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I have my ADHD assessment appointment!

Enduring_Rogue

I can't believe it! I have my assessment on the 14th of April after only 6 months with Right to Choose.

I know this makes me lucky...makes up for the previous 52 years though.

It will be virtual, not sure what to expect, can anyone enlighten me on the actual assessment?

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Rosie_Scope

Glad you've got an appointment through @Enduring_Rogue, the waiting times can be so long at the moment! I'm afraid I don't have any experience of the assessment so I hope some of our other members can share their experiences, but I just wanted to wish you luck for your appointment. Hope it goes well!

EdEdEddie

Congratulations! I'm so glad its been a fairly quick process, I hope it all goes okay for you!

This is all just from my own experience and the assessor I had. I had my assessment 2 weeks ago and it was a video assessment, I was extremely anxious but the assessor was so lovely, very understanding and calm. When you're in the call, try to unmask as much as possible, be yourself, if you need to fidget or move around, absolutely do it, it will only help your case. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask them to repeat themselves, I forget a question half way through it being asked so I had to ask her to repeat or rephrase questions a lot. You can also ask for breaks and turn off your camera if you need a moment.

I've heard different things from others as it really depends on your circumstances and what you've been through, but prepare yourself for hard questions. I was asked a couple of super personal questions but you don't have to answer anything you're uncomfortable with and take as much time as you need, there's absolutely no pressure to answer in a specific time.

Dependant on how detailed your forms were you may not get a diagnosis on the call (just to prepare yourself in case you're expecting a yes or no), but they will diagnose on the call if they're certain. If you do get a diagnosis and they recommend you have medication for it, its likely they will prescribe you something on the day unless you have other medications or conditions that may affect it, in that case they will speak to your gp or medical professional to figure out what will work best for you.

I will suggest to make sure you don't have plans after it or leave at least 2 hours after it starts, as mine was 2 hours and 30 minutes but the appointment was booked for 1 hour and 30 minutes. She told me they give that as a rough estimate but they may run over.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions I am happy to help :)

Enduring_Rogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013805#Comment_1013805

Thanks so much @EdEdEddie for your advice. I am having counselling at the moment too, so I am used to being painfully honest about things! There's no point to it otherwise right?! I appreciate you letting me know what actually happens during the assessment and possible outcomes.

I have to have my BP, pulse, weight and ID ready for the appointment. Got my BP checked at Boots (over 40 free health check) so I am prepared.

I am planning on listing my difficulties, so I have examples to refer to, in case I get overwhelmed on the day. My mind races with too many thoughts sometimes so, unless I interrupt, I lose my train of thought.

I am really hoping I get a diagnosis and medication prescribed on the day as I have been really struggling.

Unmasking is a difficult thing for me to do, been doing it for decades, to the point I am not sure who the real me is now 🙄

Thanks again x

Albus_Alumni

Blimey that's a really good turn around there @Enduring_Rogue I went right to choose, but about to enter my 2nd year of waiting for my ADHD assessment.

I found having a load of notes written down (In bullet points of course) really helped during my ASD assessment, as I got a tad flustered trying to explain things. I also tried to just be myself, but as a fellow 40+ year old, it's very tricky to unmask when you have been doing it for so long, that you don't really realise you're masking. If that makes sense? So I'll say just be yourself. 😊

I'll be keeping everything crossed for you and I hope it goes smoothly. Please let us know how you get on. 😁

Enduring_Rogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013823#Comment_1013823

Hi @Albus_Scope

Yes, I realise I am very lucky getting an assessment so quickly! I appreciate your advice.

I will definitely be sharing the outcome.

EdEdEddie

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013813#Comment_1013813

No problem at all! I'm so glad you're getting counselling, I know how tough it can be but go you for actively trying to help yourself!

Amazing that you're prepared! Depending on your health they may send you a BP monitor to keep track especially if they prescribe you medication. (This obviously depends on your provider too, I was with ADHD360). Also good on you for going to boots! I had to do the same thing but it took me over a month to finally go.

