I need to ask to be screened for adult ADHD. How do I prepare for that conversation with my PCP?

[CoffeeintheAM]

When I go to my next checkup I plan to tell my PCP that I think I need to be screened for adult ADHD.

I don't know how to prepare for it though. I hate the idea of me asking to be screened, and them balking at my reasoning for thinking this is important/a legit request.

Advice? Thanks!!!

[Shnookie]

Brilla, I’m shnookie and I’ve had ADD since childhood. In the ‘60s, when I received my report cards they were usually

As and Bs but my teachers always wrote that I couldn’t follow direction a definite

symptom of ADD. Especially with

COVID, my stress is getting worse and I

discussbit with my

Social worker and Psychiatrist. U don’t to

deserve to suffer. Tell your PCP

about how U feel. There’s no shame in.

this.

[gphill56]

For consideration of a diagnosis (and therefore consideration of medication for treatment, reasonable accommodations at work, etc.), there need to be significant negative impacts on your ability to function in areas of life. Go to ATTitudemagazine. Try the following link, about what your doctor needs to know about ADHD: additudemag.com/symptoms-di...

ATTitudemagazine is a FANTASTIC resource for finding a wealth of information. It is user friendly, and articles are generally in a very easy-to-understand format. I have virtually always found useful information there regarding miscellaneous ADHD questions.

You may need to ask your PCP for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD to get a proper diagnosis. The article also refers to ADDitude’s ADHD Directory (of professionals dealing with ADHD) at directory.additudemag.com/

Good luck, a proper diagnosis was life-changing for me.

Greg

[kasybee]

I recently went through testing for adult ADHD. I don't see a doctor regularly, and have been unable to afford therapy recently, so I simply found a testing center in my area and contacted them. I took an initial screening on their website and then set up an appointment. It was expensive (I have to pay off the test to access my results), but I am hoping it will be worth it, as a diagnosis can give me access to accommodations in my school, an ADD coach, etc.

Whether you go through your doctor or find your own provider, you shouldn't be embarrassed! For one, if your PCP balks at you, they are not doing their job. Any doctor should take your concerns seriously. Plus, if you're thinking about it enough to be posting about it, it's likely a legitimate concern!

Best of luck to you, and I hope you get the help you deserve

[Jselwocki]

Hey coffee!! I would do what you can to see a psychiatrist. Speaking from experience I went the PCP route and they ended up not really being equipped to handle adhd when it comes to the medication. I shouldn’t speak in absolutes. Now that I’m with my psychiatrist I’m actually on doses that I’d never even comes close to being on. I thought they sounded really high but come to find out they are exactly where they need to be. PCP is an okay start if you can’t find anything because it is really tricky

[CoffeeintheAM in reply to Jselwocki]

That's a good note. I should check my insurance to see if I can go straight to the psychiatrist

[The1Path in reply to Jselwocki]

I agree that it’s best to go to a psychiatrist if at all possible! I feel that going to a primary care doc is going to see an amateur - they may care, but they lack the necessary schooling & experience you really need.

[Burhanerdem]

I think being mindful and taking a deep breath will reduce your anxiety level. Also, stay focused one thing at a time instead of projecting the worst scenario.