ADHD + anxiety+/depression

[Gakatsbsk]

Hello

To try and summarise I have for a while suspected I have ADHD, I discussed it w/ GP who didn’t disagree but the NHS waiting list for adult ADHD assessment in my area is incredibly long. I have a private assessment booked for March.

However I have for a long time also had anxiety symptoms. Having worked on the nhs frontline throughout the pandemic my anxiety is much worse, and I do also have some depression symptoms.

I am a HCP (although not MH) and have relived in my thoughts the worst of the pandemic, and of working it.

I am contemplating a GP appointment to see if I could start something for the anxiety but I do not want to start something to then have to change it if I do get an ADHD diagnosis in March (a diagnosis is highly likely according to my GP and from the research I have done)

Does anyone have any experience of this ?

Thanks

Hey OP,

I'm in a similar position to you in that I'm waiting for an NHS diagnosis but really it's just confirmation of what I've been told already, albeit unofficially.

Like you, the waiting list is atrocious. I am also very nearly at breaking point with my anxiety. I had a conversation with the mental health nurse two weeks ago because she was suggesting that I wait to see if they prescribe meds for ADHD but I said to her that I can't carry on for that long without some help. I really am struggling.

I've had a bit of a shitty time with anxiety meds over the years, so I've asked for something specific to try and apparently it's quite an unusual one so she had to refer it upwards. They have prescribed me some Diazepam in the meantime to take the edge off my anxiety but I'm hoping she will be ringing back with some good news on Tuesday to confirm they will prescribe the anxiety meds.

I know lots of ADHD folk take anti-anxiety meds as well as their ADHD meds. Some say that ADHD meds help with anxiety too, but it's not always enough on its own. Mainly the ADHD meds seem to help with focus, motivation and clarity.

Have you ever had any anxiety meds before?