Concerned about psych appointment for ADHD

bluefox

So I have been struggling mentally for two years now but it goes further than that. Obviously I applied for ESA and I was awarded based on completing personal actions (which is still the case)

Anyway, when I went to see a psychiatrist for ADHD, he diagnosed me but also dismissed all of my other problems in my letter he wrote to my GP. Saying I’ve denied anhedonia, which is loss of pleasure in old activities and social withdrawal. 

But here’s the thing I used to play football and haven’t been to football for 18 months, and my football team have a group so I have proof of that. 

I do worry about how his letter impacts my claim because he says I’ve denied poor energy levels and persistent low mood but I never did that!!! You’d think the letter was a complete lie. Even my GP knows what I think about it. My partner is so annoyed because he’s having to help me with my moods. 

Letter does mention self harming in the last month and chronic suicidal thoughts though. Unfortunately the psychiatrist is on a power trip currently and I have explained to him that I disagree with those 3 things and I know my difficulties but he’s refusing to budge. Very poor if you ask me. 

Should I be worried?

poppy123456

You will alway have different medical professionals that have a different opinion on our conditions. I've never seen anyone that has the same opinion. It won't affect anything because you've already been found to have LCWRA and it's very unlikely you'll be reviewed anytime soon.

bluefox

poppy123456 said:

You will alway have different medical professionals that have a different opinion on our conditions. I've never seen anyone that has the same opinion. It won't affect anything because you've already been found to have LCWRA and it's very unlikely you'll be reviewed anytime soon.

I totally and utterly disagree with him on some things. If I’m self harming and having chronic suicidal thoughts and this is impacting on how I look after myself and causing withdrawal. Why on Earth would that NOT be depression/anxiety with ADHD. 

I’m astonished and so too are my Mum, my partner and my two friends. That’s as small as my circle is right now. 

L_Volunteer

I hear you @bluefox. You have every right to disagree.

Would you feel comfortable raising the points you disagree with him though? Just wondering what might help you the best.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you. 

It is really positive to hear you also have the support of your mum, partner and two friends. Quality over quantity!

Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon. You don't have to face this, or anything else, alone if you don't want to 

Fairyfoxglove

@bluefox Hi. Do you mind telling me how you got to see a psychiatrist? I have been told by MH nurse I have an EUPD . GP referred me to access team.to have official diagnosis by psychiatrist but they've revised my referral. Having an utter stressful nightmare with it

bluefox

Fairyfoxglove said:

@bluefox Hi. Do you mind telling me how you got to see a psychiatrist? I have been told by MH nurse I have an EUPD . GP referred me to access team.to have official diagnosis by psychiatrist but they've revised my referral. Having an utter stressful nightmare with it

Hi @Fairyfoxglove

I was sent to a psychiatrist because my GP suspected I have ADHD and Autism. 

Some GP’s are great when it comes to mental health problems and others not so good in my experience. 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @bluefox How are you today?

I'm sorry your experience with the psychiatrist wasn't a positive one. Sometimes appointment outcomes can be baffling and not a reflection of our own reality, it's very frustrating. However, concentrating on your benefits, as advised by Poppy - it is likely not to be impactful.

Your low mood and self harm are things I know you have previously shared with us on the community, are you managing those okay right now? It's great you have your partner, friends and mum for support, but please do let us know if you are actively struggling. 

Whilst for yourself, or anyone reading who may be struggling with self harm and/or suicidal thoughts at this time, remember that the following organisations are there for you:

• Samaritans: call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org 

• SHOUT: text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to a volunteer over text 

• CALM: call 0800 58 58 58, or use their live web chat, between 5pm and 12am 

• Importantly, you should always call 999 or visit A&E in the case of an emergency, if you're feeling suicidal.  

• The NHS have a page about self-harm that you might find helpful to read. 

Take care and I hope you have a nice Boxing Day. 

bluefox

Hello

Yes still struggling and now medicated with Prozac. Also awaiting a mental health coach now. 

My psychiatrist did accept the difficulties I’m having and said depression and anxiety disorders are often comorbid with ADHD.

He also referred me to a psychiatric liaison nurse who assessed me and it turns out I also have OCD too. 

All of these things are part of the puzzle and I’ve also had an assessment with an autism specialist and she has sent my forms as she believes I also have autism. 

Thank you

L_Volunteer

Hello @bluefox. Great to hear from you, as always. I am hearing you are having a difficult time though. How are you finding being medicated with Prozac at the moment?

It sounds really positive that your psychiatrist accepted the difficulties you are having, recognised that they are also often comorbid with ADHD and referred you to a psychiatric liaison nurse.

Hopefully, you will receive an appointment with a mental health coach soon. How are you feeling about the mental health coaching and being diagnosed with OCD? I am hoping this combined with an autism assessment will help to provide you with some answers and support. 

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you need any support with any of this – I recognise it is quite a lot to deal with all at once. Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon