So I went to a psychiatrist (please help)

When I read about the symptoms of ADHD, it feels like I'm reading a description of myself. But only the innattentive part. I don't even have a single symptom of hyperactivity, but all symptoms of inattentiveness.
I also feel like I have anxiety disorder.

I went to a psychiatrist. I told him that I think I might have ADD and anxiety disorder and would like a diagnosis.
His immediate response was "lets not talk about disorders. tell me about your problems".
So I sat there for 10 minutes describing all of the symptoms. He kept on listening for 10 mins and after that he tells me "I don't think you have a mental illness". And then he told me that not all people who lose things, daydream and can't concentrate have ADD etc etc..

All of this took not more than 20 minutes. Within 20 minutes, he just completely ruled out the chances of me having ADD or anxiety disorder. He didn't even ask me a single question. He just sat there listening to me. He didn't even say that he wanted to talk to my parents. Nothing.

Is this normal? Should I see another doctor?

I don’t know if this is normal or not. My psychiatrist waited for several visits before he even brought up the labels…and then he said he thought I was struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. He did not even say I had the disorders—just that I was struggling with some of the symptoms. It does sound odd that a pdoc could diagnosis you in 20 mins—that’s not much time. If a pdoc tried to diagnosis me in 20 mins, I’d get a second opinion.

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DePressMe said:
I don’t know if this is normal or not. My psychiatrist waited for several visits before he even brought up the labels…and then he said he thought I was struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. He did not even say I had the disorders—just that I was struggling with some of the symptoms. It does sound odd that a pdoc could diagnosis you in 20 mins—that’s not much time. If a pdoc tried to diagnosis me in 20 mins, I’d get a second opinion.

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sry

I would agree that you should probably get a second opinion. I would not however, go into the appointment and tell the psychiatrist what disorder you think you have. Let him to his job, and just explain your symptoms to him.

I think it can be dangerous to diagnose yourself. Everyone can really find different parts of different disorders that will fit them, but it doesn't mean they have these things. It doesn't mean they don't either, but it is really for an impartial professional to decide.

Also, if you are young the doctor might think you are drug seeking. To him you coming in and immediatly saying that you think you have ADD and an anxiety disorder, might be a red flag. He could think you were coming in for stimulants and benzos. I'm not saying that is the case at all, but keep in mind that psychiatrists do get quite a lot of this.

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Gemstone said:
I would agree that you should probably get a second opinion. I would not however, go into the appointment and tell the psychiatrist what disorder you think you have. Let him to his job, and just explain your symptoms to him.

I think it can be dangerous to diagnose yourself. Everyone can really find different parts of different disorders that will fit them, but it doesn't mean they have these things. It doesn't mean they don't either, but it is really for an impartial professional to decide.

Also, if you are young the doctor might think you are drug seeking. To him you coming in and immediatly saying that you think you have ADD and an anxiety disorder, might be a red flag. He could think you were coming in for stimulants and benzos. I'm not saying that is the case at all, but keep in mind that psychiatrists do get quite a lot of this.

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Ok I deleted my reply......I'm always wrong

Hey Moonkin, my post was just my opinion, yours was your opinion. There is nothing wrong about either of them because they are opinions.

tc

Welcome to PC btw..

I think that's great that he wasn't so concerned about giving you a lable, but wanted to know how you are suffering. Lables are for insurance companies and professionals so they can follow a treatment plan and get paid. You might still be right about the ADD (attention deficit disorder, which is ADHD without hyperactivity.) He sounds like someone who is trying to help you, imo.

Depression also causes those things, and stress does too... and and and See? He needs to know what you are going through to give a proper dx. I hope you'll give him more time to help you, that is what you went to him for, right?

TC ((((hugs))))