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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2013 0:03:22 GMT
I've not been through the process but I hope it's an in/out job like that
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2013 10:01:44 GMT
Hi Mrsh - are you prepared to tell us where that was (I'm guessing St Catherine's)?
It's a lottery - some people have a nightmare journey (and some never get there) and others see their GP, get a referral and, ta-dahhhhh, done. And anything in between.
It's down to several factors - what your GP knows/is prepared to do, what your PCT is prepared to fund and, to a lesser extent, what you know.
I've done just about every permutation (diagnosed three times, horror battles with the NHS, private and NHS treatment and a stress free NHS diagnosis - bought the entire box of T shirts...). And I never changed GP/PCT during the entire time - things change but my GP practice has always been supportive so I was a bit lucky there.
You only find out when you try - coming on here appears to be a real help so you're doing better that those out in 'the wild'.
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mrsh
Member posts quite a bit
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Post by mrsh on Mar 18, 2013 16:56:39 GMT
Thank you! Yes it was St. Catherines. Having all sorts of problems with this concerta, I was a little ignorant about it really and I regret that now, should have booked time off work but now on the sick due to side effects., shame is it really helps in the early part of the day. Wish the nurse had warned me. Rang the hospital but their manager is off sick so no help for 2 days, back to GP tomorrow for advice. *sighs* Shame it is such a lottery for people. Em x
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Benn
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Post by Benn on Mar 18, 2013 19:17:27 GMT
Mrs H I just hope my local NHS is as quick as yours, I am in Warwickshire
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Post by Yorkiebluebird on Apr 26, 2013 15:05:42 GMT
Really surprised by everyone's posts here and the depth of their consultations. Mine, last Tues, was for about an hour and half with the consultant at a London NHS hospital asking me a range of questions. Then at the end, you have ADHD!
Now waiting for a heart check up and then it's on the meds in June. Really have no idea what to expect and where on the scale, if there is one, I sit.
Confused North London
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Post by meepmeep on Sept 4, 2013 10:38:24 GMT
Well I was referred for a ADHD assessment and instead saw a nurse who pretty much went through the same shit as the Psychologist to basically say it's past his depths and he needs to speak to doctors to figure out what's going on, wtf?!?! Don't even understand why I saw this chap, but whatever.
He said I'm showing many signs of ADHD but because neither of my parents have been diagnosed a diagnosis would be difficult and he's also looking into personality disorders & Bi-polar.
A large part of me thinks they're gonna tell me to get stuffed and that I'm ok and may be need counselling :/
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Post by JJ on Sept 4, 2013 20:54:48 GMT
He said I'm showing many signs of ADHD but because neither of my parents have been diagnosed a diagnosis would be difficult :/ ?? So the completely crap system for diagnosing adults means that even if both your parents were adhd they wouldn't be diagnosed anyway probably - and that's now a reason why you might not be....... Adhd makes me feel like I live in the Bermuda Triangle, in the twilight zone in a parallel universe....
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Post by meepmeep on Sept 5, 2013 22:17:47 GMT
It's left me completely confused beyond belief... He did ask me more than twice if I think I have ADHD, WTF? I kept saying I don't know, isn't this why I'm here? The Psychologist assessed me and said I show signs of ADHD and therefore sit before him to further assess... He then asked how would I feel about being on stimulants as they carry side effects...I said well it would depend on the level of side effects -v- the quality of life, ive got to a point where I've achieved F-all, barely in control of any aspect and pretty much a pile of mess... He then proceeded to say the ADHD tests are so general, that even he would probably show positive for having ADHD...Seriously, i'm really starting to wonder if yesterday was one of them comedy shows, and I was completely oblivious to it...Looking back now, not a lot makes sense. He concluded the session with saying it sounds like I have ADHD, I'm showing symptoms of ADHD, but it could just be a personality disorder that just carries all the traits of ADHD, and I sound a tad bi-polar...o.O then he looked at me and was like, ah well may be not. The only good thing is my report goes before a team of Psychiatrists but I'm concerned as I hope he hasn't tailored it to support his theory of some personality disorder that is pretty much ADHD but classes as a personality disorder instead...wait, you what now? So it looks like a banana, feels like a banana, but it's an apple in the shape of a banana with identical banana internals, sounds legit. In conclusion, mind = blown.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2013 10:12:22 GMT
So the completely crap system for diagnosing adults means that even if both your parents were adhd they wouldn't be diagnosed anyway probably - and that's now a reason why you might not be....... Adhd makes me feel like I live in the Bermuda Triangle, in the twilight zone in a parallel universe.... And their parents before them, and their parents before them... ad infinitum. Which means adults have got no chance of a diagnosis. Going by that system and approach, no-one would EVER get diagnosed unless as a child. It's pathetic. So they can subjectively diagnose all sorts of mental conditions from depression to OCD, from anorexia to schizophrenia but ADD/ADHD is beyond them? You know what? I reckon this is purely political and/or an intrinsic problem with the meds that they won't admit to. And what's laughable? ADHD/ADD is the opposite end of the OCD neural-network spectrum. This means that whilst like any mental condition, it's open to conjecture, it does have some logic defining it i.e. it is perfectly possible that it does exist.
