My ADHD Diagnosis Experience (Getting An ADHD Diagnosis & Accessing ADHD Treatment)

[@amandachapman4708]

Oh lord, Ella, I can hear how hard this all is for you. And d'you know what, there are a whole pile of us in our older years for whom autism and ADHD just weren't things. I was a child in the 60s, and even dyslexia wasn't a thing then. Children got labelled lazy, idle, naughty, wilful, troublesome, oh you name it, and those labels went in deep and stuck. Now we are retired, and those of us who somehow managed to navigate the world of work, relationships, and whatever, are finding our retirement years are producing yet another challenge. I'm fortunate. I managed to educate myself, and have got a few strategies that enable me to (mostly) survive even without a diagnosis of any kind, other than depression and anxiety. I think I would not be able to cope with something like your experiences, so yet another reason not to be diagnosed.

[@RichardPrice-m6m]

Hi Ella! Really appreciate you doing this content. I'm a 31 year old man who is now pursuing a diagnosis of ADHD (Inattentive type so ADD really). I completed three of five years at Uni but I was finding it next to impossible to organise and revise when there was less structure to the work. I ended up with anxiety and major depression and I thought, at the time, that these were the issues that were majorly present and were affecting me. It was only a few months ago that my GP suggested I have ADHD and when I read up on it, I just knew that I had it. I'd not looked at it before and had just assumed that ADHD was for naughty kids who were hyperactive all the time. However I researched adult ADHD and I ticked EVERY box for symptoms. So much so that I had all the smaller, lesser and more specific symptoms. It was then I realised that I had been suffering with this since I was very, very young. In fact, I have school reports complaining about me not focussing, day-dreaming and all sorts. I was looked over for a diagnosis because I had no hyperactivity and I was passing all my exams. Turns out I was very, very clever and because I would get high marks and passed my 11+ and got into Grammar School. I left school with 11 GCSES and 5 A-levels and thus I went onto Uni where I failed compleetely eventually due to my inability to organise. Thank you for this. At the ripe old age of 31, I am not coming to terms with my messed up brain. I really enjoy these videos and you're a very good entertainer.

[@Bearingz]

I sincerely hope you get an in-person appointment soon and the most appropriate support/treatment is found! ❤

[@deesparklebazinga9374]

Dito, I don't know if I feel better on methylphenidate or off as it makes my Autism worse. I also get the rage and agitation which is annoying as I cant get rid of the building pressure etc. I find that the ritalin reduces my impulsivity however then my ASD causes overthinking and I become paralysed or totally hyperfocused on the wrong things! Good luck with the titration. I'm up in Newcastle Upon Tyne and we just get a letter of the diagnosis with ADHD then discharged unless you want to try medication, however after titration my GP surgery refused to prescribe them so the team luckily decided they would send my scripts to my pharmacy directly. So many side effects with these meds!!! Take care fellow warrior x

[@lauraluey]

I LOVE your hair like this! You look so beautiful ❤

[@EcoHamletsUK]

Great. That's so encouraging!* I've just been referred for an ADHD assessment, aged 67, and it feels like I may die of old age before I get it. Can anyone reassure me that it's easier in Wales than in England? It took 8 years, from when I started to work it out for myself, to get my autism diagnosis, and 4 years later I haven't got the support I need for that. I started to work out that I must have ADHD too last year, as it explains all the things about my life that autism alone doesn't explain. Fortunately I haven't got a TV licence so can't watch Panorama, but just listening to Ella makes me feel like giving up. *That was sarcasm, for anyone who didn't get it!

[@AH-auDHD]

I hear you, John! I'm sharing my experience with you (not a competition) because they are so similar. It took me 10 years to get diagnosed with ADHD and another 5 years to get diagnosed with autism. I received support with my ADHD but not autism. It's a joke! An unfunny one! I'm 36 and still struggling. 😔

[@helencampbell]

Hi Ella - the wait time in my area is 7 years - I was forced to go private and was happy with the process - same for my ASD diagnosis - thank you for flagging this issue - the Panorama program was extremely damaging and dangerous - potentially gaslighting us again - there are many of us that have spent a long time 'convincing' friends and family that the diagnosis is correct only to have this go to air

[@drewharris7785]

My gosh good for you for getting this far! I hope you get your diagnosis and support SOON. Also, Mr. Purple deserves a pat on the back. Sounds like you got one of the good ones.

