ADHD and panic attacks - so worried

[Cherryblossom200]

Hi everyone,

My DD has only just been put on the waiting list to get a potential diagnosis of ADHD. She started getting panic attacks around age 8, she's 9 now and they are becoming more frequent.

They will come out of nowhere, she'll start breathing heavily and then almost vomiting, sometimes she actually does. Before there used to be a trigger, a test of something. Now there is no trigger.

This is starting to become life limiting for my daughter. It's affecting her at school and socially, when she's feeling anxious she barely eats.

We can't wait for a year and half until we're seen. The situation is for my DD is starting to spiral out of control. I do all kinds of things to get her out of these thoughts, we have a really calm, happy home and she is loved. This is starting to become the stuff of nightmares.

My doctor said if we go private it's too complicated with medication etc, but they are writing a further letter to see if we can see someone sooner as they recognise the severity of her problem. But I'm not sure if this will make a difference.

I don't know where to go, the ADHD meds won't do anything for her anxiety so we will still be left with the same problem.

😢

[Irisginger]

Did you discuss a CAMHS referral for anxiety? Anxiety is a comorbidity rather than a component of ADHD (although obviously there is a relationship around emotional dysregulation and being in environments that are poorly matched to a neurodivergent individual's needs).

Was there any discussion of autism, which ADHD can mask?

Do you have a decent SEND plan in place that is making sure DD is supported and the environment at school is adjusted to make it feel as safe as possible from DD's perspective?

Could you find a GP who us willing to do shared care on ADHD meds (assuming she does get a diagnosis) - lots of practices are.

Even if you don't want a private diagnosis, if funds permit, you could see a suitably specialist child psychologist to explore DDs needs and strategies that might support her? You might explore whether they would provide a letter to feed into the assessment process or help guide your SENDCO in the here and now? Ideally find one that also works in the NHS.

[Cherryblossom200]

Hey,

Yes I spoke to CAMs and looking at getting help for her anxiety.

I've actually had a massive breakthrough mainly because we were desperate last week.

I spoke to our local independent health food store, they recommended something called Lions Mane. It's really good for kids and adults with ADHD/anxiety. I bought some and did some research online and decided to give it a try. Wow, the change was almost instant. Her anxiety lifted, she was happier and focused. It was the first time I've ever seen her colour in for long periods of time. I did a little test of maths questions which she never would have worked out before. The sort of questions like 'Pam bought 6 apples and gave them to 3 friends. How many apples did each person have?' She would have normally got lost after the first word. But she worked it out without a melt down or my help. The change has been extraordinary.

I gave a 1/4 powder with juice in the morning and before bed.

No anxiety anymore or panic attacks. I am beyond relieved. I still want the NHS diagnosis but I feel we can now cope until we get the appointment 😊