Help With ADULT ADHD DIAGNOSIS

christine.pearce25

Wondering if anyone can offer help/guidance on getting a fast diagnosis. I am 46 years old with 2 sons, and all 3 of us are ADHD/Aspie. My sons are on the correct medication, and it has worked miracles. Because I was not diagnosed as a child, I have been passed from pillar throughout the Mental Health Team. I have finally been told to go to the GP to request an appointment with ADULT ADHD specialists in London. I have heard that this can take 6 months. I cannot wait this long. All the medications I am on, which are many, are not addressing the ADHD. My depression and anxiety is extremely high, causing agrophobia, ocd, body mis-morphia, negative thinking, low self esteem, self damaging...the list is endless. Now, my marriage is ending. We are separated to give each other time to think - Anyone with ADHD will know, thinking is almost impossible!! I am impulsive, I dont do thinking!! I need a diagnosis as of yesterday so I can receive medication, that could be life saving! I will of course put myself on the waiting list. I have no money - when we separated this week, I found out, our emergency savings pot had been slowly eaten into by my husband and is now empty and I have no back up money! From what I have googled, for a private diagnosis I am looking at a cost of £500. Can anyone point me in the direction of someone cheaper? I cannot get a loan, as with being single with 2 disability sons, it is not an option I would like or think I am able to take. I cannot take full time work, as I am my sons' carer. Are there any carers' charities or any other charities that would hold a fund for such things? Any thoughts, ideas etc....are really welcome. thank you xx

Brianite

Hi Christine;

I've no quick answer to your problem, I'm afraid. Yes, the NHS is slow and patchy, and private is expensive.

You might get some advice from the AADD-UK forum, or at least a sympathetic ear.

It seems I am not allowed to give a link. Try google for "The site for and by adults with ADHD".


There is also a list of specialists on the main AADD-UK site - you might find someone you can work with (I'm not sure of your location). £400-600 for a private diagnostic assessment seems common though, and then there's costs of treatment...

If you have any private health insurance, they may pay for the assessment (though usually not treatment).

Since this is currently manifesting as a relationship problem, maybe Relate might be helpful?

I'm a fellow sufferer, btw, diagnosed in my 50's last year. I do use the forum I mentioned above (as Prunesquallor). Much of the discussion is about negotiating the NHS hoops. I won't pretend this is easy, but at least we may find ways through as sufferers together. Though I'm still doing this privately as my local NHS is not exactly "joined up" on ADHD.

Wish you well.