UK Assessment

[Nurseadhd]

Anyone here had an adult diagnosis in the UK? I'm looking for some advice

[Mini-S8]

Hi,

I received a diagnosis in the UK, though it wasn’t an easy process for me.

I’d start with printing off an online assessment for ADHD from a legit website then talking to family members too.

It’s important to consider what you were like as a young child. My doctor was interesting in how I was before the age of 5! So, I spoke with my mum and auntie and sister etc. And they helped to create a clearer picture for me.

Try to gather as much “evidence” or info as possible of why you think/know you have ADHD - maybe write some points down or take a family member with you.

Then go to your doctor and ask to be referred for an assessment with a psychiatrist.

If they don’t take you seriously then try a different doctor and be persistent. It can be hard as not all UK doctors have a proper understanding of the condition, especially in how it presents in adults and women!

You can always go down the private route if you don’t wish to or can’t wait for an NHS assessment - the waiting list is quite long at the moment.

Also, I bought a book on ADHD that helped me to understand it more and it how to help myself whilst I was waiting for some professional help.

Feel free to message me privately on here if you want to talk further.

I was diagnosed at 28 years old after years of struggling and misdiagnoses and I believe it helped to save my life as it gave me the right support and some direction.

Xx

[Nurseadhd in reply to Mini-S8]

Thank you so very much for your detailed response. I have looked at the assessment and I score high. My GP has told me that there is a long waiting list.

My mother is not good at recollecting how I was as a child. My brother had very obvious hyperactive inattentive issues yet she does not remember this well despite his constant behavioural issues at school and being asked to leave at 15.

I have achieved a degree and performed well academically but it takes me 2 to 3 times longer than the average person to concentrate and absorb information (even partially). Written exercises such as essays are such a long drawn task. I have great difficulty recounting information that was verbally given to me and often get it wrong in my interpretation. I have always been known for being impulsive and have always had a terrible habit of interrupting people when they're talking. I fly at tangents and forget what the original topic was. There is so much more but I'd be here forever.

I suppose I grew up always believing that my brother was the one with the issue but it's only in adulthood and through discussion with my husband that, rather than the mental health diagnosis I was given a long time ago, it looks very likely it could be this 😔

Could you tell me the name of the book please?

Thanks again

X

[Mini-S8 in reply to Nurseadhd]

This is the book I read initially before diagnosis.

ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know ® - What Everyone Needs To Know ® (Paperback)

Stephen P. Hinshaw (author), Katherine Ellison (author)

I bought it from Waterstones.

However, there are many books on Amazon that may or may not be more helpful.

Sounds like you have been through a lot. Maybe look into obtaining a private diagnosis if you are struggling to wait? It’s costly but necessary if the waiting list is as long as I’ve heard xx

[Goldenyear in reply to Nurseadhd]

Really good and considerate response from Mini-S8. I’m 71, I’ve had mental health issues since close to the beginning of my life, I first started seeking help in my thirties, then for anxiety and depression. Time and money spent on ‘talking’ therapy that was, looking back, completely wasted. It wasn’t until I was 64 that I started the journey that led me to where I am now, ie, diagnosed with ADHD, plus the ‘Co morbid’ factor that is associated with ADHD. In my case, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, depression and Borderline Personality Disorder (not the most pleasant of cocktails) I was diagnosed with ADHD after my psychiatrist asked me to complete a questionnaire in late 2020. I then needed to get an assessment by a psychiatrist specialising in ADHD and who will ultimately prescribe medication - the magic wand we all dream will cure us. A tear of hope will fall down your cheek. It will take upwards of 3/4 years presently getting an assessment on the NHS. They are overwhelmed. I couldn’t wait that long at my age, so, somewhat desperate, I managed to get a private assessment. Even this I would have to wait several months for and cost me £400. I am not well off, but I found the money - I just had to. It’s different for everyone I believe, but my assessment took 4 hours. I have no siblings, parents or relatives who could ‘testify’ to help my case. In the end it was pretty obvious the had ADHD. Be patient, it’s a long and somewhat arduous journey, you’ll get there in the end. I’m now taking Elvanse 30mg which is helping. You will have to pay for the first line of medications your psychiatrist prescribes until you find what works for you. Another journey. When you and your psychiatrist agree on the magic formula the NHS will take over the prescription costs (bless). I started on Xenidate (methylphenidate) but it did not work. So the Elvanse is second in line. There are several med options available until you hit the sweet spot. It does and will help. Incidentally, there will be a ‘titration’ fee. I paid an additional £300 for that on top of the £400. So be prepared for these expenses. It will be worth it in the end. I wish you all the luck in the world. 🤗

[Nurseadhd in reply to Goldenyear]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to respond so fully to me. I am at the desperate stage and can no longer accept all these parts of me as being"just the way I am". That said, if it turned out that I wasn't then I would be accepting of it. I just feel that I have suffered at points unnecessarily because I was oblivious to what it could actually be. I had an obscured and limited vision of what adhd was. I have an opportunity to develop further in my career and the feelings I get when I think of the necessary additional intense study are overwhelming because I know that the one thing I won't have is the time I need to process all the information and then be able to produce a high standard of work. I don't want something like this to hold me back from my potential. Anyway, I will find a way of getting the money and take it from there. Thank you again for your information and support 😊

[Goldenyear]

A day at time. Good luck. 😊

[Stonesfan]

Psymplicity is a good umbrella group of online UK specialists. James Walsh was very good IMHO. Fork out £££ or wait for ever. Good luck.

[StarkeyGo]

I did, shoot.