Is it worth seeking ADHD diagnosis now?

[KerbsideViolet]

For a while, I’ve suspected I have ADHD. I’ve always got by ok so never saw the point in being diagnosed. Now though, I’m studying again and I’m finding it really difficult to stay focused. I think lockdown is making things much worse for me.

I have a big deadline coming up and I’m starting to worry about not getting everything finished on time because it’s just impossible for me to stay on-task.

I was thinking it might be time to pursue a diagnosis, so at least the university know about these problems I’m having. But is that even possible at the moment, with the world as it is? Perhaps I’d be better off waiting, but God knows when things will be back to normal and maybe it’s better to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later? (I fully expect that it’s a long process, even before coronavirus hit)

I also thought about emailing university to ask their advice, but what do I even say? “Hello, I think I have ADHD”? Surely then they’ll just tell me to contact a doctor.

And I don’t know if there is even any point in pursuing a diagnosis. I don’t have exams, so it’s not like I’ll benefit from having extra time or anything. I’m not sure what universities can do to support students with ADHD. It’s not like they can make me focus.

As you can probably tell, it’s causing me a lot of stress and my mind is constantly whirring with all these questions. So I thought maybe somebody here might be able to give me some clarity on the situation.

Should I speak to the GP? University? Help!

If you do nhs it'll be at least a year on the waiting list. If you can afford private they are still doing online assessments and you can get one next week. I'm considering at the moment.

Email the disability service at your university and see if they have any advice - though they may say to pursue it with your gp.

If you do get a diagnosis and decide to go down the medication route, that will help you focus.

@refriedbeanstalk I had anticipated a long wait like that. My husband has health insurance through work so maybe there’s an option to add family members onto that. I looked into private assessments- could afford it but I’d have to grit my teeth to pay out that much!

Thanks @cheezy. I’d considered that but I’ve thought the same as you- I’m not sure what advice they can give beyond seeing my GP. Normally I’d be fine with that but given the circumstances, I’m not sure my GP would even allow an appointment. It’s not exactly urgent.

@getdownonit I’ve wondered about medication, although I’ve heard it can have some nasty side effects.

There’s just so much to think about!

Can anyone recommend somewhere that doesn't cost too much ?

We knew ds2 had ADHD....we've known for years it was mentioned in every appointment with ed psyche (also has ASD,). Camh advised still 2year + wait possible more (before Corona) we wanted him sorted and he needed medicating for secondary school so we paid.. had zoom appointment 8days later got dx and medication prescribed. 2 follow on appointment and he should be handed back over to nhs to keep a eye on meds (same clinic as his twin) total cost around £1100 including private prescription costs

Was very much worth it even working with him from home now his focus is 100% better and he is fully engaged and completing work now.

Just picking up on last post. Try to bear in mind that every medication can have potentially harmful side-effects. But there is information about possible side effects (data gathered from clinical trials) so you and your psychiatrist can make the best informed choice.

When you are prescribed meds they assess whether there are any obvious or known reasons for not prescribing.

There are several different types of meds for ADHD. They act in different ways.

I was given the option of three different meds. With info sheets to take away. These detailed what type of medicines they were, how they worked and side effects that might occur. Then I discussed with the psychiatrist which I should try.

You start on a low dose, and if necessary the dose will be increased until the optimum titration is achieved (or the maximum).

Bear in mind that meds don't work for some people. And for others they work for a limited period of time and then the effects wear off.

Medication is not going to be a quick solution if you go via the NHS route. And if you go private there's no guarantee you'll see an immediate improvement.

Have you looked at other therapies in the meantime?

I would raise your concerns with your university to flag it up. If you are now working under less than ideal conditions can they extend the deadline? No-one factored in a pandemic!

And with regard to your work would it help to plan out some sort of project time line to work to. I found it gives a sense of structure and some control breaking down all that needs to be done into manageable portions with mini deadlines.

I know, I know. If it was that easy, and all that....

I have to try to do that otherwise all I'd be seeing was a mountain of work. I'd get slightly or ever so hysterical and panic which would knacker all hopes of achieving completion by the deadline because all I could see was a huge and insurmountable problem.

I'm lucky that I usually go into hyperfocus when a deadline is imminent but I can't rely on that!

My university has an educational psychologist on hand for diagnoses/assessments and it's free. Through the disability support service as mentioned above.

There's someone on my course with adhd and the accommodations seem helpful.

Worth finding out what the university offers, could also be a support/coach person to help you learn better ways of working & tackling the issues have that suit ADHD brain better.

www.psychiatry-uk.com/ These are cheaper end as an online consultation, maybe possible to go via nhs 'right to choose'. In our area there is no adult adhd service for GP to refer to & battle with ccg for those locally wanting a diagnosis or nhs shared care post diagnosis (for meds) or after moving to area.
I've ended up putting on hold getting a diagnosis with covid situation. I did wonder if worthwhile myself but I think it would either give confirmation why I've struggled & some self acceptance, along with then having better idea of changes to make /meds & if not adhd will maybe give different direction to look in.

If near Liverpool there's an ADHD charity that does testing for around £200 but I'm not 100% sure if same as diagnosis.

I've found a lot of useful free adhd webinars/podcasts online to help with some issues I struggle with (time, overwhelm, procrastination, clutter.. general chaos).

www.addclasses.com/
www.additudemag.com/tag/webinar/
www.additudemag.com/category/adhd-podcast/
adhdsupporttalk.com/

There's been some free action groups on zoom during lockdown by ADHD coaches, they vary a bit but one ive done works with 3x 30min blocks, with progress check in's found it a revelation for getting stuff done.

That's fascinating about ADHD coaches. That's exactly what my dd needs, she's off to college in September and she needs other tools (other than medication) to be able to manage.

Thank you so much everyone. This is all so helpful.

I’ve spoken to the doctor’s surgery today and NHS isn’t an option (no referrals at the moment/ long waiting list- as I expected) so instead I’m looking at going private, hopefully through my husband’s family policy.

I’ve spoken to university too and made an appointment to talk about it with one of their disability advisors so hopefully I’ll get some clarity from that.

@Therebythedoor I’m like you with deadlines. I do set myself deadlines but because I know they’re not “real” deadlines, I never stick to them. My supervisors have suggested I send them work to look over by a particular date, but again I know there’s no consequences if I don’t meet it since it’s not a formal deadline. I need that pressure of having consequences.