Just so worried no one will take me seriously

Yes I did! It took me ages to pluck up the courage to call the GP but he was so lovely. It was over the phone which actually might have helped as if written down the things I wanted to say and was able to read from that. I completed the checklist I found on the Psychiatry UK website - he didn't ask me for that but it made me feel more confident.

To be honest I don't think he was sure if I had ADHD but was happy to refer me on as he could tell I was struggling with something and wanted to help. He suggested referring to Psychiatry UK and I got my provisional diagnosis today. It's provisional because DH filled in my '3rd party opinion' form and didn't indicate enough challenge but I'm going to get a friend to complete it who knew me at school and uni before I learned all my coping skills.

I'd put it all for years but very relieved to have done it now.

Do it - make the appointment!

I found it helped me to remember that all of the reasons I found it difficult to get a diagnosis were because of the ADHD - the anxiety, the talking about myself, phone calls, video calls, getting organized enough to make an appointment, worrying that people would think I was faking.

Good luck

I was referred back in September so around 6 months. Originally they said they were fully booked until October 2022 so I was pleasantly surprised, I think they've taken on new staff.

I get this too. My GP dismissed me the first time but happily referred me a year later. I'm still waiting for an appointment. How do you get a psychiatry UK referral? I'm waiting for the local ASD/ADHD service and I'm really worried I'll not be diagnosed because reading up on ASD and inattentive ADHD made my life make sense. All my struggles were framed within an ND thingy (can't think of the right word) and I was no longer weird, difficult, awkward etc. For me diagnosis would be making things official but I would like that officialness as I get a lot of grief for my "mindset" and it pisses me off.

OP would diagnosis help with work adjustments? I hope it helps you in whatever way it can. I've found since realising Im autistic that I'm a lot easier on myself and understand myself much more. Im nicer to myself, more forgiving, less demanding. If I don't get an official diagnosis I will still have made the adjustments I need in my life.
Hope they makes sense, I'm a bit out of it today.

@AlternativelyWired my GP actually suggested Psychiatry UK but I was going to suggest them, I think you should be able to request them under Right to Choose. Some GPs are less keen than others though so I would prepare for that, PUK have the relevant info on their website. It's annoying when you're nervous about it anyway! Hopefully your GP is lovely and open minded like mine was.

I was worried as well but when I sat with my husband, and he confirmed my online diagnosis, I felt more confident. Just acknowledge that you know it seems trendy but then provide evidence for how it applies to you. Best wishes!

I have ab appointment with ny GP for 3 weeks time. She sounds like she will do the autism referal but I know the autism people dont do adhd. And adhd has a chance of treatment.

I feel like im going to sound like a hyperconddriac making excuses for a failed life. And yes jumping on the bandwagon :(

My daughter is autisitc and I am just like her, but its the executive function issues I really want help with and regulating eating etc.

It’s not jumping on a bandwagon, it’s finally having a name for something you’ve always experienced.

I think you’re doing the right thing and will help normalise it for other people. :) well done you!