Posted by Bill L on May 3, 2001, at 8:57:09
In reply to Re: Adult ADHD/ADD - getting stimulants prescribed, posted by sorcha on May 2, 2001, at 20:24:31
Sorcha- maybe you could call or write a letter to the psychologist and tell him or her that the psychiatrist said that he will give you Ritalin but needs the psychologist's diagnosis. Ask the psychologist to therefore write the diagnosis on a piece of paper and mail it either to you, or directly to the psychiatrist. Good luck!
> Sorry to barge in on a dead (last post two months ago) coversation like this but I thought I'd try and revive it as I'm interested in more information.
> I've encountered many of the same problems you speak about regarding diagnosis and prescriptions and am feeling very frustrated right now.
>
> My younger brother was diagnosed at 13 as ADHD. My father tried Ritalin for a while when they were thinking of it for my brother and found it worked fantastically for him. My brother never did get it and was expelled from school at 15.
>
> Personally I never had much problems with school although I never did homework (from the age of about 6), was always disorganized and inattentive and never 'fulfilled my potential'.
> I have been trying to get my bachelor's degree for the past 10 years or so, have switched majors several times, can't hand in anything on time (if ever), never study for exams more than a few hours before when I feel extremely pressured and have great difficulty writing papers. I have also switched 5 jobs in the past 6 years and am currently unemployed (as of January - the last company I worked for folded).
>
> There is no doubt in my mind that I am ADD (I am willing to forego the H) particularly since I recognize all the symptoms I see in my brother and my father in myself. There is no doubt in my parents minds that I am ADD either.
>
> The medical establishment here (in Israel), on the other hand, does seem to have doubts. It is very difficult for my to find someone who will diagnose me, let alone get a prescription for something that might help.
> I have gone to a psychologist, who claims it's not her responsibility and suggested I go to a private facility specializing in learning disorders. They won't see me since they only diagnoze children. My appointment with a neurologist yielded little result as he said he can diagnoze me but it won't be recognized by my medicare for prescription matters. The psychiatrist I saw sent me back to the psychologist saying he will have no problems prescribing ritalin when I come back with a psychologist's diagnosis.
> It's like catch22
> He did, however, prescribe an antidepressant (parotexine) after a 10 minute conversation. I do not believe I am depressed and I do believe I could benefit greatly from Ritalin but have no idea what to do anymore.
>
> Any suggestions?
poster:Bill L
thread:52294
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010424/msgs/61498.html