less-than-stellar) ways to occupy my time during class. I could not, for anything, organize myself to study or complete homework. I did well on tests, typically. Testing put me in gifted classes and school activities, but I couldn't maintain the in-class participation grades necessary, eventually.

 

As an adult, my brain is everywhere. Around 3 am, I look around and realize that I have a half dozen necessary things started - but nothing finished. I'll start doing the dishes, then remember that the boys need baths; then forget the dishes entirely. I'll start a load of laundry, remember I need a grocery list, which reminds me that I need to order so-and-so a birthday present. I'll start history lesson plans, but something in my reading reminds me I need to add to the religion lesson plans, which reminds me that I need to add something to the kids' composition lesson plans - and, again, by the end of the night, I've 5 lesson plans started, but none completed. I'm forgetful. Very forgetful. Making lists would work beautifully - but for that I frequently misplace the lists. Setting timers on my phone would work - but if it goes off when I'm doing something, I tell myself I'll do it later and then forget.

 

I very literally cannot just sit and watch television. I need to move. I need to do. My mood is typically even-keeled and I love my family and my life. I'm hyperactive, though, and one point of contention between myself and my husband (really the only big issue we have) is that I seem to constantly be involved in a million things - but then I become overwhelmed with them.

 

I just don't know. My only option for evaluation is the ADHD center, because I love my GP otherwise and do not want to find another just for this reason. I'd love to hear what ADHD looked like for you or your loved one, though, before I pursue it - because it would be no small undertaking and, well, I do (as is typical for me) have a ton going on. It's a series of several appointments, evals, medical testing, etc... much more thorough (good thing!) than most of the GPs I know who treat ADHD.

Edited December 29, 2016 by AimeeM

[Liz CA]

It seems there are two kinds of doctors, those who prescribe Ritalin or Adderall to everyone and those who won't prescribe anything to help with ADHD.

 

1. I would seek a different doctor who will diagnose and provide you with options

2. In the meantime, you can make several changes yourself by structuring your life to help you stay focused and more organized. A certain amount of disorganization or impromptu incidents have to be figured in, especially with young children.

Here are some titles some have found helpful: "Women With Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences And Transform Your Life"

"Your life can be better" by Puryear.

 

3. Ativan is an anxiolytic agent. Unless you think you suffer high levels of anxiety, it would not seem the optimal approach even though I have heard of it being prescribed for the reasons you describe.

Wellbutrin is often used as an anti-depressive.

Seems like your doc thinks if he can slow your brain down, the ADHD symptoms will lessen. You need a better informed doctor.

[Ravin]

I would go get an eval by a specialist. Your doctor has opinions that have nothing to do with evidence-based medical practice. I'd probably look for a new GP, too, because if he has opinions on that, who knows what else he has opinions on, kwim?

[Hen]

I brought it up with my psychiatrist, who is treating me for depression. She sent me to the Dr. that diagnoses ADD in our area, he had me do some written tests and sent home surveys for my dh and my dad to fill out.  He is having me come back to be seen, but my psychiatrist has already ordered an EKG for the meds - she lit up when I mentioned it, I think she thinks I do have it.  So, long way to say go see someone who specializes in A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. , you might get more insight then your GP's opinion.  I know that my parents don't think I have it, I was always an A student and not hyper. They would tell you that I'm just unorganized and lazy.    I started reading up on it when 2 homeschool enrichment teachers asked if my son had it (it seems to run in families) and when I was reading up on it, realized I fit.  I am "scattered", lose things, procrastinate and start many projects but don't finish them.  I have many interests and spurts of intense interest when I really dive into a subject and then spurts of boredom.  I was an A student in school, but looking back, I know that I day-dreamed my way through my classes.  

Anyways, I encourage you to ask elsewhere.  My Dr. says that ADD often goes along with depression, it's a frustrating way to live and I am often disappointed with myself.  

[Schadenfreude]

If you have always been this way, even before high school, then it is worth paying for the testing. If it came on or got worse over time then it is probably a mental health issue. I have seen these exact issues in two different people but caused by very different things. In either case, CBT with medication will make the most difference for the better. I hope you find out what works for you. :grouphug:

[trulycrabby]

I think you need to be tested by someone who specializes in adhd testing, then referred to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication if needed.

[City Mouse]

My DD, who is now 21 was diagnosed and on medications for ADHD as a child. When she wanted to go back on mess, she got a referral to a psychiatrist. She actually went from a nurse practictioner, to family medicine, to a psychiatrist, who then sent her to someone else for a full evaluation. Based on her experience, I would not expect a GP to prescribe mess for ADHD without further referral and/or evaluation.

[zoobie]

Who diagnosed your daughter? We got a referral from the person who did our oldest's psychoeducational testing for someone who specialized in adults. After the diagnosis, DH's GP writes the monthly scripts because it's cheaper than the psychiatrist. It has been sort of a pain to find a GP who will. The first advised him to change jobs. Uh, okay. Just toss aside that whole 15 years of practicing law... Anyway, you know what's up. Some people will think you're a bad charicature trying to get fun drugs **eyeroll** but you'll find someone who takes you seriously!

