ADHD in women

Who mentioned money? It's about validating something and accessing medication if needed.

I think a reliable diagnosis can be a reassuring life changing experience for adults, especially women. If you've gone through life being very bright and capable but constantly feeling you're getting overwhelmed, not living upto potential and just can't for the fucking life of you take information in the way others do, in the moment, due to over attending to other things in the environment!!

It's a positive thing for the adults I know because it gives self esteem back. You know when somethings wrong and when unable to say what it is due to bugger all info around until recently really wrecks confidence over time. Not being identified can cause major MH onset.

There's a couple of other right to choose options but some only diagnose not titrate medication so I assume would then need refering to local NHS service for that but it may help with student disability. I'm sure psychiatry-uk will reopen to referrals again at some point when they've reduced backlog although they've got a bit stricter about engagement & try to limit titration to 12wks.

Theres an updated RTC provider list in featured
https://www.facebook.com/groups/righttochoosesupport/

https://adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/

I can relate to so many of these posts. It’s making me a bit tearful. I’m reading a sample of the book and am going to buy it

I wouldn't assume that. Many mental health professionals don't properly understand ADHD. People with ADHD are also often misdiagnosed as EUPD or depression/anxiety or bipolar. You need a proper assessment for ADHD if you think your symptoms might meet the criteria. BTW it's very common for people with ADHD to think they are lazy....or stupid. There's even a book on ADHD called "You mean I'm not lazy, stupid or crazy?"!!

I can relate. Only in the last year have I started to think I have undiagnosed ADHD, I wasn't aware of the symptoms until then. Thankfully my life is manageable so I'm not too severely affected but I think it would have been valuable knowing earlier because my mental health suffered massively growing up despite having a wonderful loving family and great friends.

1. Messy house, it's got better since I'm a parent but i just thought I was lazy. I just about manage to keep the main areas clean but it's honestly a struggle and the cupboards are absolutely full of shit that never gets sorted.

1. I lose everything, always have, I mean everything. Money, phone, keys, important documents, handbags, its always been a running joke among friends.

1. I cant follow directions or instructions, they may as well be speaking/written in a foreign language.

1. I buy online and don't return anything, I find returning stuff like a physical impossibility, I have good intentions and sometimes I even manage to get the stuff bagged up but it never goes back and its cost me around 2 grand since the start of the pandemic, possibly more (and I'm far from rich).

1. I procrastinate anything i find boring so I'm always rushing at the last minute.

1. I had a very rebellious streak growing up despite being raised in a happy home, I was in trouble from very young always pushing boundaries and chasing excitement. If I had a different upbringing I'd probably be in jail (thankfully I'm more mellow now!)

1. I hated how I looked growing up. I had severe body dismorphia and it led to an eating disorder and addiction issues all through my life. I've never felt good enough and always been unsure of my abilities while appearing confident.

1. I've always been a daydreamer could never focus in school.

1. I'm fairly intelligent, did well in my GCSEs despite doing no work, went back to do a levels but quit 2 months before the exams. Also starred a degree as an adult and quit after the first assignment.

10. I've never been able to hold down a job for long, I come from a family of well educated professionals but my jobs have always been minimum wage type or just above.

11. I'm really sensitive, I just pretend I'm not but I'm very easily hurt though I never ever cry.

There are more things I just can't remember quite off the top of my head, I am pretty amazing at remembering particular random dates and facts but shit at remembering appointments. I do try to write them in my phone calender now but I sometimes forget.

Since becoming a mum I've had huge regrets about not being more successful as i had a great start and support network but I've honestly started to forgive myself more recently as I believe I'm ND. It was a friend who has ADHD recognised some of the traits in me and thought I should be assessed. I manage life OK now so I probably won't seek a diagnosis.

Reasonable adjustments at work.

understanding my own brain and knowing that my difficulties aren’t because “I’m shit” or a “terrible person”. Knowledge is power.

being able to support my tween daughter, who has been diagnosed too.

disabled students allowance to enable me to finally finish my degree and improve my work prospects.

enabling my husband and friends to understand why I do certain things (and not others).

just off the top of my head.

Did you lean on your keyboard @PostMasting ?

I was going to suggest Psychiatry UK. I was dx 5 years ago but unmedicated as never got on with stimulants.

It is possible to get a handle on things, I know as I am doing it...things that help:

• eat sufficient protein, I try to eat 45g (min requirement for an adult) by midday, I function way better this way, the body will keep you snacking (and therefore mentally distracted) until you have had daily protein requirement.
• eat regularly every 2-3 hours
• I am much better on 6+ hours sleep
• a regular exercise routine, doesn't matter what but mon, weds, fri works great. Try and do some form of strength training too.
• walking daily
• cutting out sugar (game changer) , this was possible and sustainable as I upped my protein, and trying to eat well (complex carbs, lean protein, healthy fat, fibre, sufficient calories, try and avoid too much processed)

I found L Tyrosine to be helpful but it can affect serotonin levels and needs to be taken with 5HTP (but check 5HTP interactions with anything else). Also an antidepressant with is meant to help with focus and motivation is Vortioxetine.

Also check out Access to Work as they can offer strategies coaching.

If you did get an ADHD diagnosis, what difference would it make to your life on a practical level as an adult? I know children who are diagnosed get extra support in schools for exams etc, but would having a formal diagnosis give you access to any specific support? (Other than medication.) My friend is paying £800 for a private ADHD assessment and I asked her the same question, but she wasn’t really sure.