bandito
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Post by bandito on Nov 26, 2020 16:15:57 GMT
Hi all, I am new to this forum as I am looking for some advice regarding ADHD, and how to potentially broach the subject with my GP.
A bit of background, I am a 30 something year old male, with a history of 'depression' & 'anxiety', I was first referred to a child psychologist through the NHS in my mid teens and from what I can remember of it was mostly due to 'family circumstances' although I cant really remember the specifics about the session, I just remember I was there. From here I have felt I have drifted into and through most of my adult life, including going to uni because I felt its what other people wanted me to do, but failing miserably and feeling lost socially, then stumbling fortuitously into working in a desk job which I never thought I would do but also never progressing in my 'career' or making any changes. Multiple failed relationships over the years which have led to more 'depression / anxiety' which were treated as such by my GP, unfortunately this is where I noticed a huge difference between how the NHS treat children compared to adults, as an adult I was immediately prescribed medication, which I had to increase over time turning me into a chilled out zombie, and was recommended a free charity based talking therapy which had a waiting list of nearly a year just for an initial consultation, in other words I felt like I was pushed out of the door with the meds and left to my own devices. From here I took matters into my own hands and over the years had private counselling sessions, which again pointed towards previous family circumstances, and even tried hypnotherapy, which I loved for the peace and relaxing nature.
Now working from home, which was initially a great shot in the arm for me, however, weeks & months later some of my traits seem to be heightened again. I have always struggled to concentrate on tasks given to me for work and I am unable to start let alone finish tasks, especially if I see them as monotonous, I don't know where to start, or have either a long time frame or no time limit, I am a master of procrastination, putting other meaningless things first as a means of a distraction. For example some hobbies which I used to do as a child, I have recently started again as an adult but I can become almost obsessive about, constantly researching and watching guides or videos, rather than doing what I should be. This led me to having a conversation with a recent friend one day, who after sharing details of what I do / have always done and my history, immediately asked me if I had ADHD, unbeknown to me he was diagnosed in Scandanavia and as he put it does very similar things to what I described.
I have since read up various websites, NHS etc, and appear to tick several if not most of the boxes regarding symptoms / traits which has got my mind whirring around wondering what to do, or whether I'm just being ridiculous in even thinking it, which has led me to procrastinate some more and not do anything, yet still constantly think about it!
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Byron
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Compus Fragmentus
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Post by Byron on Nov 26, 2020 19:49:15 GMT
Hi all, I am new to this forum as I am looking for some advice regarding ADHD, and how to potentially broach the subject with my GP. A bit of background, I am a 30 something year old male, with a history of 'depression' & 'anxiety', I was first referred to a child psychologist through the NHS in my mid teens and from what I can remember of it was mostly due to 'family circumstances' although I cant really remember the specifics about the session, I just remember I was there. From here I have felt I have drifted into and through most of my adult life, including going to uni because I felt its what other people wanted me to do, but failing miserably and feeling lost socially, then stumbling fortuitously into working in a desk job which I never thought I would do but also never progressing in my 'career' or making any changes. Multiple failed relationships over the years which have led to more 'depression / anxiety' which were treated as such by my GP, unfortunately this is where I noticed a huge difference between how the NHS treat children compared to adults, as an adult I was immediately prescribed medication, which I had to increase over time turning me into a chilled out zombie, and was recommended a free charity based talking therapy which had a waiting list of nearly a year just for an initial consultation, in other words I felt like I was pushed out of the door with the meds and left to my own devices. From here I took matters into my own hands and over the years had private counselling sessions, which again pointed towards previous family circumstances, and even tried hypnotherapy, which I loved for the peace and relaxing nature. Now working from home, which was initially a great shot in the arm for me, however, weeks & months later some of my traits seem to be heightened again. I have always struggled to concentrate on tasks given to me for work and I am unable to start let alone finish tasks, especially if I see them as monotonous, I don't know where to start, or have either a long time frame or no time limit, I am a master of procrastination, putting other meaningless things first as a means of a distraction. For example some hobbies which I used to do as a child, I have recently started again as an adult but I can become almost obsessive about, constantly researching and watching guides or videos, rather than doing what I should be. This led me to having a conversation with a recent friend one day, who after sharing details of what I do / have always done and my history, immediately asked me if I had ADHD, unbeknown to me he was diagnosed in Scandanavia and as he put it does very similar things to what I described. I have since read up various websites, NHS etc, and appear to tick several if not most of the boxes regarding symptoms / traits which has got my mind whirring around wondering what to do, or whether I'm just being ridiculous in even thinking it, which has led me to procrastinate some more and not do anything, yet still constantly think about it! Hi Bandito, I'm in a very similar situation myself. If it helps, what I'm learning I've got to do is basically ask my GP to refer me to a specialist as I have several reasons to believe that I have some form of ADHD. I've got the list of symptoms on the NHS choices website, also listed on this site too, annotated and commented on how they relate to me and basically don't take no for an answer. I'm fortunate enough to be able to self fund if that's an issue, and that's it really. If you have good solid reasons to believe you have it and it's causing you problems, then you have a right to be assessed. Go for it and good luck! (I've quoted the whole post as for some reason the first post of any thread doesn't show up for me unless I manually stop the page loading, does anyone else have this problem?)
