After a long process of learning about and seeing the characteristics of ADHD in our marriage, our family doc has said that he doesn't think my husband has it(he thinks my husband just needs to work less). Initially, it was suggested by my psychologist that he try Dr. Amen's test. The results revealed more than one type of ADHD was present. I stumbled upon this site one day and we downloaded the book. Listening to it is like sheeting our marriage through a looking glass. After feeling so much hope for what possibly was to come with the diagnosis and attempt toward a treatment plan, I feel deflated. We are going to call the Mental Health Hotline in our city tomorrow. I pray that we can get a referral to see a new doc. Does anyone out there have experience with seeing a physician that told you what you didn't want to hear?
Family doc doesn't believe
Submitted by gr8ful on 10/15/2014.
you have to advocate for your husband
Submitted by Sade88 on
Start by looking for a specialists that will actually evaluate your husband so you will have an official diagnosis. I can't remember the best type of doctor to do the evaluation but check Dr. Hallowell's book Driven to Distraction to find out. And make sure that the provider actually believes that ADD is real. My husband went to a few psychiatrists who don't think ADD is real. Neither does his neurologist. But he sees the neurologist for his sleep problems anyway. He now has a psychiatrist who prescribes his meds. BWT, we have found in our area that mosts psychiatrists don't take insurance so you may have to pay up front and then submit a claim to your insurance company.
Once you find the right provider, you will have to convince the family doctor to give you a referral for an evaluation. If he won't do that, you may need to get another doctor who will. But getting meds is only the beginning. My husband has been on meds for about 9 months. There are some improvements but some things he will only be able to change with counseling. I just told him last week that I need him to see a counselor. I am not perfect and have dealt him some crap, but I have endured quite a bit over the last few years. If doesn't make some more changes, I will begin the process to end our marriage.
Family doctors are not the way to be diagnosed
Submitted by Tornado in a Jar on
He needs to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. The testing may or may not be covered under insurance. Your husband may not want to submit it through his employer's insurance (although the information is supposedly private). When my son was tested, it took about 4 hours total. I am not sure an adult test would take that long. Can your husband see your pyschologist for testing?
I really don't think many family doctors will want to manage someone's psychiatric medications anyway, so one way or the other, a psychiatrist is probably in your future.