Should I start seeing a family doctor?

Question

I am 21 years old. I have not seen a family doctor/general physician since I was 15.

the only doctor I have been seeing is a psychiatrist once a month for ADD. He prescribed me adderall. The cost of the appointment each month was $70 PLUS I had to pay for the prescription.

Could I just go to a family doctor to get adderall? I hated going to the psychiatrist because he made me talk and wouldn't answer back with any comments. Every time I went in it was the same thing "Hi my adderall is helping"...then I would feel like I had to create problems to talk about just to fill up time.

Also, I want to get a checkup....Is it a good idea to get one since I haven't gotten one in 6 years? My Mom said I am crazy for wanting to go to the doctor but I just wanted to check my overall health and get adderall. Could the family doctor prescribe it over a longer period than one month? I can't afford $70 per month.

Thanks

Answer 1

Sure, it's time for a check-up from a family doctor.

I would continue to see the psychiatrist, though, but would ask him if he thinks you could go longer between appointments, say, 3 months at first, then every 6 months if you do well with the three-month intervals.

Your psychiatrist won't answer back with many comments because he is not only asking how the drug has been working, he is observing your behavior. You don't need to "make up problems"; that's not his job-- it's the therapist's job. Making up problems makes him think you've got problems that merit close monitoring, which is why he wants to see you every month! You're actually shooting yourself in the foot by making stuff up.

The psychiatrist is a medical doctor and prescribes medicine for your brain condition-- that's it.

Be forewarned; if you go to a family doctor for a physical, it'll cost you at least $200. That sum not only includes the physical exam, but required blood tests, too.

Answer 2

Of course, go to the family doc. Get a physical and tell them about the medication. They will either work with you and the psychiatrist or just you. And see if there is a generic Adderall.