[@SaoirseGraves]

I have been dragged through the mental health services in the US, the UK, and Ireland in very much this way... i have been medicated (for 10 years!) for diagnoses i never warranted (these were later retracted) and once i managed to investigate and receive an autism diagnosis (from a private service) the mental health team that had been stringing me along not only wouldnt receive my documentation (broken email addresses, lost printed copies etc) but actually reprimanded me for crying and acting scared...they literally told me they dont help autistic people...and expelled me for 2 missed appointments after that. And, no, you couldnt get theough to reschedule if they made your appointment during work hours, you just had to cope, get time off, and in my case take lots of unreliable public transport. They offered to do a video call but never actually let me have one. ... Ella, i admire your ability to speak out about these things. I often get so angry i cant speak at all. I think services rely on that to get 'us' off their to do list for the day. Your words "I see you" were such a balm. Thank you.

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Year on my waiting list and also not able to help now autism a possibility, they aren't able to help autistic people

[@kathybramley5609]

The update - appointment booked and advice to stop taking meds meanwhile seems so positive!! ❤🎉 No point suffering like you were ❤

[@maiederi7974]

Hola, I write to you from Spain. I'm 32. I hope you get the help you need and I hope your health improves.🏵 I'm going through the same situation right now. We should be strong. Hopefully it will really change in a few years for children and adults. That give me hope. Un fuerte abrazo Purple Ella🥰

[@smilesandsg]

How are attitudes towards neurodivergence in Spain?

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Jelly cats of support, it's cruel exhausting and so distressing isn't it. I'm at the start of my journey towards seeking several for assessment. Filled in the forms, told Dr will assess them and if approved it would be sent to triage was the 6 to 18 months quoted so far likely to be the wait for 'must've the triage process in the UK? Sending you support, once again the situation you and so many others find themselves in, makes me wonder how many did while on these lists without appropriate support. Agree with your sceptical view, I go with something is only actually going to happen if you see the whites of their eyes. Meaning someone actually turns up. Until then it's a wish list.

[@clairerandall5742]

Ella I have had similar awful experience with nhs adhd service, I’m in Cornwall. First the gp said there is no adult adhd service - I’m like “um NICE guidelines says there is, so after me explaining that I was referred to community mental health team who said sorry we don’t have a service in Cornwall you’ll need to go to Bristol. More waiting then Bristol finally said “sorry we’re not taking adults from Cornwall you are getting your own service” so more waiting. I had a psychiatric nurse doing my diagnoses not a psychiatrist and it was during pandemic on video. Nurse said because I have a higher degree than him and because I’ve got my own business I couldn’t have adhd and I almost don’t qualify for a diagnosis and that my adhd has diminished with age and I’m only mildly affected, and it’s likely trauma symptoms. Which is not it at all I’ve got combined type and pretty bad. I didn’t know I was autistic then and realise I struggled answering questions because of how they are worded. As for meds - I listened to Mel Robbins who uses meds for a project and has breaks which I thought would be ideal for me because I’m very sensitive - he refused me meds because only using them for a project would be cognitive enhancement not treatment so I had to fight this as well as all the ways he missed my symptoms. he even said that because I can hyper focus I couldn’t have it even though that’s a symptom - the guy really didn’t know about adhd. So after a fight I got meds and am on dislexampehetamine but like you they’ve not been great at support and my fear is I can’t be honest because the nurses act like gatekeepers adhd experts but the aren’t. I’m finding my autism is much worse like I’m not able to mask anymore because I’m so focused on what ever task it is I’m locked into I can’t switch well enough. It’s making my fibromyalgia symptoms worse, I’ve not really been as anxious as I am on the meds but equally at times I’m in a really positive place with my mood. It’s hot and cold extremes. I’m currently trialing 2 or 3 days on meds and rest of week off to recover I take 30mg mid morning then 20mg late afternoon Sometimes I just take one dose late in afternoon so it wears off at bed time and that works well sometimes but I’m finding on it all the time it builds up and my Sleeo impacted and that also causes issues I tried concerta and hated it The other option is non stimulant but these affect liver and I’ve got Gilbert’s syndrome so don’t want to add to that But I get kidney infections, cold sores, skin infections and I’m sure these are side effects but doctors say no I think they just not experienced here as much as USA

