I have been on a waiting list for 4 years. Eventually got an appointment and the results which say I do not have adhd because I have childhood trauma and that “fits better”. They also said because I have BPD they are the things that look like adhd. Firstly, I dont have BPD. There is a mistake on my health records which for some reason cannot be removed. So they took that and ran with it. I did get sent for a BPD assessment but was told I had traits only which were more likely to be adhd (!) So I was upset (ive carried around this feeling of being different for 50 plus years) She told me I could “self identify” as neurodivergent to join the adhd support group which would help! So of course I said no, if I dont have adhd id be a fraud going there. Plus, why would they think it would help me if they think I dont have adhd?! I kept asking more and more questions but she just kept saying its childhood trauma and your symptoms weren’t pervasive enough. I masked like mad and knew how I should behave when little so kept it all in. But as I have a successful marriage I cant possibly have adhd she said. Its laughable but is causing me so much anxiety because now all I have left is “ah! So I am lazy and stupid then!” Im not allowed a second opinion so where do I go from here? I dont feel they did a proper assessment as from the beginning they were focused on my apparent BPD and early childhood trauma (which ive successfully completed 3 years therapy for) Where do I go from here? They’ve stopped answering my emails and have refused to provide the copies of all clinical notes, rating scales, and the formal diagnostic report as ive been told I’m entitled to.
This sounds super frustrating, I’m really sorry your going through this. Iv been in a similar situation. Without medical knowledge I wouldn’t want to comment on the decision of the professionals. But I do think you should be entitled to the reports as well as a second opinion. I would recommend going along to one of Henries drop in advice clinics one friday
I also want to add: Never feel like a fraud for being on an ADHD support group. There are so many people in our groups who self identify. Its often those who self identify who are in most need of support
Thank you J, thats very kind of you to reply and very helpful. Ill check out that group.