Has anyone had an assessment for adult ADHD and NOT got a diagnosis?

[WhiskyandRed]

I first started thinking that I might have adult ADHD when I heard Shappi Khorsandi talking about her diagnosis on the radio about four years ago. I immediately had that feeling of ‘OMG this is me!’ But didn’t think to do anything about it. This year has been so busy and demanding and now I’m barely coping. I can’t do my job, I’m not coping at home and I’m feeling more and more isolated because I just can’t keep up with my friends.

So finally I did a bit of digging through old school reports, etc., then went and spoke to the GP, who was lovely, said I sounded like a ‘textbook’ case. NHS referral takes 1-2 years in this area so GP suggested I go private and I now have an appointment... but I’m suddenly getting cold feet. What if I’m not ADHD enough? It’s a lot of money to pay to be told there’s nothing really wrong with you, you’re just a bit of a mess. But also I’m now so invested in this idea as an explanation for all my struggles — I think it would be really crushing to discover that there’s no explanation and no support available.

So... has anyone gone through this process and not got the result they expected or wanted? How did you cope? Any advice very welcome! Thank you.

No idea I am afraid but I have an appointment to speak with my GP next week as learning about our adhd children has set off a massive lightbulb moment.

Thanks for replying and good luck with your GP appt.

I suspect if you're paying for it you'll get the diagnosis you want!

Really Milk?

So lovely and supportive @MilkTwoSugarsThanks!

@WhiskyandRed. You might find you can transfer into the nhs system once they've seen you privately. Check your area as very few do adult assessment etc. Luckily mine is one which does so I've decided to hold out for the NHS for now.

I suspect if you're paying for it you'll get the diagnosis you want!

Have you any evidence to back that up? I suspect a lot of professionals who diagnose adults would be appalled at someone questioning their professional integrity.

Are you aware that some of them who have a private practise also work for the NHS ? It's possible the OP could be assessed by one of these professionals.

Do you really think they'd stake their reputation on giving a dx to anyone who paid and assessing people differently on the NHS?

tobee minisok and Blank you are all right. The person who I’m going to see is the same person I’d see if I waited for NHS diagnosis. I really don’t think that this person is going to diagnose me incorrectly. If I thought I could just pay for the diagnosis, what would be the point of the thread?

I’ve done lots of google searches and read lots of posts by people who have been diagnosed unexpectedly later in life. But none of people with suspected ADHD who turned out to have something different, or who showed some traits but were on the right side of it not having a major impact on their day to day life (which is a requirement for assessment). Thanks to everyone for replying.

@whiskyandred, I do hope you are getting in better than I. I have just had a phone call from our practice manager as the GP did not do my referral! It was done yesterday as a matter of urgency, but this is 5 months after it was supposed to be done.

When I was assessed I had to have lots tests and thyroid checks done to see if my symptoms were as a result of a physical issue or deficiency.

I had the same fears as you, but I decided that if they said no, it's not adhd then I would press and ask why do I struggle with XYZ, what can you suggest as a next step?

Don't expect too much from diagnosis though. It has helped me but it doesn't take away the problem. I still have ADHD, medication doesn't help me very much (enough to be worth it) and there doesn't really seem to be any therapy/support. I do find a lot of support online, which is good.

TBH if even your gp says you are a textbook case I doubt it will turn out to be nothing!

@minisoksmakehardwork I’m so sorry to hear about your long wait. I found it unbearable waiting after I had my assessments, like I just went into a massive funk and couldn’t do anything at all... but, I did get assessed and I have been diagnosed. Hope it all works out for you.

@BertieBotts I’ve recently started medication and I do definitely notice a difference but it’s no magic bullet. It’s still possible to lose keys/forget appointment/ procrastinate/ whatever else. But I do notice that once I get started on a task, I can keep going with it for much longer on my meds. Yep, I agree with this, diagnosis was a bit of an anticlimax for me because there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of therapy/support. I would definitely recommend this book though www.amazon.co.uk/Radical-Guide-Women-ADHD-Neurodiversity/dp/168403261X?tag=mumsnetforu03-21 I started it, then lost it, then forgot about it, and now should find it and keep reading.

@whiskyandred - I've got somewhere finally. Had an appointment with a mental health practitioner today. Kind of a chat and pre-assessment I guess is the easiest way to describe it.

Anyway, on her checklist I scored plenty high enough to be referred on for further assessment for adhd. She felt I might have asd traits, because I can be an antisocial bugger. But the overriding feeling is positive for ADD. Not so much hyperactivity but I agree with that.

@minisoksmakehardworkThat’s great, I’m so pleased things are moving. I’d say it’s not that unusual for ADHDers to feel pretty antisocial. Quite often, I get really overstimulated and just need to take a bit of time, sometimes I’m paralysed by indecision or my hyperactive mind racing off in lots of different directions (hyperactivity is often internal rather than physical). ADHD life can be genuinely exhausting. But it’s also not unusual for ADHD and ASD to be co-morbid. If you ever listen to podcasts you should check out Kristen Carder ‘I have ADHD’ she has an episode on ADHD + ASD.

Anyway, hope your referral doesn’t take too long. Let us know how you get on.