MD & DO .

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Disclaimer: Not looking for medical advice - just advice on how to handle the conversation with my PCP, but my apologies if this is too close and needs to be taken down.

I am having concentration problems that I would like to be able to bring up with my new PCP. My old PCP retired, and so I am establishing with a new one next month. This appointment will also cover my yearly physical.

How do I broach this topic? It seems very sensitive and I am worried about being lumped it a group of "ADD med seekers" that seems to be a stereotype among med school students. Especially since it will be the first time he and I have met.

Additionally, since I am having my physical done, should I schedule a completely separate appointment to discuss it, or can I bring it up at the same time? I was hoping to be one and done, but am concerned about the faux pas of bringing up a concern at a non-sick visit (although I am more than happy to also pay a normal co-pay while I'm there).

The other option is to skip the conversation all-together and self-refer to a psychiatrist--that just feels drastic. I'd think I'd prefer to just have my family doc handle it if possible.

Anyone who has been through this before, what was your experience? Did you feel heard?

I don't think you should wait to see your new pcp. I would go to the counseling clinic at your school and get help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. If it works the way my school's counseling center works, you would be screened by a social worker, and this individual will decide which provider to refer you too.
 
you need addy. it's okay. google reviews is your friend
 
Your PCP won't feel comfortable prescribing anything for ADD after just meeting you, especially if you weren't previously diagnosed. They're going to refer you to a therapist for assessment and then who is going start you doing CBT, and if it doesn't help will refer you to a psychiatrist if you want medication.
 
I assume you’re in med school? If so, then I would start there to find out what options there are for testing to get a diagnosis. There should be someone you can talk to in regards to your difficulties with class. Are you failing? Your school should also be able to help with you study and test taking strategies whether or not you have adhd.

Once you have a diagnosis then you can talk to your PCP about it. I don’t prescribe adhd meds to a patient when first meeting them unless they have their previous records with their diagnosis and what meds they were receiving.
 
Anyone who has been through this before, what was your experience? Did you feel heard?

Just as a warning, I did exactly this, seeing both the school counselor and the psychiatrist. Unless your grades are well below average, expect to be told to "stop worrying about it." I was asked about my grades and felt like nothing else I said mattered; my grades were "too good" for any kind of treatment. Also, even with the required student health insurance, these pointless appointments cost me several hundred dollars.
 
Ask how to be evaluated for ADHD while explaining your concerns. Coming in with a self-diagnosis and asking for treatment with controlled substances is sketchy. Coming with a request to be evaluated (is it ADHD, or a classic combo of burnout and med student syndrome?) is legit.
 
I called my (private) insurance for recommendations and found a place that specialized in adult ADHD. I really think that having someone who regularly worked with adults, including high-achieving adults, made a big difference in how seriously I was taken. Evaluations are standardized (either through questionnaires or computer-based testing; I personally think the questionnaires have much higher fidelity) and cover a lot of criteria, so having fine grades won't preclude you from getting a diagnosis. It's honestly changed my life. Make sure to check to see if your school needs documentation before starting any controlled meds.

edit: typo
 
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