What happens at an adult ADHD assessment?

[DaisyWaldron]

Two and a half years ago I told my GP I thought I might have ADHD. She got me to fill in a questionnaire, and I didn't hear anything back until today, when I was given an appointment for an assessment next week. I'm feeling a bit shocked and panicky, because although I've been waiting for ages, I sort of assumed it was never actually going to happen, and am kind of scared that I'll be told that there's nothing wrong with me and I'm just lazy and disorganized and thoughtless and don't care about other people.

So I thought it might be useful to have a vague idea of what to expect, and the sort of thing that I should make sure I don't forget during the assessment. I'm so used to faking being ok that I'm a bit worried I won't be able to actually be honest.

Hi, I had one a few years ago and they basically go back to the beginning of time! 🤣 ask you about your childhood, if there were things that were noticed about you as a child or growing up, I had old school reports to show etc, but it was over ten years ago now! But obviously if they wanted that info, they would ask.
Just expect lots of questions to do with your answers from the questionnaire etc.
don't worry, it will all be fine, there is just such a huge waiting list for this that it can take years to get an appointment! Good luck!

I had an assessment under the cmht last year. Basically, I had about 3 in total within a 3 month period. Two over the phone, and the last face to face

From what I remember, a lot of childhood questions. Might help if you have any school reports. I didn't have any, but it wasn't a huge issue. But if you can think of any childhood examples before the age of 12 in more than one setting, ie; school and home life will be helpful

I didn't have to fill in any forms, but was mainly guided with the relevant questions like memory, organisation, hyperactivity, attention etc

Then to how you are now. My advice would be is just be open and honest. Don't try and "mask" hide your symptoms or how you're feeling. They're there to help you and have probably seen it all before

If you are diagnosed, you'll need your BP taken if you plan on taking medication, such as stimulants. Possibly an ECG might be arranged and weight checked. This can usually be done by a nurse or the psychiatrist can check your BP there and then if they're planning on giving you the medication the same day, which is what happened with me. But I'd already had an ECG the year before and bloods checked, so could be why

You'll be guided through the different types of medication as well, as there is also a none stimulant option

Thanks, everyone. Time to start dredging up those embarrassing childhood memories.