ADD / ADHD as an adult, apparently DH shouldn't be able to hold down a job

[Champagneforeveryone]

After advice really as I'm feeling a bit bemused by it all.

DH is finally mostly on board with speaking to the GP about a possible diagnosis. We had a telephone conversation today and the GP has arranged blood tests initially and a face to face follow up. He has however advised that an assessment is very unlikely to be forthcoming as DH has managed to work his whole life, which was "unlikely to happen if he had ADHD"

TBH I had only just woken up after night shifts as the GP phoned earlier than expected, so was a little wrong footed and didn't question this. He seemed keener to go down the path of anxiety or depression, and even offered to prescribe AD's today (we have opted to wait until he sees the GP for the follow up) I've no doubt that DH suffers from anxiety but the GP acted as if this was the only possible likelihood.

This rather bald statement seems hugely unlikely to me (although I admit I'm not an expert) Have I got it wrong and actually most people don't work? Is a full life of work an immediate sign that you couldn't possibly have ADHD?

FWIW we have spoken about this and already decided that we would look for a private diagnosis - DH is older and while the impact on his life is big, he's unhappy with the idea of taking a space on the waiting list when its already so long. The GP was aware of this.

My partner was diagnosed with ADHD in his 40s and also has substantial anxiety. The ADHD diagnosis has been very worthwhile but did prompt a lot of soul searching and reassessment of his life to date. It's worth being prepared to support him through some difficult feelings, even from an expected diagnosis. Wishing you both well.

Thank you flowers, the act of even seeing the GP has prompted much angst and worry so that's definitely something for me to bear in mind going forward.

On a plus note, the sertraline had knocked DH out and he slept for 14 hours 😲 He was quite groggy, but said he felt better after a decent sleep so that's at least one small positive.