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Nov 26, 2020 22:48:38 GMT
Thanks Byron, that's a very good idea to match up the symptoms with examples and write it down, it would at least give the GP an idea of why I and others have brought it up in the first place. I think the main issue with me, and I imagine others have had this as well, is being full of self doubt and having the confidence to bring it up for conversation with my GP as I tend to question myself as to whether there is ACTUALLY something in it, for example when previously when bringing up procrastination in the workplace I was met with 'what makes you think that's not the same for everyone?', although following that conversation with my friend without realising he has ADHD opened my eyes a little. I do have an appointment booked for an unrelated issue, although something which can be made worse by stress, so I will prepare for that and see what happens.
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Post by writerindisarray on Nov 29, 2020 12:59:10 GMT
When I asked my GP for an ADHD referral, I took a list of possible symptoms and effects similar to Byron's and a completed "Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist" with me. The checklist screens for ADHD. You can download a copy here: www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.phpI'd also read "Driven to Distraction". It has lists of ADHD symptoms and indicators, which I used to support my argument I might have ADHD. A thyroid condition can also create ADHD-like symptoms and depression. If you haven't had one recently, ask your GP for a thyroid function test too.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Nov 30, 2020 12:08:42 GMT
Thanks, all very useful information to use. I am going to pull this together and try to send it through to my GP prior to the appointment, saves not having enough time to talk and run through background in one short call. I have had some blood tests in the past for general tiredness, lethargy, slight coughs, skin issues, thyroid etc but it almost always comes back clear so I'm usually just sent on my way with little or any idea why.
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Post by writerindisarray on Dec 1, 2020 9:46:47 GMT
If your previous thyroid function tests were definitely in the "normal" range, and not on the borderline for hypo- or hyperthyroidism that seems like evidence that might support ADHD.
I printed out all the evidence I gathered and was ready to give it to my GP in person. It was useful in our talk as an outline of what to say. And I think she sent it to the ADHD clinic she referred me to, which may have helped me get an appointment.
Please give an update after your next GP appointment, if you feel able to.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Dec 8, 2020 14:52:31 GMT
I had an initial call with my GP which seemed to go very well considering I was nervous. I framed it very much in the light of my friend raising it with me, this was initially met with a comment about ADHD being difficult to diagnose in adults, however, I was asked about my history and provided some regarding 'depression' in the past and lack of progress through life etc etc, and that it wasn't just through the lockdown period this has taken place, but that I wasn't sure if there was something in it. Without hesitation the GP brought up that the NHS over the last 6 months have implemented new checks (that's how I understood it), due to more people enquiring about it, that I was right to bring it up, and has recommended collecting a form to complete and hand back for assessment. I have to say based on my last experience of 'depression' and 'have some meds' and 'try and use a charity service', this time around it was a breath of fresh air.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Jan 17, 2021 19:46:04 GMT
After the hope of the initial GP call, I'm thinking this wont be as straight forward as I thought. I dropped off my self assessment form after my appointment in December, but didn't hear anything back, I gave the surgery a call and there appeared to be some confusion around if they received it, I was told a GP would call the following Thursday but nothing, so I requested another appointment using the online service and despite mentioning the specific doctor I was allocated another GP. When they called they were more concerned about the generic 'low mood' selections of the online form, rather than the text I typed specific to ADHD, I mentioned this and the GP checked my notes to see that my form HAD been received. At the end of the call I was offered a few options, submission of the ADHD form to the appropriate department for review, but this seems to be on hold due to Covid, and the offer of medication to help with anxiety in the meantime as previously I have been on Citalopram, something which I'm keen to avoid as I didn't like the feeling of being on those.
It seems as if im in for a bit of a waiting game..........
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Post by lottie1522 on Jan 23, 2021 12:05:05 GMT
Sorry it hasn't been as straightforward as you hoped. You can speak to your GP about a referral with right to choose, I was offered this by my GP as I hadn't heard of it before and I was referred to psychiatry UK and was diagnosed at the beginning of January. We have no local services available so an online video call was ideal and it meant I wasn't running late 😂
I hope you get a referral sorted soon. I must be lucky with my GP surgery as lots of other experiences make it sound like wading through treacle to get anything done and a lot of ADHD brains struggle to follow up on tasks so it makes it even harder when you have to push and keep going back to things.
