Think I have ADD

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Any nurses out there have ADD and experience with taking any ADD meds such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera, Focalin, etc? After years of being treated on and off for anxiety/depression, I am feeling now like I also might have ADD. I have struggled as a new nurse trying to stay focused, multi-task, and my concentration and thoughts are all over the place. Anxiety has a lot to do with it. I have taken several online tests (I know these are not the way to diagnose yourself), but I score extremely high for ADD. I also spoke with a nurse on Adderall whose symptoms sounded so much like mine and she is so much more efficient now and able to juggle multiple tasks and concentrate better.

I'm not asking for medical advice and I know I need to see a psychiatrist; the only problem is that with my health insurance there is a 3 month wait for a psych referral. I'm already on the wait list to see one for my anxiety. I feel like going back to my PCP to ask about putting me on something for ADD so I can see if this helps with my focus/learning/multitasking problems at work but I don't know if they prescribe these meds and I don't want to come across as a drug seeker asking for Adderall specifically; although I have done a lot of research over this weekend and it appears that this one is the best. I know I would not be able to tolerate the Strattera because I cannot tolerate SSRIs and this drug is similar. Will PCPs diagnose someone with ADD and prescribe, or would it be a waste of time?

[VioletKaliLPN, LPN]

Many family physicians and INternists, basically your normal physician, treat these issues.

My bi polar disorder and ADD are treated by my family physician. Look into that rather than waiting.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Many family physicians and INternists, basically your normal physician, treat these issues.

My bi polar disorder and ADD are treated by my family physician. Look into that rather than waiting.

Would it be bad if I asked to try something like Adderall? I heard that a lot of doctors don't like to prescribe this. I also don't have a lot of money right now and have heard that some of these other ones that they try to prescribe first are very pricey, plus don't work as well.

[VioletKaliLPN, LPN]

no, it would not be bad to ask if you can try something in order to treat your add, if you had it. you do not want to mention drugs by name, however, they will likely determine the best fit based on *whatever* variables and current medications you are using.

ritalin has a generic version which is not pricey. some drugs work well for some, yet do not work well for others. basically, you gotta see your doc and see what happens.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Ask your PCP. You will never know unless you ask. Many won't prescribe the scheduled psychiatric drugs (like Ritalin or Adderall), but may give you a trial if you are on the waiting list for psychiatry.

Be sure to explain all your symptoms, while you may score high on online ADD tests it is possible that ADD/ADHD may not be the correct diagnosis. As you may know there is a lot of overlap in symptoms between bipolar, mania, depression, anxiety and ADD/ADHD, and even certain medical conditions. There are numerous causes of inability to concentrate and focus, it's best to let your physician do a complete assessment and make a diagnosis or referral as necessary. Sometimes your PCP may be able to get you moved up on the psychiatry waiting list.

One suggestion I do have is when/if you make the appointment with your PCP see if you can get a double appointment slot as you may need more time (like a physical takes longer than a check-up for a sore throat).

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

We truly do ask that you discuss this with your provider. Even though you state you are not asking for medical advice, when we start to discuss meds, we are crossing into medical advice.

We do echo others in saying though that you should start with your family doctor and then go from there. We wish you the best.