How I Got Diagnosed with ADHD at 28

In today's video I'll be talking about my journey to getting diagnosed with ADHD as a 28 year old adult woman. We'll be discussing ADHD symptoms, how I was diagnosed via NHS & the DIVA assessment process, right to choose to potentially get an assessment quicker, & the option of having a private assessment. I'll then be talking about life since being diagnosed & the treatment I've received, my therapy journey & starting medication. I hope this video is helpful to someone out there & of course any questions please leave me a comment! Happy to help in any way that I can!
Contact for Media enquiries/collaborations: [e-mail]
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INSTAGRAM: / jodiejporteous
TWITTER: / jodiejporteous
TIK TOK: @jodiejporteous
Things mentioned:
ADDitude Mag: www.additudema...
NHS Right to Choose: adhduk.co.uk/r...
NHS ADHD info:
www.nhs.uk/con...
Help finding a therapist:www.counsellin...
Thank you so much for watching!

[@robbohaines7803]

Ive just been diagnosed at 43. I was told I had it 20 years ago by a psychologist but he was unable to officially diagnose me but put it on my record. I gave up hope and have just struggled on through life. My partner persuaded me to go back to the doctor's and try again. I wasnt very optimistic but I was referred and Im amazed at how fast I was seen(within a couple of months). I am now waiting to start meds and feel so happy that there might be a light at the end of a very long dark tunnel. I live in Manchester

[@mariamaggiorino]

I take it you also used the right to choose pathway? I’ve just been diagnosed through Adhd360 got my prescription last week getting delivered tomorrow afternoon so can only start on Friday will see how I go on with it

[@annosuke]

I’ve just been diagnosed today at the age of 43. Had absolutely no idea a few months ago, my therapist pointed it out and now it just seems so obvious it really helps me makes sense of my life

[@andyrands]

Just had an talkworks assessment they have put me on a two year waiting list. I'm now 58 and been brushed off all my life. Born 1966

[@kaiya4524]

Thank you for your video! I'm 31 and going through the assessment process now. Just had the initial screening phone call and was told it could be 3-4 years... Feeling very hopeless, but hopeful stories like yours are giving me comfort and optimism. Thank you again.

[@gemmag7347]

Really enjoyed this video! I’m 27 and I’m pretty sure I have ADHD. Love hearing adults talk about their experience getting a diagnosis 😊

[@JodieJPorteous]

Thank you so much for watching !! Have you started the assessment process? If you think you have it trust your gut, you deserve to live your best life! 💗💗

[@gemmag7347]

@@JodieJPorteous Not yet! Starting therapy soon for my anxiety etc.. so I’m going to speak about everything with her! Nervous but it’ll be worth it ☺️

[@JodieJPorteous]

Well done you that’s an amazing step!!! Therapy is the best 😘🙏🏼 xxx

[@BLUM00N_]

Ayyyyyyy Doncaster represent, but you’re not wrong at all, I’m coming up 3 years now on the wait list now and I’ve got my assessment on November the 5th through RDaSH after struggling and being different since I was a kid, but never got diagnosed due to a distant and constantly busy dad who owned his own pub so very rarely saw him and my mum passed away when I was about 4 years old, but this was a great and informative watch and I’m so glad you got the quick diagnosis you did because the struggle is real and you’re not wrong the NHS is incredibly stressed and underfunded and the people who work for the NHS are actual superheroes and deserve so much respect in the face of adversary, but anyway I could go on and on and on but I’ll stop commenting here because I’ll just go on forever with the comment about loads of different things that I would love to put across about being on an all inclusive express trip on the struggle bus, but keep on making content this video was great and keep on keeping on ❤️

[@joehaynes17]

Hey, so sorry I'm commenting on such an old video. Im also 29, I was put on the waiting list for ADHD 13 months ago and finally have an appointment to be assessed next month. So nervous but this will really help. Thank you x

[@Logarithm906]

Similar. Been waiting little over a year, now it's this weekend and... yeah nervous feels right.

