AaaaahBlaaaaahContributor
CPTSP/BPD or undiagnosed ADHD?
Hello, I’m brand new to SANE and this forum, this being my first ever post.
i apologise if this subject has been covered already in previous discussions. While I did have a light dive into previous posts, it was all a bit too much and right now I’m quite in need of connecting with peers on this matter.
I want to start by saying, I have worked in MH and disabilty for decades, I am very well informed and have excellent insight into my well-being. I’ve participated in 20+ years of therapy and was prescribed SSRIs for 10 years which did not stop my having depressive episodes, but did make me numb, obese and led to other health issues. SSRIs damaged my physical health and self esteem, which is quite depressing!
I’ve recently been on a convoluted journey to seek an ADHD assessment with a clinical psychiatrist. That journey has been Re-traumatising. Long waits, last minute cancellations by providers, feeling coerced, gaslight, haemorrhaging money, my preference for female clinician being steamrolled…
Finally I had an appt with a male clinical psychiatrist, who accepted the ADHD assessment referral. I was experiencing heightened emotions on the day due being forced to change clinicians at the last minute, (the same clinic had also cancelled the psychology appt scheduled for the following week) and I was very emotional during the session. The clinician led the discussion by asking questions. I don’t believe my answers were completely accurate or just a reflection of my state in that moment. After 20 minutes, the clinician put up his hand, said, “I’m going to cut you off there, I think you have CPTSP and BPD.”
Excuse me?! What about the ADHD assessment that I’m here for?! He went on to inform me that would be done by one of their psychologists, for $2-3000 100% put of pocket and then if I needed actual treatment I’d go back to him at $500/session.
i had not even had the opportunity to discuss ADHD traits, his questions all being related to past traumas etc.
I feel gaslight and I refuse to accept these “diagnoses” until I’ve had the opportunity to have the ADHD assessment I have requested. Quite frankly the “diagnoses” feel like a cop out. “Every one and their dog thinks they have ADHD these days…” That’s right, and a vast majority of them are women. BPD was added to the DSM the same year Hysteria was removed from the DSM. Coincidence?
yes there’s been trauma, but is that a result of undiagnosed ADHD, dopamine seeking behaviours and cycles of burnt out from the exertion of masking and over compensating?
As a consumer, I should be able to access the service I request, to be the one driving this journey, and at least given the opportunity to be heard.
Are there any other women out there who have experienced / are experiencing similar? I’m keen to connect with you.
