Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 3/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: The above says it all.  My question is only about seeking medical or psychiatric care and having it haunt me the rest of my career; I had ADD diagnosed 40 plus years ago and managed to get my parents and always changing military doctors to let me stop all meds before high school; too much teasing.  My energy level, and I guess intelligence, got me through school and training at the best of places, but I have had trouble off and on career-wise since my fellowship ended.  A super-organized wife has been the saving grace for me since residency; still spent time in the chairman's office though! It seems better to be seen by an expert and almost certainly put back on meds 35 years later(and have to report it), than to get anymore black marks that I think stem from ADD.  ...Should I hide it, ignore it or go without treatment? I think I know the answer to this one, but a little independent perspective on what it means to a surgeon's (or any doctor's) career to get diagnosed and treated for a psych disorder before I proceed would be helpful.  You can keep this private if that is best for me, but if it makes no difference, I suppose it could potentially help some young cutter out there to read this question.

ANSWER: As a  professional colleague, I would offer you my email if you wish to advise you confidentially. If you have no objection I would proceed to do the same on this websitre. Let me know via this website to start with, which way you would prefer.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I think it would be fine to post it on the website, as you seem to have not objections or great concerns.

Answer
That you had confirmed ADHD many years ago makes it possible that you might still have it now. However that is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of as many very famous people have also had it.
ADHD is associated with an effective right brain which is ideally suited for surgery. (see my articles on <adders.org> in the UK.)
The important consideration is if it is still causing problems sufficient to warrant medical treatment you should not hesitaste to seek expert medical help.
Having ADHD is no differet to having other well recognised medical conditions requiring medical treatment to control, not cure them. Gout, Hypertension, Diabetes are good examples and certainly no finger pointing as it is not their fault. Good luck!
Just a little personal comment about myself. I very nearly became a surgeon because I too have a better right brain and almost certainly had ADHD as a child but never diagnosed.