[@kate5093]

From a person centred therapist I’m really pleased to hear it is helping you. This is very informative for me as a professional. Well done Jodie!! You are so inspiring and strong x

[@JodieJPorteous]

Awww such a lovely comment !! Thank you so much, makes me so happy you found it helpful as I do worry I don’t always explain things as well as I would like to 😅😂 also v cool you’re a therapist, I have so much admiration, must be a hard job but so rewarding! 💗

[@Kat-V]

Finding myself on ADHD youtube yet again at 4 am after two energy drinks and on the edge or a breakdown because I still haven't got started on my paper and I already know I'll be so tired tomorrow. But I can't be tired tomorrow. I'm supposed to call some psychiatrists tomorrow to try and get an appointment. I've been wanting to do it for too many months to skip/fail another day. I'm not from the UK so our healthcare system might work a little differently but it's harder to find many resources for psychiatric care in my country online. Not sure why I'm writing all this, probably to put off working on my paper for a few more minutes (I'll go sit on my yoga mat now and make it a No Social Media Zone now, maybe that'll help or maybe I'll just fall asleep from desperation), maybe also just to thank you for helping me feel less alone

[@jordannoble8678]

It was your previous video that posted about you finding out you had adhd which finally made me feel comfortable enough to talk to the gp myself I’m currently going through the diagnosis process now Thank you Jodes, I’ve been watching your videos since you started and who would’ve know all these years later you could’ve helped me as much as you have💗

[@clareferguson-bennett5114]

Wow that's really unique! But so glad you got it! I relate to so much of this apart from the diagnosis 😢 I contacted my GP in June 2021, have been referred, filled out the form, scored very high on that, had an hour long phone call but it's sept 2024 and I'm still waiting for a face to face diagnosis! Will look up the right to choose though. Thanks for sharing xx

[@chloe8578]

Thank you so much for speaking on this, we need more people, particularly women, talking about this, so this is great video. I am self diagnosed autistic, but I dare not go for a diagnosis because it sounds so incredibly stressful. The long waiting lists, having to try remember your childhood when i can barely remember anything in my life, having to talk about myself in depth, and having to talk in general when social anxiety and social issues is a huge part of autism, diagnosid sessions can take many hours of indepth conversation, and the questionnaires are so difficult to answer because they could be interpreted so many different ways. A big part of autism in females is "masking" (acting neurotypical), I am not sure if this is the same for ADHD, but that again makes it more difficult to be taken seriously because you can act "normal". The whole mental health sector needs improved to help people get the support they need. Thanks again for speaking out on this xx

[@JodieJPorteous]

I completely agree with all of your points! You are sooo right & speak so eloquently! I’m really glad you found this video helpful, if there’s anything at all I can help with please do let me know. Really understand what you’re saying with the masking, it does happen with ADHD too, & can make it so difficult for people to get the help they need, especially for girls! Yes huge improvements need to be made & I really hope I can make a difference in some way. Thank you again for taking your time to watch & comment, I really appreciate it xxx

[@chloe8578]

@@JodieJPorteous thanks so much Jodie, take care :) xx

[@JodieJPorteous]

You’re very welcome gorgeous ! Always here & wishing you the best. Anything you need feel free to message me on Instagram anytime xxx

[@denzb2117]

Nice to hear your story im 47 diagnosed with adhd im on medication but still find life very difficult it was nice to relate to things that you have experienced

[@WorldOfEmm]

Thank you so much for making this video, just found your channel. I was diagnosed 1 month ago (I'm also 28), and when you said "you have a very scoring diagnosis of ADHD" I got goosebumps. It threw me back to the moment of relief when I was told the same by my therapist. I still haven't started taken the meds yet, they scare me a bit. Looking forward to follow your story and experience with Concerta. xx

[@lucyevelyn4833]

thank you so much for this video, I have a doctors appointment tomorrow to ask to be referred for an assessment I’m so worried but relating to you a lot has given me more confidence ❤

[@Viperuk80]

I am 43 years old and I know and positive I have ADHD i have all the main symptons and I seem to be getting worse as im getting older. Now here is the thing I have this vivid memory of being at the Doctors as a child being assessed for something. I had severe outbursts and behaviour issues as a child and found everything a struggle with anxiety etc. My mum took me somewhere, so now in my older age I have asked my mum about it but she cannot remember. Also ADHD wasn't a thing in the 80s like it is now, i was just a naughty kid. So i don't know if I was ever diagnosed. So what i have done is I have put a formal request into my surgery to look throught the old brown notes from the past to see if there is any files relating to this time I remember and then get the ball rolling so I can try get my Doctor to refer me for a ADHD diagnosis. I am waiting now to see what the old medical notes reveal.