Having notes is a great idea, however I wouldn't put huge amounts of effort into it as I didn't need my notes at all but I did have my partner to help prompt answers when I needed it, so if you will be alone and feel more comfortable having notes to refer to then absolutely do it, whatever works best for you. When I had my autism assessment my notes were necessary but with ADHD I didn't even look at them.

When it comes to losing your train of thought, they are ADHD professionals who understand that our brains are wired differently, so conversations trailing into a completely new one is normal for them. During my meeting I kept going on tangents about completely irrelevant topics but the assessor was very understanding and repeated questions when needed. So try not to worry too much about that, for me if felt like a casual conversation rather than an interrogation.

I really hope you get the diagnosis, my fingers and toes will be crossed for you!

It is very rare for them to book you an assessment unless they see traits of ADHD in the forms you submitted, I can't remember the exact statistics but around 80% of people that got assessed for ADHD got a diagnosis during or after the assessment. So I hope this helps your brain a little bit during this waiting period!

I can't begin to imagine how difficult it has been masking for your entire life, I know from my own experience that figuring out who you are behind the mask is emotionally and physically draining but I'm extremely lucky to have grown up in a generation that is more accepting of autism (I'm 27) and to have more organisations and resources on hand.

From a stranger, I'm really proud of you for fighting for a diagnosis and the work you're putting in to help understand yourself, its really inspiring! I really hope you get your diagnosis and the support you deserve :)

Enduring_Rogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1014141#Comment_1014141

Morning @EdEdEddie

You made me all emotional! So kind of you 🥰🥰

Enduring_Rogue

Update: I have been diagnosed with combined ADHD!! Such a relief.

The assessment took 1hr 45 mins. I have been advised on medication and just awaiting my prescription. A follow up call in 4 weeks to see how I am getting on. All done. I am so very, very lucky to have got my assessment done so quickly. Getting diagnosed at nearly 53 may seem pointless to some people, but it validates and explains the lifelong struggles I have had. I am not broken, there is nothing "wrong" with me, I am just different!

Thanks for your support @EdEdEddie @Albus_Scope & @Rosie_Scope

Mary_Scope

Hi @Enduring_Rogue

Thank you for the update, getting diagnosed can definitely feel so incredibly validating!

Enduring_Rogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1017052#Comment_1017052

Hi @Catherine21

Yes I went through GP and right to choose with Harrow Health as doctor said they had the shortest wait list.

Just waiting for my medication prescription now.

durhamjaide2001

how did your assessment go would love to hear some updates

Enduring_Rogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1017186#Comment_1017186

Hi @durhamjaide2001

I got my diagnosis, confirmed what I thought. It was a virtual video assessment and the lady asking me the questions was lovely. It did feel quite intense and I got upset at one point when talking about how my self esteem had been affected, how I have had 26 different jobs, broken relationships, no friends (I can make friends, just don't seem to maintain them)!

There is something about talking about yourself out loud and at length that makes you feel strange. Reviewing difficulties from childhood (bearing in mind I am nearly 53) was hard. It has made me think about how different my life could have been, underachievement , lost potential. Definitely an element of grief today. I will be talking about it in my weekly counselling session tomorrow.

I also believe I am high functioning autistic, but that's a separate diagnosis apparently, so on the back burner for now.

I got my prescription and will be picking up medication today (if my pharmacy has any in stock) and will give updates on how that goes.

Rosie_Scope

Glad you got your diagnosis @Enduring_Rogue!

Getting diagnosed late isn't pointless at all. I know a few people late diagnosed with ADHD or Autism who have found it so useful to understand themselves and what's happened to them through out their lives. It's a big adjustment, and I totally understand the idea of grieving what might have been too. Lots of mixed feelings, I'm sure! I hope you're doing okay and your counselling session is helpful to talk it all through 😊

EdEdEddie

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1016941#Comment_1016941

Congratulations! I'm so glad you got your diagnosis! I hope the meds will help and I also hope this gives you some clarity and a deeper understanding of yourself. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions you need to, they are all valid! You are different and that is a huge thing to celebrate!!!

Sending positive thoughts your way!

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