To be so scared about an ADHD assessment?

[Redlipstick55]

I have an ADHD assessment next week (I'm in my 30s) and I'm just so worried about it I can barely breathe during the day. This fear centres entirely around the fact that the doctor won't believe me. I have waited over 2 years for this assessment so I feel like even more is riding on the outcome.

I also almost feel jealous of those who have been diagnosed (like Chiles I was just reading about) who say there life has changed for the better after diagnosis. I want things to get better so badly.

I didn't know it was fine to seek a second opinion! I thought it would look bad not to agree with the doctor. That is reassuring to know, although it would probably set me back 1000s

Remind me (:o) to come back AFTER your appointment and share a link, I think you'll find it really interesting but I think it is best to focus on the process first and see how it goes.

You can seek a second NHS opinion I think - AADDUK would know more about this. I was diagnosed in another country so I'm not really sure how it works.

I found the appointment very draining but the doctor was extremely kind and reassuring.

It is also very common for ADHD to occur alongside ASD so I would be honest about your ASD and explain if you think that's making things difficult or if you need a break.

Is somebody able to pick you up afterwards? I had to get a train back by myself which took over an hour, which was OK, but I just wanted to sleep TBH!

Yes I will come back and share how it goes! I have never heard of AADDUK but the website looks very useful - the first post on there was about not being believed in an assessment lol. I have met the doctor before she wasn't kind and reassuring, unfortunately. I tend to shrink in those situations and find it hard to advocate for myself. The assessment centre is within walking distance so I can collapse in bed pretty soon afterwards thankfully :)

Is there anyone that knows you well that could go with you? I went with my dd (and yes she was exhausted afterwards) and she is in her mid 20's. I left the room at certain points if she did not want to discuss certain things in front of me, which worked well for us

Even if you don't want someone in the room with you, it might to have someone drop you off and pick you up, to help with the nerves/ exhaustion

I don't have anyone to go with me as my mum is shielding because she's vulnerable, and no one else would consider going.. I would love to have someone there to comfort me, but it's just not possible right now

Has anyone ever had the doctor be confrontational during an ADHD assessment? Or outright accuse them of lying? I know this is an irrational fear but I keep having dreams about it and it's haunting me

Your post really resonates with me, I'm convinced I've got ADHD but haven't taken steps to diagnosis yet due to the same fears as you! I found this thread on reddit earlier which was a huge help in clarifying it in my mind www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/jvu6b0/starting_to_doubt_your_adhd_diagnosis_this_pdf/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

Does anyone have that reddit pdf? Seems to have been removed but I'd love to see it!