[@lilyfoat6307]

thank you for sharing this! I’m hopefully about to start the process of getting an assessment and it’s so nice to hear someone else’s experience and following your journey with it:) hoping i get as lucky as you with the process hahaha 😅 hope you’re doing well 🤍

[@JodieJPorteous]

Awww that’s a wonderful step forward my lovely! Very proud of you. Yes I hope you are, any questions or advice I can give, you know I’m always happy to help xxxx

[@lilyfoat6307]

@@JodieJPorteous thank you:) ah thank you 🤍 xxx

[@gamergate2.0andbooks]

I don't remember how I got diagnosed because when I got diagnosed with adhd I was 8 years old and the only thing I remember is being Bullied in elementary school

[@TheBlink182fangirl]

Thank you so much lovely for making this video! Soooo informative!🥰 Thank you so much for mentioning about the ‘right to choose’! I never knew about this and contacted a few times regarding the wait times cos honestly it’s on my mind daily. When I first got referred they got told me over 2 years😢 I work within mental health and addiction services doing 1:1 and group intervention so felt I needed to get seen a lot quicker as this impacts on my job! I can’t afford private healthcare either so was really getting too me. Cant thank you enough!!!! Hope you’re okay too lovely💖xxx

[@sadekhanna]

I'm writing this pausing this video 5 minutes in because everything you said applies to me. I'm also 28 and struggled with anxiety for at least half of my life, but only got diagnosed with it after going to a psychiatrist because of severe panic attacks. I've been to psychologists a couple of times as a child, but wasn't diagnosed with anything. I felt like my. brain functions differently my whole life and only recently discovered that I'm not alone with this. Now that covid is kinda over, it's time for me to seek a professional. Honestly, I would be relieved if I got diagnosed, because it would explain why I am the way I am. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@mariamaggiorino]

I was diagnosed in South Africa back in 2011 was only 7 going into my teens was a scary thing with adhd especially at school social life etc now that I’m older and a bit more “mature” even tho I hate the thought of starting on meds again my meds are getting here tomorrow at this point I don’t care about side effects cos I need the help to get through day to day stuff

[@Noname-vu1om]

Every time I watched a video about adhd I find comments that I can relate to. I don’t have a diagnosis and don’t even really want to believe that I have it. I would never go for a diagnosis because number 1 NHS need I say more? And number 2 I feel like everyone is self diagnosing with it these days. It wasn’t even something I considered until my brother one day said to me you know you have ADHD? I was like WTF do you mean? He said”Look into it. I’ve never had a conversation with you were your not changing the subject or interrupting me or finishing my sentences.” I felt so called out. Since then I try so hard not to interrupt people, but then I don’t focus on what they are saying, only on the not interrupting or trying not to forget what I want to bring up. I could never do an assignment until it was the last minute, then I would be forced to pull an all-nighter to get it finished. I remember whenever my friend would tell a story, I would be amazed at how it was all in order and made sense and so well told. Another thing when my ex wanted to do something (anything like file paperwork etc), he would just do it straight away. I can only do things when it gets to a point that I can’t put them off any longer. I remember feeling like that was something so strange and how come he can do that? I’m so sorry, I don’t know why I’m putting my life story here. It’s just to say there are many indications that I most likely have it, but unfortunately I will never get help for it because it’s so hard to get diagnosed. Also I’ve developed so many coping strategies that my doctor may dismiss me just because I never miss appointments or I’m on time to things. I think being an anxious person helps you find ways to cope with adhd symptoms. I wonder if a really poor memory is also part of it? Like not remembering whole chunks of your life?

[@lucytravis564]

I have recently been thinking I may have adhd ..im 30 and really struggling with life ! Watching your video has definitely confirmed this for me. Everything you experienced growing up sounds exactly just like what i struggled with! Wow crazy thank you for sharing i will definitely go ahead with trying to get diagnosed 🙏 ❤️ xx

[@dgxdcoder8791]

For medication, generic methylphenidate can be quite cheap even with private prescription. Branded ritalin / Concerta will be much more expensive.

