DLA and change of circumstances

jr1985

I initially applied for DLA based on having Aspergers, depression and anxiety. However, I was diagnosed with ADHD in March and was started on medication.

The medication seemed to help initially, but the effect soon wore off and was causing rebound (symptoms come back worse after meds wear off). I've been started on a different medication, but the effect has been erratic so far - whether I have any benefit, the duration of effect, rebound, etc all varies and it can even make me worse.

I've been in contact with specialist psychiatrist via phone and email, as I live in N.Ireland and specialist is in England. We're still trying to get the medication sorted, but my GP won't prescribe a certain type (psych can't post prescriptions), which may help, so I've been referred to a psychiatrist in N.Ireland, who may prescribe it. But this could take up to 6 months before I actually see them.

So I thought I should wait until I'm stabilized on the medication and certain that it is benefitting me, before informing DLA? Otherwise I could be ringing them one day saying it helps, then the next saying oops, not helping anymore, etc. Problem is, it could take so long that I'm afraid they'll say I should have told them as soon as I was diagnosed.

I'm really worried that they'll stop my DLA all together, especially after the effort involved in getting it in the first place! I mean, even if the medication helps, it only helps certain areas (concentration, alertness, etc), but not others. It also isn't cure, so I still need help in the areas that it does benefit.

MrsManda

I phoned them a few months ago because I felt that I was improving and starting to do more for myself and like you I didn't want to get in trouble. The advisor said that they'd make a note on my record that I'd called but that I should leave it a few months of feeling improved before asking for a reassessment/cancellation of the benefit. I got the same response from ESA as well. Rather glad that they made that suggestion as I've slid backwards again.

It may be worth just giving DLA a ring and saying that you are having your medication altered as the docs are having difficulty finding a suitable medication/dosage for you and that you're being referred to a new psychiatrist. Then you don't worry that you're going to get into trouble for not telling them but it shouldn't affect your benefit.