[Maniacal]

Ok so this is a tad long, but bear with me, plz?

ADD hass been an unlivable condition left untreated. I am sure I dont need to explain why or how *here*, but my GP referred me to a psychiatrist for treatment.

I *wanted* to get some kind of test, like the DSM test, to see what (if any) other psych issues I might have. I was once thought of as ADD/HD as a teen, and also BIpolar. I'm not sure if those diagnosis' made it into my permanent file or anything, it was so long ago. I just remember seeing pdocs and having them say "we think u might be xyz". I never went further in my treatment.

As an adult my life became too difficult to ignore these things. I ddnt want to walk into the pdocs office and just TELL him what my diagnosis was/is. I wanted to see what (if anything) he would come up with on his own. He gave me NO tests and talked to me for 15 minutes, then from the info he gathered, stated I was probably bipolar (based on my mother being bipolar) and wasnt *sure* but thought I might have ADD.

Ok, no problem, right? He seemed like he was on his way to figuring me out. He gave me some mood stabilizers and anti-depressants and sent me on my way with another checkup in 3 wks to see results. Results were I hadnt noticed the lamictal working and needed something else for the depression cuz it wasnt working with the prozac. He was going to try me on something else, but I asked if I could try the Wellbutrin since I had read it might be better for the symptoms I had. He seemed reluctant to think it would help with my depression but said I could try it anyways if I wanted to. He did not discuss my inability to focus, my racing thoughts, or any of my other ADD symptoms during this visit. He scheduled me another visit for 4 weeks from now.

Ok, so right now ... I'm feeling really frustrated. I have spent my whole life without treatment because I was afraid to have a stamp on my head, and now it seems that treatment isn't even coming, or taking waaay too long. If I am paying for these visits, shouldn't we (pdoc and I) be discussing whats going to be done abt my symptoms? Or what my diagnosis actually *is*, if anything? WHEN is he going to address my main reason for seeing him, which is the scatter-brained ADD symptoms? Is he even going to give me that test or is he gonna doodle around with musical meds for a while? I need help!

[BlueInanna]

Hi there, and welcome! I have both bp and add dx's too. Pdocs are reluctant to dx sometimes because they need to watch symptoms. Maybe try to be really clear with pdoc that you want to try meds for your add, that you have to be able to focus to work or go to school or clean the house or whatever. My pdoc is always so worried about giving me add meds because they could throw me into a mania she says. So I have to be very responsible and show her I am stable and getting regular sleep, etc. But many of us with bp have add too. I don't need or take the meds everyday. But on days that I do need it, it's really helpful.

[Maniacal]

Thank you for responding. I was wondering if that's what he was doing ... watching and waiting. But for what exactly? lol. Stability? I wont have that until my symptoms of scatterbrain are GONE! So .. isnt that a bit of a catch 22?

I KNOWWW there are non stimulant/control substance add meds, some I've heard are very good. I doubt he's thinking I'm a seeker because he hasn't even tried non-stims.

!!BTW ... this is extremely important but I'd hate to have to start a new thread for one question!!:

which meds come in generics and/or are covered by most cheap-o insurance policies??? I have medicaid in IL if that helps. I know there are generic adderal, however, medicaid does NOT cover that (until the policy changes in January, I've heard). If that's any idea of how my insurance works, could you guys please let me know what might be covered? Non stims are more apt to be covered as well as OLDER medications. Thank you!

[Miswimmy1]

If you want an fast diagnosis, i would go right to someone who can professionally test you. Professional testing takes a while. normally, pdoc appts are relatively quick... 15-20 min for regular sessions, maybe 30-60 min for the initial one. He is going to be hesitant to diagnose you in that amount of time...

I think that you need to be clear about what you want. He may not wnat to treat all the things at the same time... i know that my doc started me on one med, and then added additional ones, so it wasn't such a shock to my body. i think you need to make it clear which one (the bp or the add) you want to be treated first. Communication is key.

As for generics... I am not sure about that. There is a website: additutdemag.com. they are all about add and they have a very in depth article about the various medications and the amounts they come in, etc.