Episode 16: ADHD Diagnosis Crisis

Explicit content warning

08/16/22 • 60 min

Undiagnosed ADHDers can’t cope. The NHS can’t cope. And we can’t cope with constantly hearing from listeners just how broken the ADHD (in particular the adult ADHD) diagnostic system is!
We haven’t started this podcast to get internet points, we’ve done it to help others like us.
We get multiple messages daily telling us our ramblings are helping people feel validated and less alone in their suffering, which is incredible! BUT, what we really want is to help (even in a tiny way) to influence systemic change, so that ADHDers that need/want to access medical diagnosis/treatment don’t have to suffer like they are!
This very emotional episode, in which we share just a handful of the countless experiences we get sent, our @adhdasfemales Instagram story poll results, followers suggestions for how to change the broken system, and our own, is fuelled by rage at the injustice of how many undiagnosed adult ADHDers are being treated by medical professionals.
It’s not all ranting and feet stomping though, we promise! This isn’t about pointing the finger, it’s about potential problem solving.. and there is some joy in it too.
ADHDers need help, the NHS needs help, CHANGE IS URGENTLY NEEDED.
We need to come together and understand this crisis from both sides and start a new system to save lives!
*Trigger Warning*
Alongside swearing, this episode contains topics such as medical negligence, false accusations of abuse, body shaming, ADHD denying, severe mental health struggle and suicide.

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Previous Episode

Episode15: Helen Anderson

We are so grateful to Helen Anderson for joining us on the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster, and so excited to share this insightful and hilarious interview with an absolute powerhouse!
Helen humbly introduces herself as an ‘Internet Person’ (ADHDers tend to self deprecate)
Helen is in fact an internet sensation!
She has an ENORMOUS online following of her YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/helenmelonlady which she began vlogging on a decade ago.
Her straight- talking, no BS attitude, body positivity, hilarious reels and rock n roll style have gained her an equally gargantuan following on Instagram: @helenanderz
Helen has also created an online shop: @sweetsweethoneydew for ‘Rock n Rollin’ self lovers and loathers’.
To top it all off, she is the lead singer of the band: @sunny.bones - their new EP, ‘This Hell Called Home’ is out now!
It’s hard to imagine that a woman this driven could suffer with RSD, task paralysis, low self esteem and the other struggles that hold so many ADHDers back... but don’t believe everything you see, or rather perceive on social media...
Helen Anderson is ADHD AF!
Very recently diagnosed at the age of 31.
Massive thank you to the absolute legend that is Helen for sharing her struggles and experiences, that so many will relate to (us included!) and for the pearls which we will treasure.
Enjoy!
*Trigger warning* as ever this episode contains strong language.
We discuss some sensitive topics such as depression, anxiety, unsympathetic strangers (ie internet trolls) family and romantic relationship struggles, and low self esteem.
We also voice some potentially controversial opinions. Please note, that we are not experts or medical professionals, just three women who battled through life with undiagnosed brain disorders, desperately hoping to influence change to save others from suffering for as long as we have.

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Next Episode

Episode 17: ADHD NHS Shared Care DENIED: Nicole Nadler

Imagine getting a private diagnosis after hearing the lengthy wait for an NHS ADHD assessment, only to then have said diagnosis denied by the NHS!

That’s exactly what happened to our next guest earlier this year... New Yorker, Nicole followed her heart to Edinburgh, Scotland, where she lives with her Scottish husband and works as a writer. She’s currently reviewing acts performing in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

ADHD Shared Care, in a nutshell: is where a specialist (ie a private Psychiatrist) shares responsibilities with a General Practitioner (GP) in the treatment of the patient. Including: management of prescription, monitoring progress, tests - such as ECG, communication of dose changes during titration, etc.

Despite many ADHDers in desperate need of treatment being advised by the NHS to go private if they can afford to due to the wait; Nicole was told that her shared care was rejected BECAUSE she wasn’t diagnosed by the NHS!
Nicole is a UK resident who has a brain disorder that is considered a disability in the UK.
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!

Despite sharing her story with BBC Scotland, Nicole’s case has not been reviewed.

Like many, Nicole has to pay for her medication, and feels so dismissed by the NHS, that she doesn’t have the energy to keep fighting to be heard to access the treatment she needs and is entitled to. Fortunately, Nicole is privileged enough to be able to pay for her medication, unlike many already struggling to survive the cost of living crisis(!) forced to choose between medication that enables them to function and basic living costs.

Despite her diagnosis ordeal, Nicole’s tale is a positive one...
‘Having ADHD is the worst thing that ever happened to me. Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the best thing that ever happened to me!’ - Nicole Nadler

After a lifetime of self loathing, battling depression, feelings of ineptitude and despair, Nicole has found acceptance, is thriving and making up for lost time! GO ON NICOLE!

We LOVE this proper blether of an episode! There’s so much to take away from it, from validation to inspiration... ENJOY!

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains strong language, and sensitive topics which some may find distressing. Including; grief, severe mental health struggles and suicide

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