Waiting for first appointment

[Anonymous]

Hey everybody,

I’m a 20 year old university student at the University of Alberta and recently came to the realization I most probably have ADD. It’s been a long time coming, and why I never thought of this before I don’t know, but it makes complete sense, and I can see how it has affected me since about grade 1. I would go into all the details, but from browsing the forums the last few weeks I’d rather not make this long at the risk of losing your attention. (Haha)

I went to a physician at the University and got a referral a few weeks ago, and he told me the wait would be a few weeks to get in. Well, it’s been a few weeks now and I still haven’t been called to set up an appointment. Needless to say I am antsy to get some help with this, but don’t know if I am being impatient or not. So my question is, how long did you wait for your first psych appointment?

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[Anonymous]

A few weeks! The usual wait time in most provinces is months if not a year or two. But you know Alberta actually has very good laws for ADHD and good accommodations. In fact, it probably sets the standard for the acceptance of the disorder and making the child’s life better.

Keep yourself informed. Read lots and stay tuned to http://www.totallyadd.com

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[Anonymous]

It might take months or years for the appointment itself to take place, but for the appointment to be booked? If a specialist doesn’t have any openings in the foreseeable future, they’ll generally let you know that right away. Plus, you’re dealing with a University’s student health services, and they often do have somebody on staff who is qualified to handle this. Many post-secondary institutions these days are trying hard to reach students with previously diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disabilities and get them the help they need so that they can succeed and graduate, not flounder and drop out.

I’d call the referring physician’s office, tell them that you received the referral x weeks ago and were told it would only take a few weeks but you still haven’t heard, and ask them to check. The actual referral call is usually made by the referring physician’s office manager to the specialist’s office manager. Medical office managers are generally doing five things at once (and doing them astoundingly well) in a very busy environment, so you might have gotten lost in the shuffle. It happens. If your (or the doctor’s) expectations re: timeline for booking the appointment were unrealistic, they can tell you that as well.

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[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback, I never realized how long it took for all of this. The issue then, would be unrealistic expectations, and now I’m just glad that the University has great medical service to its students. I will keep this thread updated as to my status.

I also gather from the forums that it may be a few visits before I am diagnosed and can get treatment, is that right?

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[chacubee]

I live in New Brunswick, and my doctor reffered me for my first appointement just last week and I have an appoitment this Thursday, which is exactly 8 days from the date I saw my family doctor.

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[Patte Rosebank]

That’s it. I’m moving to New Brunswick!

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[Anonymous]

8 days, that’s incredible. I just got called today and got an appointment set up for 2 weeks from now. Still a little ways off but at least I have a date to look forward to!

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[Anonymous]

Well, I had the appointment today. I arrived on time and waited fidgeting in the waiting room. The psychiatrist asked questions and i kept trying to interrupt her, but I might have done better at explaining all of the add things I do. Halfway through the interview she asked a heavily worded question which I zoned out during, so I sat awkwardly for a few seconds before I asked her what her question was. Right before the end of the test she grabbed a newspaper and asked me to find and circle all of the letter ‘E’s while she tried to distract me. She gave me orders to double my dose of Wellbutrin (to 300 mg), to find the right amount of antidepressant to use with stimulants, or if I even need them.

Really looking forward to my new life.

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