Need help with diagnosis and treatment

[vbnutt]

I'm a 43 year old female that was diagnosed with ADHD in-attentive type about 5 years ago, by a psychologist who completed a clinical interview and the Connors rating scales. I was seeing a psychiatrist on a regular basis for medication management, and things were going really well, until I got pregnant, and had to stop taking my meds. I managed ok off of them, but once I gave birth, I wanted to resume taking them again. I reached out to my psychiatrist to schedule an appt. and found out he passed away :(. He was a one man show, so there wasn't anyone else I could be referred to, and I have been having an heck of a time finding a psychiatrist since. After the last 6 months of searching, I was referred by my PCP to a psychiatrist practice in the same health network. When I called for an appt, and explained what the appt was for, they referred me to meet with their psychologist for testing. I didn't realize that the psychologist was going to do a full scale IQ test today. Long story short, according to this guy, the results are indicative of a learning disability, of a visual-perception nature, but not of ADD! He said that I actually scored high on the subtests that would be correlational with having an ADD diagnosis. I'm really upset...the guy didn't do any kind of clinical interview, or rating scales. He even asked if I was in special ed growing up! (I have a masters degree and have advanced post-masters training as a Behavior Analyst!). The psychologist said that he would write up my results and forward them to the psychiatrist, and he would decide my treatment. I guess what I am looking to know is where to go from here? Keep looking for a different psychiatrist? Is anyone from the Phila/Bucks Co/South Jersey area that can give me recommendations? I really struggle so much without meds, with disorganization, forgetfulness, information processing, etc, and I feel like a whole person when I take them. I'm very angry and frustrated because I thought I was one step closer to getting in front of a psychiatrist that could help me. Thanks for reading!

[OrangeLion]

I used to live in Philly. I was diagnosed in 2015 through a referral. The doctor I saw was at Penn, Dr. Zwill. He referred me to Christianne Hopwood, Psy.D.

Associates in Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health. I can’t remember if I went to Media or Westtown for my testing...

That’s all I have for you. My experience from almost 5yrs ago. My diagnosis was accompanied with a learning disability too (not uncommon). Anyhow, I’d recommend finding someone who specializes in ADHD. Try Penn’s ADHD clinic if you can. Good luck to you.

[quietlylost]

I'd say go ahead and meet with the psychiatrist and express your concerns. If you have any documentation from your prior provider including diagnostic notes or testing, that can also be useful to access to help validate your diagnosis. I'd let the doctor know that you are concerned that the ADHD diagnosis is not being validated and see if they are willing to discuss it more. If not, then definitely move to a new provider.

Skeptical providers can sometimes be swayed by evidence, evaluation, and supportive information from others. Not all, though. In those cases you need to save your time and money and find someone who will give you the help you need. It can be frustrating, because providers aren't as prevalent as Starbucks or McDonalds, but still worth checking into. Good luck!

[foolishdog]

Wow I really feel your frustration there . It took me years to get a diagnosis and I am a completely different person now after taking Meds and don't believe I would be the same now as was before prior to being prescribed. Ive always seen the same guy who diagnosed , and have always thought what would happen if he left his position and I had to see someone else .

Try to explain your situation and take your diagnosis notes if possible because that's just crazy

[life-journey]

Hey vbnut,

I'm sorry for what your going through. I see Dr Mcharg (neurologist ) in Montgomery Co. He has offices in Blue Bell, Flourtown and 2 other locations. He sees predominately adolescence, but has a few adult patients like myself (in my 50's). I started seeing him 3 years ago after he first diagnosed my son. Evidently this is a familiar theme. I presume there are others in his practice if he is unwilling to see an adult that isn't connected to an adolescent.

He essentially diagnosed me with an interview and a written test of some type. I have tried Stratera, Adderall, Focalin and now Wellbutrin. I prefer Wellbutrin over everything so far because it has minimum side effects. Just don't think it's helping quite enough with my focus. I may ask him next time if he may want to layer another drug on to this one....Sometimes I'm exhausted with the whole drug thing, but am certain it's better than being drug free.

Good luck to you.