[@eyreaus2736]

In the states, I went for an asd evaluation. They couldn't see that, likely lack of proper childhood history, but they gave me a second adhd diagnosis. Had gotten one prior at great expense. Getting a second opinion on the asd.

[@mercysmartt9765]

5 mins in and I've hit subscribe. You are amazing. I'm so grateful you made this video ♥️♥️♥️

[@dievalie]

I love that it seems like she's talking freely

[@gemmashannon8796]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! This is what the Panorama documentary fails to acknowledge! Fingers crossed you get back to some stability soon 💜

[@sappho54321]

I'm so sorry you've had this experience it sounds so frustrating and stressful. I am planning on moving back to the UK soon to get a diagnosis but quite worried about how the experience is going to be..

[@clairebear9517]

Just found this and having my ADHD assessment today through Right to Choose. It took about 6 months to get to the top of the list and another month for an appointment. Im really nervous but at 43 I have had enough of muddling through. Ive also not had such a stellar experience from the NHS for other mental health issues i struggled with and for endometriosis so i am a bit jaded at the moment.

[@DRAGONFLYS06]

Hi Ella, I am 42 years old and on my autism diagnosis journey but I am also in late perimenopause. Most my life I was I have been fully functional but masking and never had any involvement with mental health teams until I started having issues with perimenopausal symptoms at age 36. Because of my age the NHS didn't test my hormone levels and it was missed and I developed severe untreatable depression and ended up in and out of mental hospitals that just made me worse, must likely as my routine was changed and I couldn't cope with the new environment and not being able to have my own space to self regulate. Since I have started HRT my depression has gone and I have had my first pre-assessment for autism after over a years wait. I am now on another long waiting list for a full assessment and have found that the progesterone part of my HRT that I take 2 week of 4 is helping me now I take 1 in the morning as well as 1 at night. I was suppose to take 2 at night but it would wear off by the afternoon and I would spot bleed for two weeks. Since taking 1 in the morning I now longer spot and instead of acting like a natural sedative It helps me concentrate more and function better to get more done so win, win for me.

[@gordy3714]

Excellent video Ella, another thing that seems to be adding to the waiting times, is a lot of staff seemed to be moving around, as well as a lot of people rearranging priority appointments. I thought the government were putting more money into mental health.

[@IndieVidual86]

FML this video gave me horrendous anxiety my entire life is falling apart at the moment and the only thing that's holding me together is knowing I will eventually get a diagnosis and understand myself for the first time in my life. Then I watch this and it seems like the diagnosis will just be the beginning. I'm so angry about ADHD and not being diagnosed as a child and it feels like no one takes it seriously... I hope I have better results than you.

[@crimsonsun2000]

I hope you have had success with this, I have a assessment via the right to choose scheme with a private assessor on Wednesday, after waiting 2 years for an appointment via the NHS I couldn't carry on, I contacted my GP and they suggested I do a right to choose scheme. I'm 40 I had no clue I had ADHD until a few years ago, I had crippling depression though out my adult life however, something that anti depressants just haven't been able to deal with likely because I have ADHD instead. Very nervous, though I'm still in the point where having a assessment so soon is a massive step in the right direction.

