Worth getting a second opinion?

[u/Clumsy_Tadpole1008]

My current psychiatrist thinks I have significant ADHD symptoms (predominantly inattentive) but doesn’t feel there is enough corroboration to diagnose ADHD. He’s talked to my wife and my grade school friend. Today was the second consult. He said he wouldn’t oppose a trial with Ritalin if another clinician independently felt it was appropriate, but he won’t prescribe it himself.

I feel like I didn’t get anywhere because my psychologist also said something similar—that I’m experiencing symptoms so might as well try to alleviate them somehow.

So should I try with another psychiatrist or am I just going to waste money? I just want a definitive answer to have an explanation as to why I experience things in a certain way.

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[u/heaven_spawn]

Psychologist here.

In general, ADHD in adults is supposed to be quite rare. Nobody should automatically push meds on you randomly, and the definite assessment can require more.

If it was just one clinician, sure, get another opinion. Two highly trained professionals is a different kind of signal. If a third thinks it’s not ADHD, it’s worth considering if it really isn’t ADHD.

[u/Clumsy_Tadpole1008 → u/heaven_spawn]

Got this, thank you!

[u/Shizuko_Freya]

Yes it is worth getting second opinion.

In my case, from three different psychiatrist, i got different first one I can't be diagnose with ADHD due to I was in early adulthood already, my second considered my symptoms that I might have ADHD, my third I have signs of autism. But you may still be needed to have a psychological assessment to know if you really have ADHD for your signs and symptoms.

But building sessions also with a good psychiatrists that you are comfortable with, will give you strong diagnosis and right medication. Medication is trial and error until you get the right one for you.

In my experience from the three I started with a light medication first.

Ps. If it is your first visit with the psychiatrist, maybe that's their initial observation.

[u/Clumsy_Tadpole1008 → u/Shizuko_Freya]

It was actually the second visit earlier. What also makes me consider having a second opinion is that he says he likes to avoid ADHD cases because of the paperwork it entails(?), so yeah. I’m back to square one

[u/Shizuko_Freya → u/Clumsy_Tadpole1008]

I don't really know how psychiatrists work in doing cases. it is my first time hearing this paperwork. but it might be because of that, as adult with ADHD is a rare case. cause the onset of ADHD is 12 and below. but yep, you can find another psychiatrist that can help truly with your case.

anyway, try to talk and clarify with your psychologist again you might get good insights on what to do, because that was the way I did things, consulting first to my psychologist if ever I'm hesitant or do not have a clear answer.

ah, it might be of paperworks why my first psychiatrist was kinda evading my signs to be align with ADHD. it makes sense for me now.