Application Medical

[Scotlandlad]

Hello, this is my first time posting so I don't know if I'm in the right forum, but I'd appreciate all your thoughts and advice.

Myself and my partner are in the pre applying stage of adoption. We have spoken to our LA (only choice really as we live in remote Scotland) and we're having a very helpful discussion with the staff there. During one of our discussions I explained I in the past had been treated for mental health problems, so they perfectly understandably advised me to speak to my GP and find out of they would support my application.

As background to my mental health problems when I initially came out (age 19) my family were a bit less than supportive and it caused a fairly major rift and then my gran died. I was diagnosed with depression by my GP who referred me on for CBT, I recovered and went about my normal life. A few years later I had an episode of depression, treated quickly and I again recovered, and 2 years ago during some work problems I had to be treated again.

Now, what really surprised me was when I went to the GP he told me the psychologist I was referred to over a decade ago diagnosed me with "anxious personality disorder", and I wasn't told about this diagnosis. I've done some reading, and to be honest I disagree with it as the symptoms appear to be lifelong, which doesn't fit as I have had periods of complete wellbeing.

Anyway, my GP said she personally would be supportive of my application but didn't know how the LA would take the diagnosis... Does anyone have any ideas?

Hi there. I too am in the early stages of the process and also in Scotland (but using a voluntary agency.) I can't comment on your particular diagnosis but thought I'd share my experience.

I have had 2 periods of quite severe anxiety over the past few years. Because of this, the agency asked me to have an early medical, before we formally applied. Like you, my doctor didn't seem too concerned as they could evidence that I was managing this well, but the agency's medical adviser took a different view and wanted me to have some counselling. I'd had counselling already years ago but I did what they asked, took 3 months out, and had a few counselling sessions, specifically focused on how I would could as a parent if my anxiety recurred. This seemed to satisfy them and we have now moved on to the next stage and are currently in the middle of our prep group.

I think it is something that will inevitably come up in your home study but they may look upon it as a positive if you sought out help. I think if you can reflect on that time and talk about how you coped, you will probably be fine.

Wishing you all the best.

Sorry that was supposed to say 'how I would cope as a parent if my anxiety recurred.'

Thank you so much for your reply. As you can guess I'm a bit rattled by the whole thing!