[@damescholar]

That sounds really, really hard. You get all my sympathies. My son has been diagnosed as a young adult but this was before the system got really broken. The situation for us older with ASD and ADHD is very dark here in my country (Finland). Not only is the waiting list for the diagnosis in the public healthcare for both of them 3-5 years long, but most people don’t even get to the queue, because the GPs that do the referrals are hostile and discriminating to older people, especially to women over 50. They know next to nothing about ASD or ADHD, want to cut costs, and think that older people do not count because they are or soon will be this unimportant crowd who is not working for the common good but being only a burden to the society. Add to that the attitude that ”you have coped thus far, so you will survive without support”. And also: ”these ASD and ADHD diagnoses are on the rise because people are faking and malingering and wanting attention, you are only faking your symptoms, I don’t believe you, go away”. The public opinion is equally ignorant and dismissive. When I have been opening up about my situation, I have got comments like ”all of us have those traits, you are just making too much of it, this society is hyper-medicalizated and hypochondriac, get real”. So you must go (silently) to the private clinic (which also are overcrowded because of the situation in the public healthcare), try to find someone who really knows about these things (not very easy) and pay large sums for both assessments. And pay also for support because the public healthcare is only for children. Let me add that it has been much easier in my country if you have healthcare provided by your employer who sends you to a private clinic, but the mental services of this system are now also becoming blocked because there are not enough psychiatrists. Getting therapy is almost impossible, so people are killing themselves, literally, sadly, when they do not ger help. I happen to be a freelancer so I pay myself for everything. I am now reconsidering my diagnoses even though I struggle. The obstacles and the cost are so excruciatingly high. It is totally irresponsible for the media to circulate the narrative that people fake ADHD or autism.

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

Sounds soo stressful, really hope you do get the help and support you really need. X

[@sylviak824]

What an awful experience! Hurray for Mr. Purple to help you through it. I'm on Medikinet adult (Methylphenidat 10mg) for 15 years now. There shouldn't be any high and lows as you describe during the day. I discovered just recently that i am on the spectrum as well and love to watch your channel. I wish you all the best!

[@jimwilliams3816]

Titration is a joke in the US too, from my experience. I have regular sessions with a psychiatrist, for which I pay. But it's just kind of "whatever." I spent a year and a half on an SSRI for MDD. It was a miracle at first, but less and less successful as time went on, and I kept nudging my psych on whether I should consider this a short term or long term treatment, but got mostly crickets. My experience with him has been a mix of good and bad, but for the most part I've had to feel it out on my own too. I know a friend who I think was properly titrated, but I think that was through a university clinic that was possible for him because his wife worked there. My ADHD scrips come from the psychiatrist, though he nudged me to get the private pay assessment. Same deal, I wasn't offered a lot of options or information, and I'm managing myself as best I can. It's always been mostly either "if things aren't too bad, let's just keep doing the same" or "let's just stop taking that." I'm glad your appointment is coming up soon...I did a med-free period of several months (actually, I stayed on Clonidine, but was off antidepressants and not yet on ADHD meds), and it was as I feared: I wanted the data, but getting it was very bad. My emotional dysregulation was out of bounds.

[@BarbaraJackson-qu3is]

I think that Panorama should have spoken to real people who have ADHD instead they did a demolition job. Wishing you all the best for the medication test. I hope that you get some help and support from the NHS.

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

I feel waiting lists would be more helpfully called Wish lists'. Wishes don't always come true but there is.A perceived expectation that if you are on a wait list, that eventually you will get your turn and help. Reality; assesment, waiting list, assessment another waiting list. No one actually standing still listening to needs of actively helping anyone.

[@Zebo262]

Hi Ella, I really hope that you finally get the support and everything you need 💙💙💙 ! Especially with your ME/CFS as well as ASD and ADHD. Your videos are amazing, and you are doing incredible, despite your difficulties 💙. It would be rather ironic, if the individual from that particular panorama episode, found out that he actually does have ADHD, and like many of us....... Had no idea.

[@gabriellemurphy6330]

Hi to my favorite purple person. Would you consider doing a video about Telehealth autism diagnosis?

[@rosea570]

So sorry to hear your experiences Ella, and I hope the upcoming appointment doesn't disappoint further. I have autism diagnosed privately but not yet pursued an adhd diagnosis for all the reasons you have mentioned and I can't afford another private diangosis! It's very concerning that the Panorama doc seems to have fed these conspiracy theories about fake adhd diagnoses. It's almost like they are just trying to get the viewing ratings up. Thank you for your video and I hope things get better for you soon.

