To think a doctor shouldn't think I'm lying for drugs?

[TequilaLemonSalt]

I'm pretty convinced I have ADD. I wrote a post about my issues last week, and by the time I'd finished writing it, I realised what everything added up to. I searched online, and it was like a lightbulb. I've worked in MH for most of my adult life, and I do psychology at uni, so I'm pretty aware that the issues I have are not normal, or just down to my diagnosed anxiety.

But I've read that it's extremely hard to get a diagnosis of ADD as an adult. Adding to that, i have realised that the drugs that treat ADD are stimulants - I write them up on controlled drugs boards every day at work. I was addicted to drugs when I was a kid, went through a bad time. I was forced into mandatory drug counselling (which actually did me the world of good), but which meant this stuff was recorded on my medical records.

I was homeless, had loads of stuff happen to me that encouraged me into that life. But I'm a completely different person now. I went from being a homeless drug addict at 16-19 to winning scholarships at uni with a tiny baby aged 21. Getting out of an abusive relationship aged 23, going from living in a skanky drug infested hostel to renting a beautiful house with a garden etc. I have the most perfect 2 yr old who I raise alone, and who is an absolute credit to me. I work 3 days a week, I do a full time degree etc. I'm 24 now.

If I wanted to do drugs, I could leave my DD with her DGP's and go out and do some. Its the last thing I want. God knows a lot of my friends still do, but I find the thought repulsive now. I just want to be a good mum and learn lots and have a great career and life. But that pops up on my record, and GPs are scared to even give me anti anxiety (non addictive) meds that I've desperately needed for years - I'm on them now, but I've fought for a long time to get them.

With the work I do, I am extremely aware of the good medication can do. My anxiety meds have changed my life. At certain points I could barely move, and I'd be physically sick because I was so anxious. I'm loads better on them. But I have so many other symptoms that ADD explain. However, if the choice was between being ignored and belittled, or being diagnosed and helped by counselling or whatever but never having access to meds, I'd pick the latter.

I work in very close proximity to lovely doctors, much lovelier than the ones at my surgery. And I know they would even raise their eyes at a young former drug addict proclaiming she has ADD.

How do I persuade the doctor to believe me, and refer me to an ADD specialist (from what I've read, GPS can't diagnose you or otherwise, they're not qualified - all I need is the referral).

Or do I ask if I can pay £300 or whatever and get a private referral? I'm bloody skint, but these symptoms are really affecting my life in a negative way. I'm so bloody inattentive, I can't concentrate, I lose everything, I procrastinate so much that I'm doing shit at uni, I'm not being the best Mum I could be. I just want to be better

Nobody?

Maybe try to see nice gp... Dont go in telling them what you think you have or seeming to be asking for drugs. Explain that you have identified lots of mh symptoms that concern you... Request referral. See where it takes you, start saving for private referral if getting nowhere?

well you don't have a diagnosis or medication now, so to my mind you have nothing to lose by making an appointment and explaining your concerns. good luck xx

I don't know what to say, but you have done a remarkable, remarkable job. You must be a very strong and resilient person, even if it doesn't always feel so, and you should be extremely proud.

Regarding your GP, can you push for a referral to a specialist, who might be more able to discuss treatment options?

Just go in and ask for the referral. And see a GP who knows you if possible to avoid any potential judging,assumption making that you fear might happen. Even if you have adhd you might be advised to try alternatives to medication. Hope it works out for you. Sounds like you’ve made some great changes in your life OP.

I wish these drugs were so tightly controlled where I live (the States). There's nothing worse than trying to engage in the workplace when half your coworkers are prescription-stimulant junkies on super-high doses from "pill mill" doctors who advertise the stuff as a great way to get that next promotion.

Yes, it does actually happen. Silicon Valley is rife with it. It causes people problems with their health and personal relationships, too, when they become hyperfocused and willing to work much longer hours than a non-stimmed person would.

So I don't have any helpful advice, but I wanted to show you from the other end why it is that the NHS handles it this way and uses skepticism. When doctors have a major profit motive like boutique doctors in Silicon Valley, they hand these things out like candy and it makes everyone's lives worse!