Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/10/2006

Question
Dear Dr. Levin,

My question is in regards to getting diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder.  I am basically wondering if it would be dangerous for me to have my primary care doctor diagnose me with ADD?  My insurance does not cover the testing under a psychologist's care, but it apparently will cover it if done by my doctor.

The thing is, I am a 26 year old male who has always had little doubt that I suffer from ADD - I've read up on it more and have gone through extensive checklists identifying with virtually all symptoms (usually to the extreme – honestly, I could sit here and write you a book on why I’m positive I have nearly all symptoms). In the past, I have never felt compelled to actually go for treatment as I have simply chosen to live with my difficulties and have tried to overcome them without the use of medications.  However, I am hoping to start graduate school this coming spring semester and do not want to risk repeating the difficulties I had in my undergraduate studies.

My doctor has already claimed that she can do the testing - which I believe will simply be a checklist of questions.  I am confident that I would be able to be prescribed either adderall or strattera based on any list of questions she could possibly present me with.  My concern is that this may not be in my best interest for fear that she could possibly misdiagnosis me (not being an expert) and/or giving me incorrect medication and/or dosages.  

My dilemma is that I am now looking for help that I feel that I need – but want to know if this could be a dangerous avenue for me to take?  If I were to follow through with this course of action, even against better advisement, what could I be risking? And could it be worth it?  

Any advise or professional insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

David K.

My doctor has already claimed that she can do the testing - which I believe will simply be a checklist of questions.  I am pretty confident that I would be able to be perscribed either adderall or strattera based on any list of questions she could possibly present me with.  My concern is that this may not be in my best interest for fear that she  

Answer
Your personal doctor could diagnose and treat you if he/she has the knowledge and experience. A trial on medication is a very simple situation especially if rating scales are used as within 10 days you will know if you are responding. There is actually very little risk involved if you are healthy and not on any other medication. I feel a psychologist is very seldom , if ever needed to start with as ADD is a medical neurological condition and not a psychological one. It is also possible to monitor your treatment progress via the internet using rating scales completed prior to the start of treatment and then on a regular basis while on treatment. If you are interested e-mail me <ethbil@netactive.co.za>