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Anyone heard of retained survival reflexes, see documentary Attention please. Seems some people suggesting cranial osteopothy.

[@nnylasoR]

(First!) Thank you for sharing this bit. ❤️

[@jamiecampbell2637]

Actually, it would have taken me longer to access private than NHS diagnosis. I registered with a well-known,established private clinic, one recognised by the NHS as diagnosticians. Their communication was either abrupt, or they only responded briefly after several attempts to get information from them. I was told the NHS wait would be years long, in fact I was seen just within a year. On the very day I received my diagnosis from the NHS with offer of ongoing support, I was told by the private clinic that my wait to see them would be at least another year. I was happy to be able to tell them they wouldn't be seeing me at all. I imagine that the clinicians were far better than their admin staff - I hope so. The way I was treated by that clinic's admin staff made me dread having to go there. In my experience, going private isn't always a viable or good option even if you can afford it.

[@crazycat1166]

I've got an appointment in January for an ADHD assessment having been diagnosed with autism last year. I've gone through something called right to choose. Meaning the service I'm using see both private patients and take referrals directly from the NHS. I used the same service for my autism assessment so I'm hoping I'll have another position experience. My concern is that with the autism diagnosis I didn't need any further treatment so I didn't really worry too much about how "genuine" it was. This time however if I do receive a diagnosis of ADHD I'm probably going to want to at least try medication. So that will really be the big test to show how reliable the clinic is. I'm hoping that if they weren't considered trustworthy the NHS wouldn't be refering people directly to them....but given the way the NHS is who knows 🤦

[@eyupnel]

I have just been referred, my GP rang me to say it will be around 18 months before I see anyone. I emailed the company they use and they said at LEAST 18 months. I am considering going private but its all just so overwhelming

[@kavehsankles]

Sorry you're having to deal with all this... The NHS in terms of mental health services is just a nightmare to deal with (extremely long wait times, bad advice etc), which is such a shame because it just puts more stress on people who are already really struggling. I'm currently waiting for an autism assessment but I've been wondering whether to go private because of how long it's taking. And yeah that tv prpogramme sounds like it could be really harmful for people's perception of people with ADHD, really not what anyone needs right now!

[@laurapotz]

I had a big rant about the Panorama programme on FB. I have just had my autism assessment (privately as I felt I just couldn't stand to wait the however many years the wait now is) and the psychologist discussed with me that I also have many ADHD traits. It's so frustrating to know that even if I follow that up I'm not necessarily going to be able to get the support I need.

[@PsycInColour]

I have my private assessment tommorrow and I’m so scared of the future costs 😣

[@JigmeDatse]

:( Oh fork... Been following that on LinkedIn. And I love your video, but not sure I can watch this right now... I was diagnosed with "attention issues" in 1983 (or there abouts) but really the support was minimal, it didn't really come out until 30 years later when I managed to get records from then, which had information about that, when I was seeking a "public" autism diagnosis.

[@NotAyFox]

I don't know what's the state of diagnostic process here in Croatia, but for adults it's likely worse than in UK. I do know that the usual amphetamine-like ADHD meds are entirely illegal here. There's no diagnosis that would qualify you for Ritalin or a generic substitute. Hope the appointment helps and you get the advice/medication you need.

[@julie_uk_]

Not sure if it's an option for you Ella, but I'm also autistic/ADHD (on same medication) & HRT patches - this combination seems to work (especially HRT for emotions)

[@rdklkje13]

All the best! As you probably know (but others may not) amphetamines are a bit more likely to work for adults (2018 meta analysis). Hope you get a chance to try that and find some that work.

[@user-ye1go6hw9r]

Im torn between feeling really sorry you had this experience and very jealous about all of the options you had, as a disabled US citizen with adhd and autism, as well as many organ congenital defects, i have none of these options unless i quit my job and live in my car and then qualify for government assistance.

[@peachygirl2374]

I was told "youve waited thisnlong for diagnosis you can wait 2 years" 💀💀

[@lunarose9042]

I have been waiting for 5 years. The place got shut down. They didnt tell me. GP put me back on the referral. Tried to go private and got told they aren't taking on more clients. Sigh.

