Quote:
Originally Posted by imapatient
I was referred to a T by my Pdoc to be tested--a computer test. The T told me I tested as as having it, but in his report he recommended that I not be put on meds due to bi-polar in several in my extended family (not me though I have hypomania sometimes) and he thought the risk of me developing mania from the meds was too high
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I think that's a lame excuse. If you have ADHD and want to try meds, then the prescribing doctor can monitor you closely to see if you develop mania and adjust the prescription and dose accordingly. My PNP (yes, Simcha, it was me who visits a PNP, but she was recommended by my ADHD T, who knows that she is well-versed in this disorder) saw me weekly or every other week as we were getting the meds started. She always asked me about side effects and gave me Likert scale questions on ADHD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, etc., so at every session she could see how I was progressing. Your report of this pdoc makes me think he is scared of talking to you or something. If he puts you on a med and it makes you manic, he has only to ask you, "how are you doing? and then you would tell him and he would adjust the meds. Sheeeeeesh! I am glad you are getting someone new.
I would recommend seeing a therapist/psychologist who specializes in ADHD. My T recommended someone like that to me if I wanted to work on behavioral modifications, support groups, etc., but also this guy was an expert in diagnosis. Since I didn't want all that, I just decided to go with the PNP, who had the diagnosis skill but was broader based (she sees patients for all range of mental disorders).
As far as the mania goes, I must admit I am just emerging from a rather manic phase of several weeks.
It occurred to me at one point that it might be my meds, even though they had not affected me that way previousl. So I stopped taking them for a few days but I still felt that way. So I started them again because they do help with the ADHD-like symptoms. A few days ago I came back "down" and didn't dip too low and am now feeling right in the middle again. I must admit I didn't really mind the "up" phase, but I do think my therapist must have been wondering, "WTF--do I know this woman?" It's almost embarrassing to have to go back to him now and be "normal." And in the middle of this, I did see my PNP before I knew what was happening, and I scored off the chart on all those Likerts dealing with depression (in the not depressed direction). She was saying wow, that's great. Really?
Imapatient, you are taking steps to help your health. Good for you and Good luck!