If i went to the Gp and said...

[TheSassyOpalMember]

Firstly im not looking for an online diagnosis. I will visit the GP. If i went and said...
I was an odd child, spent alot of time alone, talked to myself, was obsessive but popular until secondary.
Friendships have always been short lived and intense. I was probably possessive.
Relationships were a huge issues. I was scared of men basically !
When younger in jobs I'd get overwhelmed and break down (how embarrassing) and was sent home a few times. I lacked resilience.
I literally get obsessed over things ie I want to see a film I'll Google it 60 times a day to check the time and date etc
I ruminate alot on the past
Im a people pleaser and tie myself up in knots to not offend people
I have a very vivid imagination and create scenarios daily
Would they send me for an assessment for neurodiversity?

The pathway for adult assessment should be published on line for your area and you have right to request referral for assessment.

You could look at the AQ test and if there’s an indication you could take that with you. Autism can present differently in women and girls and they can be better at masking too. You will find information online.

https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient

Do you have any sensory difficulties?

Well I can identify with a lot of what you say and last year I was given a late life unofficial diagnosis that I am Autistic.

Certainly in my Health Board area adults can't get assessment for Autism on the NHS. I was given my unofficial diagnosis by the Clinical Psychologist I had been referred to as a result of my requesting talking therapy to help deal with my extreme social anxiety and depression .

If I were you I would approach your GP but I'm afraid I would anticipate it will not be a quick or easy process to obtain an assessment.

I can also identify with a lot you've mentioned too!!!
Oh wow. I've always wondered if I'd should try and persue a diagnosis.

Could as easily be anxiety/OCD/attachment issues/trauma rather than ASD/ADHD.

I’d say you sound almost exactly like me and I’m autistic. But the question is what are you wanting from this appointment? Are you wanting a asd referral ? If yes I would start by asking just that. Your gp may ask why and if they do you can explain the above but be clear about what you want otherwise you are likely to be fobbed off.

Following

It could be autism. Or ADHD or AuDHD. I have ADHD and lots of what you say is familiar, but I am 100% not autistic. Scored very low on that test. Life has improved since starting to take ADHD medication. I went for a private diagnosis with a recognised NHS approved clinician so I could have shared care. I pay about £300 a year for a private check up and NHS funds the medication. Even if your GP agrees to refer you, adult referalls have a waiting list of about 4-6 years in many places. If you can afford a private assessment, it is worth it (for autism and/or ADHD.)

If op is in England then they can ask for a referral via right to choose. Some waiting lists are just a few weeks.

I am/was exactly the same but I wouldn’t say that’s neurodiversity. Just a certain personality.

Genuine question, what is the reason to get assessed? How does it help to know it’s been labelled as a set of behaviours or whatever?

I would say you sound like you have a degree of anxiety, nothing screams neurodivergence to me.

Have you looked at the diagnosis criteria for ASD and ADHD? It does sound like you have some traits, but just with that you probably wouldn’t meet the criteria. Do you have any others, any significant issues in childhood or adulthood? It’s common to have autistic traits without having autism.

Well you won’t’ know until you go.
He or she might wonder if you have swallowed googles guide to symptoms of neurodiversity.
And I would suspect they will ask you some questions which are a bit off piste but still assessing.

I am asked frequently if im adhd. I think I have traits of both. I just feel like I'm not here most of the time.

Honestly, I don’t necessarily think so. This to me sounds more like a mental health issue or unresolved trauma. Not everything that makes life difficult to manage is neurodiversity. I think good ole fashioned therapy and possibly referral for mental health assessment might help you more.

Ive had counselling and I found that okay ish. I realised im quite black and white at times.

What do you want? Do you want medication? A diagnosis?

I'd expect the GP to ask why you have attended, what are your current issues and what outcome are you hoping for.

I don't think this screams neuro diversity, it sounds like you might have been a bit isolated and immature but these are all past tense things. Growing up and looking back at times you weren't as capable is totally normal, nobody is born fully formed able to cope with jobs and relationships.

It's possible it's ADHD, but I'd want to rule out phone addiction and anxiety first and also look at if it's having any impact.

You've described enough that a GP would likely explore it further and possibly refer you for assessment. Some of what you've mentioned can be associated with neurodivergence, although there can be overlap with anxiety and other conditions too.

I had some very similar traits myself and ended up getting an ADHD diagnosis through ADHD Certify, so it's definitely worth bringing your concerns to your GP and seeing what they think.

Many people diagnose others with such conditions never even having met them. Nor knowing anyone’s medical history. Nor being qualified to do so.
So not unusual.

Ive been on anti depressants for years. Suppose I would like to understand myself more. I mean what's normal? Im functioning

Definitely OCD. No question in my mind. Of course additional diagnoses are also possible

See a psychotherapist?

For what cost?