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> Get checked and officially diagnosed. That can be a surprisingly difficult process. For example the NHS isn't entirely sure how to diagnose ADHD in adults.

> Get checked and officially diagnosed. That can be a surprisingly difficult process. For example the NHS isn't entirely sure how to diagnose ADHD in adults. My GP didn't even know it was possible, and had to go and make phone calls to find out where the nearest specialist was. Unfortunately if your answer to "Did you get bad grades at school?" is "Not really" then hard luck, as they want evidence of underachievement as a kid to confirm the diagnosis. And there really is no way to complain your above average grades were underachievement without sounding like a dick. It wasn't until I was in the final stage of my degree that somebody noticed that I had problems, and luckily the University helped me get a private diagnosis for some of my issues.

geoelectric 11y ago
There are standard batteries of tests now. I'd be surprised if they were completely unknown. The need for evidence back into childhood does probably remain, but I think most pros who understand ADHD know that grades are only one possible indicator. That's especially true for gifted people (guessing from your "sounding like a dick" sentence), where "twice exceptionality" can be tough to recognize due to smarter people being able to find better coping mechanisms. That particular issue is not unique to ADHD, comes up with dyslexia and other learning difficulties too.
- votingprawn 11y ago
  Admittedly my last interaction with the NHS was three years ago, but the GP had to go away and research what to do. I have no problem with that, they can't be expected to know everything offhand! The human mind is a complex thing. My own hangups make it difficult as I find the whole thing hard to talk about. I have no reason to complain in the grand scheme of things, "Some people have real problems!"
DanBC 11y ago
I agree that getting an assessment for ADHD in the NHS is frustrating and too hit or miss. NICE is aware of that, and they're pretty clear about what should happen. For anyone living in England: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72

geoelectric 11y ago

There are standard batteries of tests now. I'd be surprised if they were completely unknown. The need for evidence back into childhood does probably remain, but I think most pros who understand ADHD know that grades are only one possible indicator. That's especially true for gifted people (guessing from your "sounding like a dick" sentence), where "twice exceptionality" can be tough to recognize due to smarter people being able to find better coping mechanisms. That particular issue is not unique to ADHD, comes up with dyslexia and other learning difficulties too.

votingprawn 11y ago
Admittedly my last interaction with the NHS was three years ago, but the GP had to go away and research what to do. I have no problem with that, they can't be expected to know everything offhand! The human mind is a complex thing. My own hangups make it difficult as I find the whole thing hard to talk about. I have no reason to complain in the grand scheme of things, "Some people have real problems!"

DanBC 11y ago

I agree that getting an assessment for ADHD in the NHS is frustrating and too hit or miss. NICE is aware of that, and they're pretty clear about what should happen. For anyone living in England: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72