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Post by Camkai on Dec 2, 2013 23:36:41 GMT
Hello, I am new here. What jobs can't one do if they have ADHD, does anyone know?
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Post by davey j on Jan 3, 2014 22:35:27 GMT
I'd avoid any job involving keys. Just saying. I got diagnosed today at the âge of 33. Was a nightmare as à kid and it's flown under the radar until now. Kind of knew I had it based on my own reading and hints from some well read friends. Hoping some new stratégies and subséquent meds can get the head working more efficiently.
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Post by Kathymel on Jan 3, 2014 22:41:09 GMT
Ha ha. My boss and I have developed a 'leaving the building' routing which involves me listing what I've done with any keys and tools that I've used.
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Post by Artist on Jan 5, 2014 20:43:49 GMT
Camkai - I'd avoid admin. I've found it a nightmare and my boss is threatening to sack me if I don't sort myself out. My last boss very nicely suggested that I leave voluntarily. I quit the two admin jobs before that due to boredom and stress. If my CV wasn't all admin jobs, I would get out asap! Unfortunately, that's all I'm qualified to do.
I can write books and paint to a very high standard (self taught, so worthless on paper), but rarely finish anything. So working freelance in either field would be a waste of time at present (unless I could get someone to stand over me all day yelling and smacking me if I got distracted - in all honesty, I would love that)! If I ever have enough money, I will hire a drill sergeant to scream obscenities at me while I work! Anyone seen Full Metal Jacket?
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vasilis
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Post by vasilis on Mar 14, 2014 10:06:56 GMT
ADMIN COMMENTvasilis
While researchers are encouraged it's becoming more of a marketing opportunity for you.
We accept that people make a living out of ADHD but using a charitable website for your continual promotion is not acceptable - commercial users should buy advertising.
Or make a contribution - same difference.
pd
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 10:08:59 GMT
Any London-based STrattera users out there? Paid research opportunity for you: £95-£110 for 1 hour testing of a website. Parents of Strattera users are also welcome. Interested? Getin touch! So now you're just peddling anywhere regardless. FFS
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Post by procrastinasaurus on Jul 21, 2014 17:05:01 GMT
I have two pieces of advice for anyone who is yet to go through the process, well, three actually =
1 - If you can, ask for/demand that the psychiatrist you are referred to via the NHS has AT THE VERY LEAST some practical understanding/experience of ADHD. There are unfortunately many psychiatrists out there who either still do not believe the condition actually exists, or are of the baffling belief that it somehow disappears in adulthood.......even though they will also acknowledge there is no cure! makes sense huh doc.
2 - Related to this, make you sure you ask what will be required of you ahead of time. Both in terms of being ready for the process and any forms/questionnaires/tests you may need to do but also so you can make sure the process is suitable......I did not do this and was given an Aspergers questionnaire without realising it and when it came to a question asking "Can you see yourself as someone else?" and my answer was a resounding "NO" as I instinctively thought "I dont want to be someone else! everyone else is stupid and annoying!"......which of course to them, in a tick box exercise looking for Aspergers, meant I cannot be empathetic and lead to me being ridiculously diagnosed with Aspergers.
3 - Related to all of it......if you can, beg borrow and steal.....go private! sorry to say this and I know it simply will not be possible for some/most (hey, I was a student with a mortgage and bills and managed to find the money from all over) but seeing an ACTUAL specialist who's sole interest, specialty and experience is of people like us.....is so damned key and makes the process so much smoother and better in terms of treatment going forward.
