Post by adam on Dec 18, 2018 19:51:13 GMT
Hello all,
I was referred for an ADHD assessment by my G.P. I waited a year for the appointment but was left incredibly frustrated following the assessment.
I am currently suffering a quite severe spell of anxiety and depression, for which I am on medication. Following the assessment and at the point that I was expecting to receive a diagnosis, i was told the following:
It is clear that as a child you had ADHD, however, most people "grow out of it" by their early thirties (I'm late 30's).
He said that it is impossible to distinguish between the symptoms of my mental health difficulties and the symptoms of ADHD and therefore he couldn't give me an answer either way. I tried to explain that at times when I am not low I continue to suffer the same inattention, impulsiveness, risk taking, forgetfulness etc. but when I said this he said that if I were to push him for an answer he would say no, I don't have ADHD.
He told me that there are serious risks taking ADHD medication along with the medication I am on. I got the impression that he didn't want to provide a diagnosis so as to not have to prescribe medication. He said that i could ask for a re-referral in 6 months where he would happily review his decision, however, given that my local NHS don't provide any adult ADHD assessments and have to refer out of county, I do not think that they will pay for another assessment.
Just to add, he said that he would give me some help leaflets, which turned out to be guidance on living with ADHD!!
I know that historically there was a view that people "grow out" of ADHD, but more recent studies are clear that it is a neurological problem that does not go away (as I'm sure you all know!)
I don't know what to do, I know I have it, I know how much I struggle through life due to the impact of it, he was certain I used to have it (which means I do have it!) but i can't get a diagnosis. I can't afford a private assessment but want to know for certain once and for all
Has anybody here experienced similar? Can you offer me any advice?
Sorry if this seems like a rant, but I'm really quite stressed and don't know where to turn
Adam
I was referred for an ADHD assessment by my G.P. I waited a year for the appointment but was left incredibly frustrated following the assessment.
I am currently suffering a quite severe spell of anxiety and depression, for which I am on medication. Following the assessment and at the point that I was expecting to receive a diagnosis, i was told the following:
It is clear that as a child you had ADHD, however, most people "grow out of it" by their early thirties (I'm late 30's).
He said that it is impossible to distinguish between the symptoms of my mental health difficulties and the symptoms of ADHD and therefore he couldn't give me an answer either way. I tried to explain that at times when I am not low I continue to suffer the same inattention, impulsiveness, risk taking, forgetfulness etc. but when I said this he said that if I were to push him for an answer he would say no, I don't have ADHD.
He told me that there are serious risks taking ADHD medication along with the medication I am on. I got the impression that he didn't want to provide a diagnosis so as to not have to prescribe medication. He said that i could ask for a re-referral in 6 months where he would happily review his decision, however, given that my local NHS don't provide any adult ADHD assessments and have to refer out of county, I do not think that they will pay for another assessment.
Just to add, he said that he would give me some help leaflets, which turned out to be guidance on living with ADHD!!
I know that historically there was a view that people "grow out" of ADHD, but more recent studies are clear that it is a neurological problem that does not go away (as I'm sure you all know!)
I don't know what to do, I know I have it, I know how much I struggle through life due to the impact of it, he was certain I used to have it (which means I do have it!) but i can't get a diagnosis. I can't afford a private assessment but want to know for certain once and for all
Has anybody here experienced similar? Can you offer me any advice?
Sorry if this seems like a rant, but I'm really quite stressed and don't know where to turn
Adam