[@VGL72]

So proud of you x

[@JodieJPorteous]

Thank you !! You’re always sooo supportive! How are you doing? Xxx

[@VGL72]

@@JodieJPorteous hello lovely I’m still in Frankfurt performing in Sister Act … I’m good it’s been a tough contract but I’m here for another two months … we must have that coffee soon x

[@bw5187]

I feel like im being defeated by life also. In the last 17 years I have had more than 17 jobs. I isolate myself most of the time so I wont have any distractions from things I need to do. I used to play video games most all day and would set alarms for things or not set a schedule for the day so I wouldn't let myself down and forget something yet again. It is quite miserable when you think about it. Withdrawing from life because I don't want to keep repeating this process of life ADD and constant impulses to change career fields and years of educational pursuits because, "Oh this would be cool!" only for it to last a year until I am so ready to look for something else. This has caused me to accumulate a lot of debt paying bills during times of no income. Took the MMBI administered in the United States about 4 days ago. I am really hoping it can shed some light on the subject because I am out of gas and need professional assistance with how I operate.

[@madontherun]

Ive got to 55 ! before knowing

[@joannanicholson3802]

Thank you for this video. I'm currently waiting for adhd assessment, I'm 29 and since my eyes have been opened to the world of adhd, so many things in my life now make sense. I've always felt out of place in the world and like I just can't do "normal" things like other people. I've always been called lazy and told myself that my whole life and then always felt like a failure and like I'm letting myself down because I couldn't do things like complete my degree and had to drop out. I currently have two children and all of symptoms are severely heightened because of major over stimulation and I've been struggling so much. I ended up going to my gp and asking for help and saying I think I have adhd so now I'm awaiting assessment but been told it could be up to a year. I'm the same as you now just researching it loads and trying to understand my brain a bit more so I can stop beating myself up! I'm so glad you've got your diagnosis and you're getting support xxx

[@user-ui7tn1fq2b]

I’m 16 and have been waiting since I was 14 for an assessment, we only have one psychiatrist testing for ADHD in our whole town. It’s excruciating not knowing whether I have it or not.

[@Aaron-v6d9m]

I’m almost 16 and I’ve been seeing a paediatrician since 15, however I’ve been seeing a psychologist since I was 13 or 14. The process is long and tiring. I totally agree with you.

[@GwareddJ]

I was diagnosed at 8 in primary (1990)... having and early diagnosis, for me, didn't help. There was no help then and there's none now. If diagnosis will help you to know and feel better knowing then defo get one. But it's not all it's cracked up to be.. as an example I'm here, searching youtube, trying to find hope as my life keeps crashing like an old laptop and my GP wont give me help.

[@MissBudgetBeauty]

Watching this from doncaster .. that was not good news for me 😂 but fantastic for you 👏🏻

[@hannahkirby424]

Have you done the medication video?

[@hazelrogers2455]

I found this really interesting and can I suggest you follow Dr Alex George as he is also newly diagnosed

[@JodieJPorteous]

I’m so glad you found it interesting! Ah thank you! Yes I actually follow him, he’s great isn’t he! Xx

[@logann-mackenziefroste563]

I also suspect that I have ADHD and I am starting the process 😊

[@richardajoy79]

I watched this and saw myself, yet my GP won't even bother sending me for an assessment, she says at my age (42 at the time, 2 years ago), I don't need the label... I just think she was being lazy.

[@nataliehodsell3138]

This is awful. Can you request another GP? Download an ADHD checklist, fill it in and take it in with you. I’d also recommend requesting “Right to Choose” rather then waiting for an assessment through the NHS. It’s free to do.

[@stk6997]

This video needs timestamps. My adhd brain is unable to stay on😅❤

[@JodieJPorteous]

@@stk6997 ah you’re right that’s a good idea! I will add them / bear in mind for next time! Xx

[@GoADHDGo]

I know a guy that has wicked ADHD.

[@JodieJPorteous]

Is that guy you? Or a friend? Hope you’re doing ok 💗

[@GoADHDGo]

@@JodieJPorteous It’s me! :) Hence my KZbiny name.

[@JodieJPorteous]

@@GoADHDGo I thought so hahaa!! Thank you so much for watching! How are you doing? Hope this video was helpful in some way xxx

[@GoADHDGo]

@@JodieJPorteous I’ve been struggling big time but it’ll get better.

[@JodieJPorteous]

Are you getting any support? Absolutely xxx

[@veryaery]

i'm going to leave a nasty comment