[@Mon-ue4fh]

This gave me anxiety, and discouraged me to get help

[@littlemissmakeup87]

But most people don't have the money to go private, I'm on the wait list for NHS and its s 7 month wait not 4 years so I'm happy even thow 7 months seems ages to

[@amylouisesmith4311]

other than Psychiatry UK and Berkeley Psychiatrists. (One arent taking adult assesments and the other is too expensive for me) Does anyone have any private clinics near london/essex that is affordable?

[@ILLRICARDO]

Adhd is a never ending curse, hearing your story is just made me more depressed with the state thing are in for people with adhd.

[@BILLY-O-1982]

You forgot to mention the 10 hour wait I’m assuming you had for the “crisis” team to arrive. Once I was waiting in A&E for them and a police officer said he’d waited 72 hours for them once.

[@jimwilliams3816]

It occurs to me, Ella...I’ve done no research on this yet, but I recall that by far the most common presentation of ADHD is inattentive, maybe almost 2/3 IIRC. Then combined takes most of the rest, with hyperactive-only being maybe single digits. I am starting to suspect the hyperactive aspect in adults is not given much attention because it’s allegedly rare, and because hyperactivity may almost be viewed as a side effect in kids. But we both know hyperactivity is real and a big deal, and there have to be physiological differences (I think the noradrenaline myself; too little makes contributes to inattentive, too much makes you hyper), and it must have implications for meds. Given that my CNS is definitely going on higher alert a ways into my own med use, I’m going to see if there is any research on this. Since your appointment is coming up, I don’t know if it’s something you want to look into or ask about. “Med choices for combined” is a pretty straightforward question if they have ANY research out there.

[@firstnamelastname9285]

I love your top, it is so pretty.

[@mattng4707]

Im still waiting

[@mikepremhms123]

I am suffering in silence with ADHD tbh because I heard about these waiting lists on the NHS why can't you tell us what private clinic you went to?

[@welcome12ization]

Just playing devil's advocate and please don't take this the wrong way: he did have an NHS assessment first of all that was thorough and confirmed he didn't have ADHD - this was before he visited the bad private clinics that did not assess him properly and charged a lot of money as well as prescribing powerful meds without the proper health checks. The documentary also mentioned how NHS providers are using private clinics to cut waiting lists, and that these clinics are not always thorough either. Moreover, the documentary mentioned the long waiting lists in the NHS and the effect this is having on patient health. I took detailed notes when I watched it. But I agree it could have presented the evidence in a more balanced way because Joe public might get the wrong idea about ADHD.

[@jimwilliams3816]

I can't imagine that if there's money to be made nobody is pulling any fast ones, yes. Fraud is probably the real "oldest profession." I was just having an argument with someone on another channel: their case was that the problem is with irresponsible vloggers promoting ADHD meds. My case was that, as long as the "responsible" health providers kick the can down the road, they create a need for private services that will be of...varying quality. I used a private pay assessor (they did take one form of insurance, just not mine) at the urging of my psychiatrist, who is part of the not-for-profit where I get therapy. It's hard not to wonder if, after paying someone low four figures, they would actually return a negative result were it called for. I think my psych pushed for this because the assessor put some hours into it and did actual testing, whereas with my psych we would have spent a half hour going over the DSM's 18 questions. My response to the meds was the best indication that I am ADHD, but my titration, as with other drugs, has been about as ad hoc as Ella's. I'm glad to hear that some of the systemic deficiencies were discussed. There have been other pieces I've heard about that were complete hatchet jobs. The biggest problem has been that the explosion of mental health issues since COVID have tended to feed an "over diagnosis" narrative. It's not a new issue, alas. I've heard multiple respected ADHD experts note that emotional dysregulation has been a recognized aspect of ADHD for centuries, until it was left out of DSM 2. Russell Barkley has observed that the committee tried to get it back into DSM 5, but was overruled by the higher ups, who didn't want to do anything that would affect "prevalence." He did not speculate further except to note that it was "almost an obsession" with them.

