The psychologist cannot prescribe meds but the psychiatrist can. Either one can diagnose ADHD. You can also see a neurologist or a family/general practitioner, or pediatrician for a diagnosis. The best doctor to choose is the one who is most knowledgeable about ADHD and has the most experience in diagnosing and treating teenagers and adults. Knowledge and experience is more important than the professional's actual title.

Elaine

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My Daughter was diagnosed a few years ago with ADHD the drs has tried,strattera, dexedrine, concerta which made her very emotional to the point she would cry if you said anything to her... even a simple "do you have homework"? but it helped her focus in school and her hand writing went from looking like a toddlers scribble to that of a regular 3rd grader. Helped with her behavior as well. I only gave it to her on Monday through Friday to help her concentrate & stay on task in school so she didn't take in on the weekends.

Due to loss of insurance she wasn't able to take if for almost 6 months. When I changed insurance companies waited out the probation period, I immediately took her back to her Dr they put her back on concerta at the minimal dose & it made her very aggressive even in school. For the first time she stood up to a bully, and the teacher was impressed but didn't understand why she behaved this way. So, I called the DR back and they put her on Vyvanse 30mg her grades have soared her to the top of her class (10/11 grade) with averages 97 - 99% btw the best grades she has ever had. This is where I get confused and not so sure she was diagnosed properly. If she does in deed have adhd the meds would do what they are doing, keeping her focused in school so she can complete work on task. But her behavior has gotten to the point she scares me & I'm scared I'm going to lose her! She has become very defiant, aggressive, paranoid & obsessive in conjunction with the inattentive & impulsive hyperactivity. How can this be if her grades have excelled as they have? She has decided that she is not coming home from school on her 17th birthday and that she is leaving home. Apparently a 17 yr can leave home and theres nothing a parent can do about it. I know she is not mentally capable of being out in the world with no structure especially since she has no self control or self-discipline. Of course she don't know that I know of her plans since I found this info on her myspace.

My mother is no Dr however she says my daughter has the symptoms of being bi polar. I have read so much information online that sounds like her... to the point I'm confused because she has some of the symptoms of everything I have read... including bi polar, adhd, odd, asperger & illnesses that I've never heard of!

Now, back to her DR... I take her to a pediatric & adolescent treatment facility. They are supposed to specialize in add/adhd & psychiatric therapy. Her Dr that knew her better than anyone moved out of state & was replaced with a very young dr that I'm just not comfortable with. I know with the patient confidentiality she is not allowed to tell me anything my daughter says when I'm not in the exam room with her, I don't like that! I ask her about specific behavior patterns such as her being so obesessive, aggressive & defiant. She tells me thats just the behavior of a teenage girl and suggested family counseling which I agree we need counseling just to cope. My mother also says Im a poster child for heart attack....but remember she's not a phd. LOL

Ok I know I said this was a summary that barely touches the surface so I will stop there LOL I apologize, I guess I just needed to vent.... If you have questions about anything that needs more specific detailing let me know... Again thank you for reading & responding!

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Hi SamsMom:

Thank you for your post. I really feel for you and hope that you're able to break through to your daughter soon! It's obvious that you love her very much and want only the best for her.

First thing first, I would recommend checking out this ADHD treatment chart, which compares all of the potential service providers. It sounds like counseling is in order here, so you'll need to decide between a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or counselor based on pros and cons.

As for question about bipolar disorder, I would highly recommend this article - Is It More Than ADHD? Diagnosing & Treating Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a very common 'comorbid condition' related to ADHD, so it's possible that your daughter is dealing with both. Or it could be another related condition as you mentioned - anxiety, depression, Aspergers - so the best course of action is to read up on symptoms of each and schedule a diagnostic appointment.

Finally, you might find some helpful information in ADDitude's archive of articles about teens with ADHD.

Good luck!

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Hi SamsMom,

I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time with your daughter. It does sound as if there is something else going on in addition to ADHD. Several possibilities come to mind but I am not a doctor. However, both my 17 yr. old son and 26 yr. old daughter have ADHD along with my husband and myself. My daughter and I both have GAD (generalized anxiety) and my husband and daughter have suffered from depression and BPD (borderline disorder). I have a friend who has ADHD and OCD, a neighbor's daughter with ADHD, OCPD and BPD and another friend with ADHD, anxiety, Bipolar and BPD. So I have had some exposure to a few different disorders and for years many of these individuals went at least partly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It can be complicated when someone has more than just one disorder. It helps to have a trained and experienced doctor which we were fortunate to finally find a few years ago.

What, in particular, is your daughter obsessive about? And what is she paranoid about? Does she have mood swings that change frequently? How frequently? Does her mood go in cycles, last for a few days or weeks, or does her mood change throughout the day?

Why does she want to leave home? What does she say to you? Is there anything that she sees differently than you do or feels differently about? Any comments or accusations that she makes to you that are not true?

Is there anything specific that she says or does that doesn't quite make sense to you or that seems extreme? Is her behavior the same when she is not on the medication? Any particular patterns you have noticed? Do you have any relatives diagnosed with bipolar disorder or any of the other conditions you suspect? Any relatives who are extremely difficult to get along with at times (and they are grown adults, not teenagers)?

I don't want to pry and I understand if you are not comfortable answering all these questions but if you do want to continue discussing some possiblities and prefer some privacy, you may email me if you wish at elaine5687@comcast.net and I will be happy to reply. I have learned a lot since family members and friends had gone undiagnosed for so long. I know some of the questions that no one ever asked that might have disclosed the presence of some of these disorders a lot sooner. It's been quite an education for me on how much is missed and just how valuable a knowledgeable and experienced doctor/psychiatrist is. If you don't have the right diagnosis(es), then the treatment you receive will not be as effective. Our doctor is very good at finding everything that is wrong and one of his sayings is, "Everything you have wrong makes everything else you have wrong worse."

I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. There is an answer and there is hope. Don't give up, keep learning all you can and listen to your gut feelings.

Take care, Elaine

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