Again with the depression diagnosis

[MattiGrace]

Hi everyone, I just need to vent because I know there will be someone on here that can relate. Just moved to Texas and have reached out to some providers to help me manage my ADHD medication. First doctor told me straight out that I didn’t have ADHD after sitting with me for 2 minutes. Said if I wasn’t diagnosed by 12 years old than it wasn’t ADHD. So I went to another Dr that can’t manage my medication. Now seeing a counselor and a “med” person. From the beginning I told them I just wanted help regulating my meds, wouldn’t give them to me, put me on meds for depression….again then come to find out that after having no change, surprise, surprise that they didn’t handle ADHD patients. Well then what am I doing here? Let’s get you to someone else they say. UGGGGH. How about I am depressed because I can’t think straight!!!

[BlessedLady]

Have you seen a psychiatrist? In some areas it can be difficult to find a PCP that prescribed ADHD meds. Did the doctor you saw give you a test ? No doctor is going to take your word for it. You will have to be officially evaluated. Even if you have a copy of your medical records from your previous city. Most doctors do their own testing. Texas is a very conservative state. I live in Louisiana

[MattiGrace in reply to BlessedLady]

Hello, I have been talking to a psychiatrist and she just didn’t disclose to me that she only treats depression related issues so I have to now see a psychiatrist that deals with ADHD. Which makes no sense to me. I thought it was covered under the same umbrella.

[BlessedLady in reply to MattiGrace]

It is up to each psychiatrist which conditions they choose to treat. Some are not comfortable prescribing a Schedule II drug like Adderall, Ritalin, etc. When that is the case they usually say they do not treat ADHD.

[PandemicPara]

really sorry you’re going through this. I don’t know ‘where’ in TX you’re located but Baylor Scott White Behavipral Health System (in Tx) is really good about getting g you to the right dr.

[Mamamichl]

it’s normal for us with adhd to have other conditions (called comorbidity). I also have anxiety and ptsd. My ptsd has coping mechanisms that help my adhd but my adhd has me brood on my ptsd HARD. I have a med that helps my adhd that the meds aren’t usually covered, so I had one doc have it accepted after Prozac made me have suicidal ideations. The problem is whenever I change insurance; they need to reapprove it. My pcp keeps telling me I need a psych but now I’m homeless and about to get a new job while finding a house to buy. That’s not going to be able to move forward, so just fill my meds please.

[SierraHomesick]

I’m having a similar issue. For years, been told I was depressed/anxious—which I am, but I always felt like they were symptoms of a different problem that I couldn’t put my finger on. I finally find the great therapist I have now— at 40!—and she asks randomly, Have you ever been assessed for ADHD? I start researching it and all these stories I read sound like me. One problem: the doctor thinks my ADHD “features” are symptoms of my depression/anxiety and will only prescribe me Zoloft. My therapist is helping me to be brave and really plead my case, and she is also advocating for me. I’m very new to this ADHD world, but it does seem like we have to be very pushy when it comes to our medication and care. I’m sorry I don’t have better advice but just know you’re not alone.

[Highlysuspect99]

I'm from a ***** republican state as bad as Texas. There are a lot of mental health facilities that refuse to treat ADHD and will diagnose you with anything except ADHD. You need a psychiatrist or neurologist without a doubt. A nurse practitioner won't cut it as they have to have actual doctors write schedule II prescriptions. Once you find a psychiatrist it's always good to bring in parents or parent for an appointment, if possible, also previous records especially from a psychiatrist. Even in crazy states there are good doctors the difficulty is finding one. In my opinion Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio are different worlds than the rest of the country it's always steps backwards never forward. See if you can get any recommendations from these doctors that won't treat you for someone who will. Generally, the larger the health system the better off you are. Good luck

[SierraHomesick]

just an update: Keep trying! Keep bugging your doctors and therapists and whoever else is standing between you and your peace of mind. My doctor finally prescribed atomoxetine. My therapist was hoping for Concerta but, like she said, “We’re on the right path now.”

[Knitting20projects]

I’m very sorry you had to deal with that. A psychiatrist who doesn’t treat ADHD? Yikes. I would definitely find someone new asap. Agree strongly that it’s the rare PCP who feels comfortable diagnosing or managing ADHD. Best wishes, maybe if you have difficulty finding someone, if you’re comfortable posting the general area you need a provider, someone on the group might have ideas for somewhere.