Adult ADHD diagnosis on NHS?

[DelanoDelagto]

I'm almost certain I have ADHD. I've been reading up on it for a while and all of the symptoms really resonate, and the affects are causing real issues in my life.

I have a low-level fear of GPs, mostly of my concerns being dismissed. There is an NHS ADHD Service local to me which accepts GP referrals, but I'm really worried I go to my doctor and he just refuses to refer, and that's that.

Has anyone else sought an adult ADHD diagnosis through the NHS? Did you face any issues? And did you say what you thought the issue was, or just explain your symptoms and let the GP reach their own conclusions? My preference would be to explain the symptoms, my suspicion and straight-up ask for a referral to the Service, but I have bad experiences with GPs so I don't know what's best!

I was amazed when I went to GP as although she made the ‘this is probably depression’ noises she did refer me and I saw a psychiatrist within a couple of months.

I didn’t feel he had a great deal of knowledge on inattentive adhd which I think I have and I cried in the appointment (frustration!!) so he prescribed me anti-depressants. He said a diagnosis isn’t always a good thing as it’s always there with you forever. For me, for my job ... that’s not a good thing.

I hope you get some help, it’s so hard.

It depends where you live and what is commissioned, most have an adult adhd diagnosis service gp can refer to but not ongoing treatment service

Thanks, @Tohavefarted that sounds like exactly the sort of experience I want to avoid, sorry you went through that! For a long time I've thought I might have depression or anxiety, but then I read about the symptoms of ADHD and everything suddenly made sense.

@Digestive28 thanks, the service near me (that requires a referral) appears to provide diagnosis and initial treatment, then your GP takes over subject to annual reviews by them. It sounds like a good service if I can access!

I had a private ADHD diagnosis, in case you need to explore the option, with Psychiatry UK. It was around £350 plus the first months of medication. The GP takes it over after that. The appointment, when I finally made it, came within a couple of weeks.

ADHD is often misdiagnosed so you are correct to tell them your suspicions. Ensure to tell them how it is impacting your life.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD last year, aged 9, since his diagnosis I've become more aware of the symptoms and convinced I have many traits, I approached my GP about this and was advised it's much harder to get an adult diagnosis as I'm not in a formal education setting. Despite my anxiety and many of my symptoms affecting my daily life I guess I've given up on a diagnosis myself for now and will continue to manage as best I can using what I learn from his consultant visits to help myself too.