sorry for the long post but I'm new

[scuba149]

This is my first post, and I really just joined to ask this one question.

I have always had trouble focusing, am a terrible procrastinator and just can't seem to make myself do something. just today I set aside the whole day to work on a 2 page paper for school ( I am 19 and a freshmen in college) and manged to distract myself enough to only do 3/4 of a page. here is my question, how do I approach a doctor without seeming like a college kid after drugs? I played sports year round in highschool and watched my diet because I wanted to be the best, but now I just have intrumurals and dorm food so my eating and exercise are not good.

I got fair grades in high school because I am pretty smart and in a jam always had smart friends, I also had a pretty good outlet with year round sports and shop classes. but I am not good enough to play sports like I used to and can't eat well like I should so school got a lot harder for me all of the sudden.

I should say that this is not a new problem, ever since I was small I had these problems, I have asked my parents before about going to a doc and they said they don't want to give me something to use a "crutch."

This is really making school hard, this is my first semester and I had to drop the easiest math class the school offered to keep my gpa up. In high school most of my math teachers worked privatly with me and several had a policy to let students who did extra tutoring re-take tests. I should point out that I am not a dumb kid, nor did I take dumb classes in high school- I got a 29 on my ACT but never could translate into actual school work.

So I guess my real question is: should I go to the doctor, how do I tell my parents, what should I say to the doctor, and what kind of doc should I go to? Thanks for any help you can give and sorry for the long post.

ps. My parents insurance is not good for covering perscription drugs, if the doctor perscribes me anything is that something I can afford mostly out of pocket or would I be broke as hell?

[janewhite1]

Welcome to the board.

I absolutely do think you should talk to a doctor about this. It's one thing if you are seeking drugs to boost grades, or let you work all night. It's another thing entirely to try and try to sit down and get work done, and then just not get it done all too often.

You experiences do sound a lot like those of ADD people. What to do? Dont be "Hey, get me a script for some ritalin." Just explain the problem, and let the doc propose a solution. I'll tell you this--if it is ADD, drugs might be very helpful, but they won't be the whole answer. They allow you to study and concentrate, but then you have to learn how, the way other people did back in grade school!

Regarding price: some are pretty expensive, but if you mention that price is a concern, the doctor may be able to prescribe older drugs or generics that are reasonably affordable.

Oh, and if you do decide to take meds, you may have to try a few before you find one that works without intolerable side effects. Or, you may get lucky on your first try.

Good luck, and do pursue this before you can fall too far behind in college.

[scuba149]

thanks so much for your imput, it's reassuring to talk to someone about this who understands what I'm saying. What kind of doctor should I see? can a general practitioner evaluate me or do I need to see a shrink?

[janewhite1]

If you have a GP you trust, see him/her first.

Otherwise, ask your school clinic or learning disabilities people. They might have recommendations.

[bellablue2]

Hi: It seems that your folks kinda don't want to understand what your going through. That is very hard. You are 19 so you can get a doc with out they permission. Maybe try a clinic that you do not have to pay for. I don't know if you have to tell your parents if you use there insurance. I am 43 have bi-polar. Took a long time to diaognois. They thought it was depression. It sounds maybe like bi-polar but you need to see a phsy Doc. They may be able to help with

Med's I have insurance. I think being that there are many drugs out there they may have generic. Please do not wait to long. It is very important to try to get this figured out. It may take awhile untill you find the right doc.

Good luck.
PS like the other person said don't go in asking for something. They may have other med's. The problem is Doc's think tht you just want to get high which really sucks. Do persist see other Doc's don't give up!!!