[@NeshaAntoinette]

Thank you for this video. You helped me see so much of me in 2 of your video as of now. I just ran across your channel today and I'm so happy I did. I'm mind blown because you helped me sum up my entire life on what I've been suffering from OMG!! 😢 I'm going to talk to my doctor to assess me hopefully ASAP!! Another question if I may ask 🙏🏼 Can you be disabled or on disability and be a content creator? I guess if your channel is talking about all of your disabilities. How would that be a factor if someone on disability has a pretty good following getting paid by Google 🤔 How would that work I'm wondering. My friend asked me that question and I have no idea. Thank you so much and as of today I'm a New Sub 🎉💃

[@GlitteryPegasus]

Sounds like the UK has its own issues in healthcare. Good luck.

[@mikepremhms123]

Can you tell us some good private places to go for ADHD please in the U.K.

[@karanraiuk]

Hi Ella, which two private clinics did you go to?

[@Catlily5]

I hope you get the help you need. It sounds complicated. That documentary sounds very flawed.

[@User-qn1gs1ig4q62]

I've had an NHS autism diagnosis and am now wondering if I have adhd as well but I've been really put off looking into this further due to the NHS wait times and my uncertainty I don't have any savings so the idea of paying for an assessment is making it impossible but also if they then say I don't have adhd then I've gone through all of that for nothing has anyone got any advice for what I should do I don't want anyone to think I'm chasing labels

[@veilmontTV]

I waited three weeks for a VA appointment in America. I spent ten minutes with the gut and pretty muc tells me to fuck off. Now i gotta wait a month for a second appointment with a second phyciatrist who isnt biased against ADHD. My general practitioner gave my twin brother and i a low dose extended release Adderall and its changed our lives. Getting an official diagnosis sounds like its gonna be a bitch

[@jophillipsillustration]

🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@zionderszio5513]

ADHD and autism never goes along. Please clear my confusion

[@hollybrookes7947]

YAKS ❤

[@lifeasrobyn4431]

all the things you said he didn't mention he did? and also he didn't lie about his symptoms, he said he answered truthfully, though the private clinics diagnosed him with ADHD in like 40 minutes without taking a full psychiatric history. an NHS doctor did a full and proper assessment of him and found his symptoms were not ADHD, but the result of other psychological traumas from in his lifetime. the programme was about private clinics taking advantage of vulnerable people who can't afford to wait several years on the NHS, they have no choice but to pay for a improper assessment, not about people seeking diagnoses for things the don't have.

[@Laurosim]

I thought he did go to an NHS appt and they did a three hour assessment and he was told he didn’t have adhd?

[@Laurosim]

@Michael Portillo Homunculi because it goes on your nhs file you’ve been tested for adhd and that you don’t have it so you won’t get tested again not without the long wait in between.

[@alicemlovegrove]

He told the NHS he was doing an investigation, so he got special treatment.

[@Laurosim]

@@alicemlovegrove yeah I thought he did go through nhs as well, they told him he didn’t have it right?

[@alicemlovegrove]

@@Laurosim they did, but he didn't go through the normal route, he went through as a journalist. With an agenda.

[@alicemlovegrove]

@@Laurosim by which I mean, he told the truth to the NHS but lied to the private providers.

[@kkuudandere]

what a mess😵‍💫 what's the point of the Panorama documentary if it sounds like the public system has the same downfalls as the private one, and then some 😅

[@mattng4707]

How much you pay

[@alicemlovegrove]

It's so disheartening to hear this. (I'm waiting for titration at the moment.) It just should not take the amount of effort that you and your partner have gone to in order to get things sorted; there are so many people who don't have the ability or knowledge to self-advocate or have someone to advocate for them, who will remain stuck.

[@harleequinnezl5032]

i saw nothing wrong with the documentary? all three clinics diagnosed him with ADHD in about 40 minutes and prescribed ritalin. that is nonsensical!

[@BILLY-O-1982]

Mental health services👎👎 and they are asking for pay rises during an inflationary crisis to boot 👎👎👎