Psychiatrist says I have ADD... - ADD / ADHD Message Board

TRP29 · 04-30-2009, 11:33 PM

My family doctor referred me to a Psychiatrist for anxiety. I was expecting him to confirm that I have social anxiety disorder instead he said that I have anxiety coupled with what he called 'hypertension ADD', his 'diagnosis' came as a total shock! He asked me things like: "Do you have trouble concentrating?" to which I replied "only when the subject is particularly boring" he asked if I ever daydream which I do, if I "misplace things often", I answered yes and if I have 'mood swings' which I do on occasion. He said that those 4 things suggested 'hypertension ADD'. I find this hard to grasp, I am a straight A university student, I am ALWAYS reading (even for enjoyment) & like I indicated to him I only find it difficult to concentrate when the readings are dull. I spend many hours a day writing papers etc. without being distracted. Also I am incredibly lazy most of the time, preferring sleep to any sort of physical exercise. I am not at all restless etc. I tried explaining this to him but he insisted I have ADD and prescribed me some kind of antipsychotic drug. I went back to my family doctor who says that I don't have ADD and when I mentioned the psychiatrist's term 'hypertension ADD' he said that term doesn't even exist... I am so confused?

rheanna · 05-01-2009, 04:39 AM

TRP29,

As someone with inattentive ADD, I must say that what you describe doesn't sound like ADD at all to me.

Everyone gets bored and lets their mind wander when they have to read boring books and listen to boring talks. Everyone misplaces things when their attention is elsewhere. Imaginative people daydream. We all have mood swings. It's part of being human.

I definitely wouldn't take a psychoactive drug based on such a quicky diagnosis. Proper diagnosis requires a battery of tests and evaluations.

It sounds like you would be better off looking for a different shrink.

You sound like an intelligent person -- you are getting good grades in school, and you are questioning the logic of what a person in authority has told you. You will do fine in life!

--Rheanna

addprogrammer · 05-01-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rheanna

TRP29,

As someone with inattentive ADD, I must say that what you describe doesn't sound like ADD at all to me.

Ditto

Quote:

Originally Posted by rheanna

I definitely wouldn't take a psychoactive drug based on such a quicky diagnosis. Proper diagnosis requires a battery of tests and evaluations.

Ditto, ditto.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rheanna

It sounds like you would be better off looking for a different shrink.

You sound like an intelligent person -- you are getting good grades in school, and you are questioning the logic of what a person in authority has told you. You will do fine in life!

Oh yeah, got an ol hippie reved: FIRE THE BOZO.

You will do GREAT in life.

Bob

TRP29 · 05-01-2009, 03:02 PM

Thank you both. It's really confusing when someone who is supposed to be a 'specialist' tells you that you have something that you don't think you have, particularly when you have problems with anxiety and start feeling anxious over a new 'diagnosis'. My family doctor says that the shrink was wrong and thinks that the misplacing things has to do with my anxious thoughts and being preoccupied with worry. He is referring me to a new psychologist and I am NOT taking the antipsychotic drug.

Thanks again

Swamp56 · 05-01-2009, 11:09 PM

You don't sound like you have ADD from the symptoms you have told us. While I am not saying you don't have ADD, you must realize that you really haven't given us a huge incite into your typical daily life.

Another issue I have seen is that some psychiatrists/psychologists/therapists WAY over-diagnose ADD and ADHD (especially ADHD).

I would have an in-depth conversation with your doctor concerning your situation, and what symptoms you seem to show as well as why he think you have this disorder

.

Good luck!

Also, remember to write down questions for him/her so you won't forget.