Psychiatrist's Role

[lovetotravel1108]

Hello Everyone:

I'm new to this and my son just got on medication last week through prescription from psychiatrist. We are paying the psychiatrist ourselves because our insurance have a high deductible and none of the doctors in network were available.

I'll be switching him to an in-network doctor in May but in the meantime I wonder what can we expect the psychiatrist to do besides managing meds? We're paying close to $200 a session... can I somehow ask him questions about the assessment to make it worthwhile? So far the medication is not working (I know it takes time) but if it's purely for medication can I just not have the session and maybe ask for another med on the phone...? Just trying to manage all this without breaking my savings.

[Chicagomom]

In our case, all the psychiatrist does is manage my daughter’s medication. This includes the meds prescribed, the dosage and monitoring for side effects. We see her every 3 months (it was more at first). She referred us out for therapy, she does not do this herself. I think this might be fairly typical.

For the stimulants, I think you should see a fairly quick effect if the medication is working.

[lenkebra]

Hello,

My son also has adhd but combined type, ie. both inattention and hyperactive. Depending on what type of adhd your son has, would in large part parlay itself into what type medicine your son would take. Secondly, some medications come in immediate release formulas and many other in extended release formulas. Lots of trial and error unfortunately, but if you were to see anything "working" faster, it would be the immediate release. However, and there are many considerations in all this, immediate release formulas only work up to 3-4hrs at a time. Thus, if that works for your son, it would mean him going to the nurse several times a day (an issue in of itself). Many Psychiatrists and parents prefer, if possible, extended release formulas, since it allows to only take 1 pill a day, which, most indicate to last 10-12hrs a day. Depending how your child may or may not respond to any one medication, those times above can vary greatly. Again, trial and error. In addition, it can take quite a while (weeks to several months) before you may or may not see a difference in your son from day to day. Frustrating to put it mildly because in the meantime, you are still left in the same position you are.

To that end, you should be able to ask as many questions to the Psychiatrist as you want. After all, it is supposed to be a partnership that should provide a sense of caring and concern for your loved one and the life changing ways treatment affects not only your son, but you. I wish you and your son the very best on this journey. It definitely isn't easy, but many parents in this same position empathize and understand. Be well

[LisethHIS]

Hello lovetotravel1108,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. In order to make the most of your upcoming appointments, I suggest jotting down any questions or concerns you may have about the assessment, medications, or any other aspects that may be unclear to you. Your proactive approach will empower you to advocate effectively for your child's needs.

Regarding follow-up appointments, it's important to adhere to the office's protocols. Typically, when initiating medication, the first follow-up is scheduled one month after starting treatment. Subsequently, if everything is progressing well, follow-ups are typically scheduled every three months. I understand that your current situation may feel challenging, and I wish I had a straightforward solution to offer.

In the meantime, I would like to share with you 19 practical tips on how to reduce costs. These suggestions may provide some relief and support during this time. chadd.org/wp-content/upload... hopefully this helps.

If there's anything else you need, please let me know. We are here to help you.

Best Regards,

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD

chadd.org

[Mamamichl]

in the United States, sometimes doctors will do the prescriptions if you don’t have a specialist.

[lovetotravel1108 in reply to Mamamichl]

Yeah I’ll resort to that if needed.

[Lanego]

I was seeing a provider who wanted to see my son every 2 months even though he was not on a stimulant. I switched providers so that he would be seen less frequently and lower our cost but that was once he was on a stable dose of medication for several months. You should be able to ask the questions you want during your scheduled time. Most psychiatrists , at least in my experience , don’t file with insurance so it’s cash pay.