Posted by viridis on December 16, 2002, at 3:04:49
In reply to Re: How do I bring this up to my doc?, posted by bookgurl99 on December 16, 2002, at 0:21:42
I'm not sure how your medical system works, but as long as you have a reasonable doctor, I'd simply bring up the issue and volunteer to have your records forwarded if necessary. A good doctor/psychiatrist won't be afraid to try pstims if they're justified.
I got on Adderall as follows: during an episode of severe anxiety/depression, I saw a therapist who quickly concluded that I needed better med treatment (I was taking Prozac at the time, which was awful for me). She also suggested that I might have ADD. She referred me to a cognitive therapist who deals mainly with children. After a few sessions, detailed questioning re: history etc., and examination of brain wave patterns, he said I clearly fit within the ADD spectrum and urged me to find a doctor who would prescribe pstims. He offered to help and write a letter if necessary. I resisted (didn't want to take "speed").
A couple of years later, after many more rounds of intolerable anxiety and depression and bad reactions to ADs, I started to see a very good psychiatrist. First he got the anxiety under control with benzos (he also retried SSRIs, which was disastrous -- these are now off the list for me). Then he suggested that I really seemed to fit the ADD profile and asked if I'd consider pstims. I told him about my previous diagnoses, did a detailed questionaire, answered many questions about childhood experiences etc., and he then reiterated the suggestion more emphatically. I agreed to try Provigil, which was OK but didn't really do the trick. So, I moved to Adderall, and it's been great. I take a very small dose (5-10 mg/day) and have no trouble skipping doses when I feel like it. I certainly don't seem to be dependent on it, nor have I needed to increase the amount so far.
I'm not sure how it would work for you, but I'd just discuss it with your doctor and see what he/she thinks. Again, a knowledgeable doctor shouldn't have a problem with pstims if they're warranted and you're not likely to abuse them. You might find them very helpful, and it's certainly worth a try. These drugs sometimes get a bad rap because a few people use them recreationally and run into problems, but if they correct a chemical imbalance and help you function better, then you shouldn't be afraid of them.
poster:viridis
thread:131883
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021210/msgs/131961.html