Hope to hear some positive news for you soon 😊
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Mar 2, 2021 9:14:47 GMT
Sorry it hasn't been as straightforward as you hoped. You can speak to your GP about a referral with right to choose, I was offered this by my GP as I hadn't heard of it before and I was referred to psychiatry UK and was diagnosed at the beginning of January. We have no local services available so an online video call was ideal and it meant I wasn't running late 😂 I hope you get a referral sorted soon. I must be lucky with my GP surgery as lots of other experiences make it sound like wading through treacle to get anything done and a lot of ADHD brains struggle to follow up on tasks so it makes it even harder when you have to push and keep going back to things. Hope to hear some positive news for you soon 😊 And I'm still waiting... I was called to provide some basic info such as BP, height, weight, but heard nothing back following this so I gave them a call and they couldn't even pick a rough month the assessment would be likely to take place 'With the current situation (i.e Covid), we have no idea'. I have private medical cover through my employer, and having read the policy an assessment would be covered but not any treatment, they got back to me immediately with an appointment this month so I will see what that brings, I should have done that back in December! I have managed to find my primary and secondary school reports which could provide back up information, from Primary 1 all the way through high school a lot of the comments are consistent, 'Finds it hard to apply himself to daily tasks' 'Has potential but lazy' 'Regularly needs prompting' 'Homework appears to be rushed', but the more practical subjects have little, if any mention of those issues.
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Post by cassandro on Mar 2, 2021 10:20:52 GMT
Hi Bandito It sounds like you're navigating the local system as well as you can under the circumstances. I had to keep in contact with my GP (this was before Covid) every month or two so he could check the gears of the local mental health trust were still grinding away with my assessment. I can relate to a lot of what you said in your opening post, although I'm a bit older. I wasn't assessed/diagnosed until 2019, because I didn't really suspect ADHD. I saw my problem more as depression than anxiety, and while self-help and CBT and understanding circumstances are constructive up to a point, and I certainly had bad childhood experiences, they can't quite explain my frustration at my behavioural failures to 'achieve' whether measured by lights or others. Dropped out of university, messed up relationships, no real career to speak of: those were all things I had to learn to accept. And while I used to be able to focus for long stretches on work, not seeing other people in the office may be one reason people like me drift away and find motivation very difficult. Oh, and I also have had 'fatigue' blood tests and thyroid, iron etc come back as completely healthy. Sadly I've not kept school reports but they tended to regard me as low on effort. After my GP made the referral for assessment to the mental health trust, I had a screening appointment and then saw a psychiatrist who I subsequently found had published papers on ADHD diagnosis, and the interview pretty much used the 6-item ASRS scale that winterindisarray mentioned. The final four items are very much like me. (There's a longer, and supposedly more accurate scale called CAARS. I can't find the complete version online but there's chicagomindsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/CAARS.pdf or nda.nih.gov/data_structure.html?short_name=caars01 - I may only score for the 'inattentive' subscales.) Anyway, hang in there even though it sounds like you're having some local difficulties. If you have a good GP, they should be able to sort it out. Personally I trust NHS clinicians more than going private, but that route can indeed be waiting game.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Mar 3, 2021 9:36:07 GMT
Cassandro,
The GP has agreed to the private medical assessment which is a positive step, I just hope they are receptive to any findings that may come of it.
I read your other forum post, and a lot of what you describe both there and here is very similar to how I feel most of the time, just more eloquently explained. I know I would procrastinate in the office, but because I was sat with my team I would receive little nudges or reminders to have things done which would kick me into gear as by that stage I had limited time to finish up, but since working from home its been quite varied, so highly motivated and productive initially, to falling completely flat during a re-organisation, then highly motivated again when my job role changed, to completely flat once I got fed up of chasing people for things to do, and all the while having this feeling of impending doom that I am going to lose my job, but still I struggle to change my habits in how I carry out my work.
The universe in a box also strikes a chord, from the minute I wake to closing my eyes at night I tend to live in my head which can waste a significant amount of time in the day, with a variety of topics from bigger things such as changing job, travelling, renovating parts of my house (which I have lived in for years now, but done nothing with despite needing to), to smaller stuff like finding something I like in a shop but picking it up and putting it back several times because I have this crazy internal debate about if I need it or not. Ultimately, very little gets done and the years pass with the same frustrations, I tend to describe it as existing, but not living, and again despite knowing this there is something that holds me back from completing these things.
Add in those achievement 'KPI's' placed on us by social media and society as a whole, and it can all add up.
Did you notice much of an improvement following diagnosis/treatment?
