There are very definite Psychometric tests that could and should be performed before prescribing for ADD. I think you need qualified testing first.

Did you just get diagnosed by your normal dr, rather than by a psychologist or psychiatrist? Did he talk to you about your entire life, including your childhood, how you did at school etc?

I think I'd just tell him that I'd done some research on ADD and that I wasn't sure if it fitted, and explain why. I'd explain that the ritalin makes me feel more irritable and anxious and ask if it should be having that effect. I'd also ask if I could be referred to see a psychiatrist for a second opinion.

I'm not sure if that's an offensive thing to do though.

Thanks for the replies. I would feel myself there ought to be testing. I posted when I first was diagnosed on the ADD/ADHD board that I was not real sure about the meds/diagnosis, but never recieved replies. I have read alot about ritalin and not to scare anyone that may be taking it, but some websites compare it to amphetemines and honestly, that scares me.
I do not want to alter my emotions or mind if I don't need to . I am a bit too emotional, more so than I would like, but I am taking melatonin and trying it and bought a few vitamins to try those as well, such as vitamin B, and a few others. I have also tried a better diet with more fruits and vegetables and water consumption. I am also trying to get out of my home more and walk.
Even small things like changing T.V. programming. I love shows like Criminal Minds ( love the cast, especially Dr Reid) and Law and Order SVU but sometimes these shows can trigger, so I have had to cut down on them. I am trying to watch more comedies and animal type programming as I love animals.

Oh to answer the was I diagnosed by my normal Doctor? Yes. Oh and he is not my regular Doctor, I have only been to him maybe 4 times. He did give me a number to a counselor, but I did ask.

I guess we will see what Thursday brings. I am thinking about cancelling the appmt and just keeping on with self diagnosis, meaning halfing the pills, taking the ritalin in the morning as it keeps me awake all night if I take it at night, and taking the wellbutron at night..switching the times and halfing the dosage until I just wean off them?

If you are experiencing emotional, mental or physical abuse at home, definitely tell your doctor. The symptoms that ongoing abuse (my dr call it "Oppression") causes are very like other disorders like ADD. You might get more benefit from an anti-depressant than from ritalin, which is a stimulant. Your home situation and relationships should be covered as part of a full history in a physical. Just tell him that you omitted that part and think it is relevant in making a correct diagnosis. A general or family doc should not be diagnosing things like ADD. They should refer you to a psychiatrist. My advice would be to ask for a referral rather than starting taking any meds.

Telling my doctor about the abuse was the best thing I ever did for myself and I believe it saved my life.

L4S

Hi, I'm an expert with doctors. I had a neurologist in college that actually role played with me so I know how to evaluate doctors. That being said, you need to tell the doc what's happening, and don't worry about his feelings. You're paying him. Tell him what's working and what isn'tl, and how you feel about things.
A word about ritalin; I have taken it for years due to my head injuries. If I didn't take it , I'd be staring out the window all day and getting nothing done. However, R. is either a wonder drug or something to be stayed far away from. It sounds like you're in the latter category. I take it because since the concussion in '05 I can't focus on things well. The R gives me the ability to do things in 3 hour spurts. My husband knows when it's worn off "because it looks like a shade has fallen over your eyes". But R is Certainly nnot for everyone.
Again, be frank with your doctor. Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist . I see mine 4 times a year just to check up on medicines. You know your body better than anyone. Perhaps you need Giuseppe , my college neurologist to help you learn to be more assertive with doctors! ( he was a gem) . Best of luck, - Holly

Since my Dr. moved away I have had a horrible problem finding a Dr. the last just about did me in over something so simple. I guess other people had a problem with her too, cause she was canned.
I think you should listen to yourself and if you are getting side affects tell him that. That can't be offensive.

Joanies, use this as practice! We all need practice in setting and maintaining boundaries and in stating our needs and thoughts assertively. It sounds like you really have done the research, your doctor has prescribed something without being in possession of all the facts, and needs to be called on that.

You don't need to go in there guns blazing telling the guy he's an idiot - that WOULD be offensive and uncalled for. But what you can do is tell him what you've told us. Tell him that you have been researching ADD and before taking any further meds, you'd like a proper evaluation, which takes into account your abuse background. And tell him how the ritalin makes you feel. My understanding is that it IS a type of amphetamine. It can, as holly said, be very beneficial, but if it is causing you to feel worse, then you need to raise that with your doctor. Just not taking it, self medicating and self-prescribing isn't the best option either, because you're not a doctor and (as you yourself said), not being honest with your doctor doesn't help either of you.

If this doctor won't listen to you, gets aggressive or whatever, then you need to find another doctor. A doctor should work WITH you, because they know the medicines and the diagnoses, they also should know the limits of their own ability to diagnose and when you need an alternative (a specialist, or whatever). On the other hand, you know your own body and its reactions better than any doctor ever will.

Unfortunately, not all doctors see it that way, some stick to the old fashioned view that they know everything and the patient knows nothing. But they are not, in my view, good doctors.

Practice your assertiveness Joanies - do it just like you did with us.

Just an update.
The doctor had no issues with listening to me and said that by all means if the ritalin was affecting me in a negative way I should discontinue use. He asked about the other script and I said it didn't seem to have any negative effects really that I could tell. I can't really tell that it is helping with the depression as of yet but it is early.
I am sleeping better.
He talked with me a bit more on my history and my past abusers. We agreed I do need to try to take some time to get counseling and the right type for me. He thinks I definately need to stay away from addicts, but that is common sense.
We visited about shared interests, including theatre and how in the small town I live in it is hard to find people to do things like that with. He told me about a website called www.meetup.com . I said I am so un-trusting yet and anti-social I am basically just working on me still, but I appreciated his help.
I spoke about my recent weight gain of 10 lbs and how it worsened my already low self esteem and he asked if I ever had my thyroid checked? I said no . So he had blood taken and we shall see about that. I used to be able to keep weight off with no problem and have more energy. Odds are already against me of remaining alone the rest of my life without weight or health issues. Anyway, I guess we will see what happens from here.
Thanks for the advice and replies.

I am so glad your Dr's visit was so positive. Thanks for letting us know!!

Thanks for the update. And give yourself a pat on the back for being proactive and assertive. Well done!

I am so glad you had a positive experience with the doc. Good to have the validation and support, isn't it.

Please know that any psychoactive drug (antidepressants, anti anxiety etc) is going to make you gain weight. Try upping the exercise a little and lowering the calories. Just a little bit should be enough to compensate if you have always been a healthy weight. I put on weight from antidepressants, but it was worth it to gain some equilibrium. I got off of them after about a year.

Good for you for being proactive. L4S