How do I tell my doctor I want to be evaluated for ADD?

I'll try to make this as short as possible. I'm 23 now, I was a total nerd up until 6th grade, I started acting out in classes all through out middle and highschool. Not acting out as in yelling for no reason or just trying to cause problems. But I was so completely bored with class, I realized I cannot pay attention. I just stared at the blackboard and the teachers for 7 years. I was always the class clown. I was always getting suspended for talking in class and just being disruptive, mostly always talking.



I went to my first year of college 2 years ago, finished it, barely. But the thing is, I realized I CAN NOT pay attention, I really try but like in grade school, my mind just starts thinking of something else, Robert Macnamara, Russian nuclear ICBMs, just random random things.



I'm 99.9% positive I have ADD. All though school everyone, from my teachers, my peers, my friends parents. They'd all joke around and say something about how I should get tested for ADD. I didnt even think anything of it til now.



The big problem I have is, I know they prescribe Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) for most ADD/ADHD diagnoses in adult patients (I was an EMT, I try to do my research on what I take). I have no insurance, I'm out of a job so I can't afford to goto a psychologist or psychiatrist. The bigger problem is, I'm a chronic pain patient with my PCP. I was diagnosed with Degenerative Arthritis in my lower spine and pelvis, So I'm also already on some serious narcotics, Oxycodone, low dose but still on a heavy narcotic. I don't know if that's a contraindication for DextroAmphet's or what. I also really like my Doctor, hes very understanding. But I'm afraid to tell him about the ADD because I just always have this feeling that he's going to think 'oh hes on Oxycodone, now he was amphets!'.



I have no idea how to word it, how to bring it up or what. I don't even know if I should bring it up with him just because I cannot risk him looking at me as someone with drug-seeking behavior. Any help would be appreciated.



OR would I have better luck contacting a psychologist in the area and making an appointment with them? I cannot have my doctor even have the slightest thought that I'm just trying to seek drugs. Thats the only reason I'm so afraid. If I lost my percecet's, I couldn't work because of my back. I'd be up a creek without a paddle.



Any help is appreciated.How do I tell my doctor I want to be evaluated for ADD?
You have a better chance at calling a private practice or something similar and seeing if you can get in for a consultation about ADD/ADHD.

A lot of doctors (not saying all) look down at mental illnesses, so. Plus, they're more likely to not prescribe anything for you. They're pickier about this.

EDIT: As you may now, a psychologist can only talk to you. The person who will prescribe/diagnose you depends on the office. There is a nurse practitioner at mine is the one who diagnosed me and prescribes me my medicine. You do have to go see a therapist first, and they'll talk to you. If they think you may have it, they'll set up an appointment with whoever diagnoses/prescribes the medicine. This is just my experience with it, so it may not be the same for you.

If you are prescribed medicine, they will probably tell your doctor to make sure it's okay with your current meds. Usually I'm prescribed my meds and given the okay before she actually contacts my other doctor.

Also, don't ask for medicine. Just tell them you think you have ADD and it's getting in the way of work/school. Ask them what they think they can do for it, just don't mention medication. If medicine is brought up, don't mention any specific kind. Try whatever they recommend, and if you don't like it you can try another.

I would really look for someone who is open about medicine. If they're strict on medications, I would find another. The person who prescribes me my medication lets me choose what I want to try. Keep in mind a lot of the medications are extremely addictive.How do I tell my doctor I want to be evaluated for ADD?
You say "Doc. I want to be evaluated for ADD."How do I tell my doctor I want to be evaluated for ADD?
Just ask him and tell him your reasons

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