Ps: The first two are actually your right to do so and if they dont happen, the independent complaints body "PALS" can assist you.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 8:04:31 GMT
Great name - " procrastinasaurus" LOL You said: Agree, and exactly the route I took initially. The NHS only came last month after almost 2 years after I first went private to a specialist. As for the NHS, I can't believe how easy it was to get methylphenidate prescribed. But having read the list of possible side-effects - some of which have fairly low odds, like hair loss and man-boobs, I'm staring at the bloody things after three weeks. The follow-up nurse is starting to get frustrated. Also, the worst case scenario with these things is liver failure and heart attack..... I shall be discussing this at some point
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Post by contrarymary on Aug 28, 2015 11:22:33 GMT
@addjourneyman - can't believe that you are also 2 years post private dx and just NHS'd. i think you are perhaps a month or two ahead of me, as i'm halfway through NHS diagnostic process which is about 20 months after my private dx, and some x years after coming across adhd the first time... dare i say snap? (tho don't want to jinx my outcome) write more. we've missed you
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Post by MarieL on Feb 2, 2016 8:16:16 GMT
Hi guys, I thought I would quickly share my own experience because in fact, it was much smoother than any of you (I have some clues as to why). I was orginally diagnosed in the US and currently under stimulant treatment when I reached the UK. There, the GP tells me that I need to see a psych to get the medecine. I proscratinate, survive on my existing drug stocks, and finally decide to go with the NHS. I have other conditions - depression, anxiety, suicide attempts. So they sent me first to the local psychiatrist of course (it takes 2 months to get there). From there she automatically refer to the Maudlsey ADHD Adult clinic, where I am given an appointment about 1.5 months later (so much shorter than you it seems!). While I am being asked to fill in 3 questionnaires, they don;t make much sense for me since I had been on medication for 4 years already. But I could show my previous symptoms and explain how the meds acted on them. I didn;t bring anything from my husband or family. I was stubborn - I had alreday been diagnosed after all I saw directly the Consutant Psychiatrist, an amazing guy. About 2 hours of interview went on, where in fact I learned a lot about myself and the condition. He said I probably have ADHD, and therefore, get me to start a UK only treatment. I had a second follow-up consultation a month later because I had tried to commit suicide in the meantime...And honestly, again I didn't wait. So as for the consultation experience, I can say I am pretty lucky and very satisfied, even if the rest of my life is not that easy to deal with Marie
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amelia
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Post by amelia on Feb 5, 2017 11:59:28 GMT
My assesment was much simpler than that of the OP.
I was sent first to my local mental health services and CBT. CBT was first as the waiting list for the MHS was quite long. CBT tried to put me under their suitable boxes as they don't have one for ADHD, so first they tried treating it as anxiety which didn't fit and then OCD which also didn't fit. Eventually the woman gave up and told me to come back when I was medicated.
When I finally got to my local MHS they said they would love to treat me but they just didn't have the money to do so. At which point I was referred to Sheffield Adult Autism and ADHD service. There, prior to my appointment I was asked to fill out a questionarrie with the DSM 5 criteria and my mum was asked to complete 2 pages of questions about my childhood.
At the appointment I met with a psychiatrist who I spoke with for just over an hour and went through the DSM 5 criteria in more detail and asked me about my childhood and my life now with examples of situations that meet each criteria. At the end of the appointment I was told I have severe ADHD with no signs of autism, though I actually think it would have been a good idea to test me for other ADHD co-morbid disorders it is highly obvious that I do have ADHD. I now have to wait for funding and a prescribing agreement between my GP and Sheffield in order to get my meds.
I hope this helps anyone who is going there for testing.
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clipso55
Member's not posted much yet
Hi all, just to update you I am 53 and am trying to get an answer to my condition by diagnosis
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Post by clipso55 on Jul 29, 2017 15:06:48 GMT
Wow, seems like you went through so much. You must be really stressed about it all and just want some answers at this point. I don't really remember how all my diagnosis went. I was young(7-8)and i remember my psychiatrist and her office vividly. I remember i had to go there quite regularly and i was asked questions as well as perform tasks. Ink blotter, drawing, numbers, words, senarios, etc... I was put on ritalin and had to take it twice a day once at home and once at lunch time in school. I remember having to go to the office every day to get my meds. It was very embarrassing. I came over here in 2003 and began struggling with work and my social life. I wasn't lone working anymore with horses and needed to be able to work with people! I went to my GP, who referred me to Psychiatric care. I saw a locum doctor who just picked a drug out of the hat after i said I was used to taking stimulants from my childhood. He put me on an anti-psychotic called Olanzapine. I went mental and couldn't stay at work. One of the vets had to drive me home as I couldn't cope. I then went back and he tried to put me on Strattera, but after reading the side effects and not having a lot of confidence in him, i refused it and asked to be put back on what I was used to. He put me on my childhood dose of Ritalin IR 5mg BID. I crashed hard and had trouble remembering to take the meds on time. He left and I finally saw another dr who put me on the Concerta. I was never re tested or questioned about my diagnosis when I said I was diagnosed as a child. I found it quite odd how trusting they were of me and how they just handed me the Rx. I'm sorry you have had so much of a fuss, but hopefully it will have a good end result for you.
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