[AimeeM]

Who diagnosed your daughter? We got a referral from the person who did our oldest's psychoeducational testing for someone who specialized in adults. After the diagnosis, DH's GP writes the monthly scripts because it's cheaper than the psychiatrist. It has been sort of a pain to find a GP who will. The first advised him to change jobs. Uh, okay. Just toss aside that whole 15 years of practicing law... Anyway, you know what's up. Some people will think you're a bad charicature trying to get fun drugs **eyeroll** but you'll find someone who takes you seriously!

DD was dx'd by a pediatrician she had back in second grade. Every pedi or GP she's had since has had no problem maintaining her dx.

 

Honestly, locally, most adults and children I know were both dx'd and are maintained by their pedi or GP. The ADHD center is, I believe, relatively new. It's actually my preference to go there, as opposed to my GP, because they are specialists (they do the testing, maintain medication when needed, also deal with co-existing conditions like ADHD with depression or anxiety, and offer various therapies, etc)... but it's quite a process for the eval, so I was curious about others' experiences with adult ADHD - more than anything to try to solidify in my mind whether or not I believe I actually am ADHD or not before starting the process :P

[Garga]

You could always get a second opinion with a GP before going to the clinic if you like.

 

My husband's GP prescribed ADHD meds to my husband based on my dh's own assessment of himself. He might have had my dh take a little 20 question quiz. Or maybe it was that my dh took on online and brought it to show the doc. I can't remember. The meds have made a lovely impact in his life.

 

So, there are some GPs who will prescribe the drugs for adults who say they have ADHD. If it were me and the clinic would be expensive and not covered, I'd start with a second opinion by another GP.

[Garga]

And google for "free adhd test" or "free adhd assessment" and see if you seem to have it, since you're curious if it's possible that you do. I certainly sounds like you do to me, but I'm not a doctor.

[kroe1]

Ativan is a highly addicting benzodiazepine. I would not take it since the potential for trading one problem for another is very high. Furthermore, benzodiazepines are one of the hardest addictions to conquer if one does become addicted.

 

In regards to your GP thinking you are not ADHD, then perhaps you are not. There are a million reasons to be have the behaviors you mentioned besides ADHD. Getting an evaluation with an expert is a great idea. However, many of the tests are sensitive without being specific. (The tests may be positive for the disease when really one does not have the disease.). Be careful. It is not a diagnosis to take lightly, as you know.

 

Finally, if you are diagnosed and choose medicines, make sure you explore non-amphetamine choices first.

 

Just my $.02. I am not a nurse, just a flunky in an ER who sees the ramifications of medication risks.

Edited December 30, 2016 by Minniewannabe

[Carrie12345]

I was fortunate in that my GP listened to my detailed explanation for my self-diagnosis and concurred, without trying to tell me it was all because of lifestyle.  (I had just had baby #4, so it would have been an easy blow off.)

 

Unfortunately, a year or so of trying medications at various dosages didn't pan out for me.  I never found a spot that was effective with limited enough (for me) side effects.  So, while I'm glad I have a dx on the record, and I'm glad I attempted the med route, I'm still basically on my own!

 

If you can swing it without serious financial damage, I'd go for the full eval, since you're unsure, yourself.  There is real value in knowing you're not (or maybe are, lol) wrong.

 

Regardless, the internet is full of tips and tricks (behavior mods) that, with or without meds, are absolutely worth trying.  Not all of them work for every person, but finding the ones that help is always exciting!

[AimeeM]

Ativan is a highly addicting benzodiazepine. I would not take it since the potential for trading one problem for another is very high. Furthermore, benzodiazepines are one of the hardest addictions to conquer if one does become addicted.

 

In regards to your GP thinking you are not ADHD, then perhaps you are not. There are a million reasons to be have the behaviors you mentioned besides ADHD. Getting an evaluation with an expert is a great idea. However, many of the tests are sensitive without being specific. (The tests may be positive for the disease when really one does not have the disease.). Be careful. It is not a diagnosis to take lightly, as you know.

 

Finally, if you are diagnosed and choose medicines, make sure you explore non-amphetamine choices first.

 

Just my $.02. I am not a nurse, just a flunky in an ER who sees the ramifications of medication risks.

I'm not sure what problem I would be trading in for with the ativan. It's prescribed for me to take only at night, so that I'm not up until 3 or 4 trying to finish projects. :)

It obviously does nothing for me during the day, other than making sure I get some rest at night (adequate sleep is obviously preferable). 

[maize]

ADHD in adults has only recently begun to gain widespread acceptance; there are still a lot of medical practitioners who think it is exclusively a childhood issue (and of course some who don't believe in it at all).

 

If I were you I'd go ahead and get an evaluation at the ADHD clinic; whether that becomes your diagnosis or not you may gain some valuable information and insight. ADHD does have a very strong genetic component.

 

If the clinic does diagnose ADHD you might ask them for Dr. recommendations if you are interested in pharmacological treatment. I wouldn't seek treatment for this issue from your regular doctor given his attitude towards ADHD. Find someone with relevant experience and expertise.

Edited December 30, 2016 by maize

[Ravin]

I'm not sure what problem I would be trading in for with the ativan. It's prescribed for me to take only at night, so that I'm not up until 3 or 4 trying to finish projects. :)

It obviously does nothing for me during the day, other than making sure I get some rest at night (adequate sleep is obviously preferable). 

 

Ativan can be addicting and is one of the more commonly abused prescription drugs. This does not mean any particular individual who takes it is automatically an addict, but it is a risk to be aware of. No one sets out to get hooked on prescription medications.