Worried about starting doctor/meds due to $$

[hotstuff359]

I work closely with someone who has a doctorate in psychology. He is brilliant and had a lucrative practice before he became suddenly blind due to a botched operation.

After a year of working with me he told me I definitely should get checked for ADHD. He sees how my short term memory is bad, how I "flit" around from one thing to another, etc. I've been this way for years.

I manage my life pretty well (I'm 73). Make numerous lists and calendars to stay on top of things. Take Buproprion XL for anxiety/depression. Not sure if it is working because I seem to be as anxious as always.

At my age I don't know whether I should start down the road to possible meds and ADHD therapy due to the expense involved or just manage my life as I have been doing for years. Do you find that therapy and related meds are costing you lots of money? I have United Healthcare PPO insurance and didn't want to open the door to them until I decide I definitely need therapy and maybe meds. I checked on Vyanse (sp?). It is a Tier 4 drug which would cost me quite a bit of money monthly.

Thanks

[Hidden]

im confused- cant a person with a phd in psychology diagnose you with ADHD themselves…. why would he tell you to try to get diagnosed elsewhere?

[hotstuff359 in reply to Hidden]

I haven't asked him to formally diagnose me and he hasn't suggested this. To be perfectly honest I think he would definitely expect me to pay him for therapy/my diagnosis (which I feel he'd be entitled to). However, since he is not practicing due to his sudden blindness I don't think my insurance wouldn't cover him and I don't have the money to pay him privately.

[Hidden in reply to hotstuff359]

oh, i misunderstood you! you wrote that “ i work closely with …”. so i interpreted that as being his patient before he stopped practicing due to blindness. 🤪

[NYCmom2]

Your insurance website would list doctors who take your insurance so you only pay a copay. There are many new websites that connect you with a therapy professional, offer Telemed and take insurance.

I was diagnosed using a questionnaire. The diagnosis was obvious as it strongly runs in my family and I have classic and noticeable symptoms. One of my kids has ADHD and we got the expensive neuropsychological exam for him.

I find it helpful to work with a therapy professional that lists ADHD as one of their specialties. Even if you don’t choose to try new medications they’re helpful with building new strategies and addressing other areas.

[Judi1234]

I fully relate to your story. I was just diagnosed ( I am 80). I was prescribed Ritalin last month, but the stimulant had a terrible effect on me and raised my blood pressure. I will see the Dr again this week, but unless he can prescribe something for my neverending anxiety, I will stay off of meds and cope the way I have always coped. I am lucky to have an outgoing personality and have good friends. However , in looking back, I can see how badly ADD has affected my decisions, impulsivity, executive functioning, etc. It's never to late to work on this ... Knowing what I now know. But , I've worked my whole life on dealing with issues that were caused by how my brain was wired ( not knowing that was the cause). I'm exhausted, but I'm still focused on change. Now my perspective on my issues is different and I'm kinder to myself.

[Judi1234]

See my comments below (from Judi 1234)

[hotstuff359 in reply to Judi1234]

Hi Judi1234,

This is my first response post so I hope I am doing this correctly. I read your post this morning and it could have been myself writing it. I have many friends and have a good time when I'm out with them, but mostly pull myself back from these social situations because I get bored so easily.

I'm not sure if I need to copy/paste my post that you responded to, but think you can read it under "Alerts". Another part of my situation is that I do not drive. My mom and dad were nervous drivers and I think it really affected me.

My husband is an 80 year old personal trainer who trains people in our home. He has a really busy schedule and I don't want to subject him to driving me to a psychiatrist. There is no public transportation where we live and Ubers would be too expensive and impractical because of our location. So I'm thinking of getting help from a Telehealth psychiatrist. Don't know if I should start with my PCP whose specialty is family medicine and his background doesn't seem great for my possible ADHD.

Another worry with formulating an ADHD plan for me is that I recently was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve which the cardiologist told me would have to be watched, but is mainly due to my age. I am going for tests for this in January and will ask him how he feels about my possibly taking ADHD drugs.

I am on Wellbutrin generic XL and think it isn't working too well. I wake up in the middle of the night in sort of a panic attack worrying, but go back to sleep.

After taking some ADHD tests and reading quite a bit I realize that ADHD probably has affected many of my decisions in life and I need some help.

Thanks for listening.

[Slmndrs]

I wonder if it's your anxiety making you hesitate about exploring new options.

It sounds like you don't yet know your options for coverage under your insurance. It's quite possible that you can see a psychiatrist and get meds for the normal cost of your specialist copays. To me, it seems like 73 is not that old and if there is something that could make your life nicer, it's worth exploring. You can always decide later that you prefer life without the meds/treatment.

If your anxiety is getting in the way of exploring things that can make your life better, then it sounds like that needs follow-up. I wonder who is prescribing your wellbutrin now? I guess it may be a GP. That might be a good place to start for follow-up on the anxiety, and conveniently, that could also lead you to a psychiatrist/therapist who might help with ADHD.

[artist17]

I think you should talk to a Dr. About diagnosis and your concerns and find out what they say.

If you do have ADHD, your Quality of life can really improve.

The doc may have different options too for meds. (There are a variety since everyone’s brains work a little differently). And again, it’s if you have adhd in addition to your anxiety.

[Judi1234]

Not being able to drive is difficult. There may be a volunteer network in your community that might help. Ask at the local Senior Center and they may be able to direct you to volunteers. A lot of retired seniors volunteer to help neighbors with Dr appts, shopping , etc. Also if there is a retirement community nearby, you can see what they might offer.

[75ADHDgal]

The wellbutrin XL you take for your Anxiety/ depression has also an off label sue for ADHD. And the best Professionals to do the ADHD diagnosis and testing are Neuropsychologists .Please discuss with your provider for your depression medications for a referral