How to start with getting a diagnosis, disappointed with GP

[MrsNeurodiverse]

Hi all
I’ve mild dyslexia which was diagnosed when at uni after struggling with completing assignments - I had always struggled and changed courses and uni’s a few times thinking that was the issue. They made some recommendations and I finally graduated. They advised I have difficulty processing information, poor short term memory and poor organisation skills.

This was 16 years ago. I’ve since chopped and changed jobs trying to find something I like and have been in my chosen career about 8 years. I became a mum 3 years ago and work full time. I find everything is a struggle and I’ve had anxiety/depression off and on for a number of years.

As part of my job I have access to reports for those who have neurodiverse diagnoses and work with managers to try support those colleagues. There are some who have ADHD and I realise I have so many of the symptoms.

I eventually spoke to my GP to see how I might get an assessment. Their advice was to keep a diary for a few weeks and make another appointment. Trouble is, I find it impossible to do the diary, eg remembering to make daily entries, trying to get what is in my head down on paper, writing concisely without going into war and peace, the reasons for wanting an assessment in the first place are making it difficult for me to complete one.

I just wondered if anyone who had been diagnosed with ADHD would be happy to share how they got their process started, did you have to write a diary? Or did your GP support in a different way? I found the approach mine has taken to be unhelpful

Thank you!

I’m sorry that has been your experience.
mine was very different.
My GP referred me straight away at
my own request. I got a short questionnaire to fill in, that’s it.
I would go back, to another doctor if you can.
I can understand how keeping a diary and booking another appointment is not a reasonable option and so should they. You shouldnt have to do that.
It might be helpful for you to list out all your symptoms and show that to the doctor
Good luck, it is hard enough without feeling like you have to push for it

My GP was even more useless than yours. She said she wasn't willing to refer me for an assessment for ADHD as "there's no point because all they'll do is give you amphetamines and we don't really advise that". End of conversation. Seriously. 🙄

This was after I told my GP that a private psychologist who had been helping with me some work-related coaching had said they thought I might have ADHD and when I'd looked at the info they sent me, it was very clear I did have it.

In the end, I spoke to HR at work and they paid for me to be assessed privately. And was given a confirmed diagnosis and now take meds for ADHD.

Thank you both

@amidsummernightsdream I think I will try that, there’s one GP in particular who is very nice, I think I will make a list and wait a bit longer to book in with him. Yeah I felt a bit nervous going in and I just felt dismissed almost

@HundredMilesAnHour sorry that happened to you, that’s awful. I’m pleased you managed to get a diagnosis in the end. I have an access to work grant for workplace coaching in relation to my dyslexia but one of the coaches on the list of providers they recommend specialises in ADHD so I was going to choose that one so hopefully that will help.

Out workplace can do screening and assessments but it is very expensive and I think you have to be really struggling at work. At the moment I’m managing work with some adjustments it just feels like everything else is very difficult.

I honestly believe every child at a certain age should get screening and an assessment on their learning style so that everyone’ learning is tailored better to their needs. Obviously that would cost a fortune and there probably aren’t enough assessors to capture everyone so it will never happen, but I really think it would help a lot of people as they get older rather than battling on and then having to fight or pay for an assessment later on. It would have really helped me!

It is nerve wracking, I felt the same. I felt silly almost. However, even though process was easy, I cant say the GP was particularly interested. She didnt even discuss it with me but referred me no questions.
I think there’s something called Right to Choose which means they have to refer you but I dont know too much about this but I know it was the process I went to.
I hope the next doctor you speak to is more helpful