Diagnosis of ADD in an adult woman

[Luckybe40]

Just that really, I’m sick of bumbling through life and struggling to remember to do basic tasks, not forget where I’ve put this or that. I’ve realised that I’m very, very likely to be ADD based on the research and multiple questionnaires I’ve done. If they are anything to go by I’m on the very, very high end of the spectrum. I’ve been sacked from 4 jobs, endlessly forgetting to do things and the list goes on and on. I drive my family crazy and have put up with being called disorganised, clumsy, spacy, forgetful, away with the fairyies ect,ect ALL my lifeid like to have a chance to get see if I can get diagnosed and put on medication and improve my life. Obviously it would be easier in the US but here with the NHS it seems almost impossible. Has anyone been diagnosed with adult ADD? How did it come about and was it through the NHS? Any other people with ADD out there? I feel like I’m the only one.

Have you been to your GP in the first instance?

No, I’ve put it off as I’m pretty good at procrastinating and also it seems so complicated and pointless as there seems to be a HUGE process of seeing 5 or so individual specialists, looking into your childhood grades, ect,ect. But am so fed up I’ve booked a double app for Wednesday morning with the GP.

First step is to go to your GP with a written list of your symptoms and how they affect your life.

They might refer you, or they might tell you that you're depressed or that women don't get adhd ()

If your GP refuses to refer you you can get a second opinion or you can have a private diagnosis.

Diagnosis is an assessment, some computer based tests and some forms filled in by people who know you well and people who knew you in childhood (as ADHD is very inheritable, you might find relatives initially dismissing the questions on the form with a "but that's totally normal!" )

If diagnosed your consultant will ask the GP to agree to a shared care agreement where care and monitoring is paid for privately but medication is prescribed by the GP.

Thank you so much over that’s so helpful. I’ve already been diagnosed with depression a few years back when my DC’s were young, life was super tough then. I’ll have a go with my GP and do what you say. I’d love to sort it out. If I get nowhere, I’ll go private.

I think that sounds like a good plan. If he seems disinclined to refer you, ask if there is a clinical psychologist who does private work that he can recommend.