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Post by cassandro on Mar 4, 2021 11:53:48 GMT
because I was sat with my team I would receive little nudges or reminders to have things done which would kick me into gear as by that stage I had limited time to finish up I like the idea of being kicked into gear (but at the moment feel like I'm on an empty tank). Is there some way to replicate those kinds of interactions with colleagues online? You wouldn't need to mention ADHD, just that lockdown is making it hard to focus. I'm in the same situation, although my colleagues are unusually tolerant. I ended up asking for unpaid leave and have been furloughed some months. I often get frustrated at myself because of this, despite everything I try. To become a habit they say something has to be repeated 30 times, which is quite a lot of conscious 'willpower' even with lots of reminders. The metaphor is from the pinned post at aadduk.proboards.com/thread/11806/shine-light-understanding-adhd Personally I'd say a galaxy inside a shoebox, as I don't like to be conceited. Random association: I can untangle fairy lights that have come from a box but get very bored with it. That may not all be ADHD. Don't underestimate circumstances. We may just need more social prompts than others. And expectations through advertising and so on are almost designed to make you feel bad. It's actually a bit early to say. In my other post, you'll have read I went through a similar late diagnosis process for autism/Asperger, which took a while to adjust to since I had quite a few misconceptions about what the label meant. That adjustment meant accepting a difference and that I'd approach things with my unique angle and shouldn't aim for things by comparing to other people. Or something like that. Which is kind of reassuring. I did find many people had written relevantly about their experience and coping strategies, eg: musingsofanaspie.com/2014/07/31/executive-function-strategies/At the moment I'm seeing ADD as more disabling than being autistic, or the more problematic aspect of the same neurodivergence. Attention is a complicated thing. In theory, I should be able to get reasonable adjustments at work, but as I say people seem quite accommodating anyway, so I need to work out what would help. There seem to be no (NHS) services specific to adult ADD in my area; the specialist didn't know whether there was any adapted psychotherapy for instance. It may be possible to get a support worker or mentor through the government's Access To Work scheme (needs to be signed off by the employer). And that seems to leave medication. Atomoxetine did nothing useful, but maybe methylphenidate will, or in combination with something else.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Mar 30, 2021 13:09:46 GMT
I had my first call with a private psychiatrist yesterday, and spent a good hour or so on the phone trying to cover most items previously mentioned in this thread. They believe that I am exhibiting traits of ADHD and are to send me through a further questionnaire to complete, as well as recommending a trial on a low dose of Concerta. My only worry is if the GP will accept the diagnosis and provide the trial medication, as my private medical policy covers diagnosis and not treatment, but the GP provided the referral so fingers crossed.
It seems if you have the means to go private, by medical insurance or self-funded, it is the way to go as certainly from a diagnosis point of view, it is FAR quicker and slicker than going through a GP and the NHS.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Apr 2, 2021 9:24:47 GMT
Less than a week after the initial call with the psychiatrist (private), I submitted a DIVA form and back up information midweek, they have come to the conclusion that I meet the criteria for ADHD combined type.
Just waiting for the follow up from my GP now.
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bandito
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Post by bandito on Apr 12, 2021 8:11:13 GMT
Day 1 of a trial period of medication, nervous, apprehensive but ultimately interested to see what differences I might notice.
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peptomb
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Post by peptomb on May 7, 2021 13:29:15 GMT
Hi Bandito,
I really relate to almost everything you've described. You've talked about Private cover through employment. Was your depression not flagged as a pre-existing condition?
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Post by funnyrecipe on May 15, 2021 14:30:38 GMT
Bandito, wishing you the best of fortune with your medication. Thank you for starting this thread. I relate strongly to all of the symptoms you've described including the second-guessing and being deterred from going back to the GP and sticking to my guns. I will keep going back and I won't take no for an answer. This thread has really buoyed me up.
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Post by thatsmyusername on May 23, 2021 15:09:47 GMT
After the hope of the initial GP call, I'm thinking this wont be as straight forward as I thought. I dropped off my self assessment form after my appointment in December, but didn't hear anything back, I gave the surgery a call and there appeared to be some confusion around if they received it, I was told a GP would call the following Thursday but nothing, so I requested another appointment using the online service and despite mentioning the specific doctor I was allocated another GP. When they called they were more concerned about the generic 'low mood' selections of the online form, rather than the text I typed specific to ADHD, I mentioned this and the GP checked my notes to see that my form HAD been received. At the end of the call I was offered a few options, submission of the ADHD form to the appropriate department for review, but this seems to be on hold due to Covid, and the offer of medication to help with anxiety in the meantime as previously I have been on Citalopram, something which I'm keen to avoid as I didn't like the feeling of being on those. It seems as if im in for a bit of a waiting game..........
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