I never did understand why people stayed with their Pdoc (or other healthcare provider/therapist) even when the Pdoc did not include the patient as a part of the treatment team and treated the patient as if they might

I don't know why you went off of Adderall, or who prescribed it--but I remember you saying in another thread that you weren't sure if you had ADHD, but thought it a possibility considering your symptoms not remitting with Bipolar treatment. Were you diagnosed by this same Pdoc as Bipolar??

If you don't mind sharing, what are your current diagnosis and medications? It helps to know what exactly it is you are dealing with in order to make an informed decision. Maybe your Pdoc has a legitimate reason to be concerned (such as he would in the case of a past drug abuser as an example). Without knowing the basis for his hesitancy in prescribing the sleeping aids to you in the past, it is difficult to say if he would do a similar thing if you ask for another scheduled and controlled drug for ADHD (which I remember you saying you weren't sure you had??).

Adderall and other stimulants are not prescribed for Bipolar dx'd patients unless they ALSO have ADHD. In the case of comorbid ADHD with Bipolar Disorder, if any stimulants are prescribed, the patient needs to be watched very carefully, as stimulants MIGHT exacerbate and/or induce a manic cycle in true Bipolar patients. They DON'T ALWAYS do that, but the risks are present, so doctors are sketchy to prescribe them in Bipolar without close monitoring (like, weekly visits and the like). I don't know what percentage of ADHD/Bipolar comorbid dx'd persons actually have this occur, but that's the data the Pdocs are going by.

Any doctor who isn't a partner in your care isn't someone you should continue to visit. Just by your brief description here and in the other thread, I'm a little concerned that this one has not really alleviated your core concerns as they affect your life (what measuring stick is he using to determine "wellness"?). ADHD can lead to a severe Major Depressive Episode if untreated, and we can't let that happen. Setbacks in college, which is closely tied to a successful future career AND can limit your career options can easily lead a person down that road, ADHD or not. ADHD would just increase the risk.

I'm a big fan of psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist-a PhD in clinical or counseling psychology (or licensed Master degree therapist), either used alone or in conjunction with medication. Have you ever seen a therapist? They are also better at diagnosis than Pdocs usually are, and they spend way more time with the person trying to figure it out. Some of them devote a large part of their practice to treating adult ADHD, which can help teach you strategies and conquer procrastination (in addition to dealing with the other issues). They can even collaborate with your Pdoc (hopefully a new one) if you sign a consent to release information with them. Usually, that's the best approach.

I hope my advice is helpful, and that I didn't ramble too long!