FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Social space

ADHD

InsensateNew Contributor

ADHD

Hi Everyone, new here. I am wanting to know how ADHD is diagnosed and where to start.

I have been urged by colleagues and Friends to get treatment and I believe the medication for ADHD may be of help to me as the other techniques I have tried are no longer working sufficiently for me to continue with quality of life. I thought I was managing ok with self medicating and masking the symptoms but the last of 6mths of extreme stress have blown up my symptoms and now I'm physically sick, self harming, medicating and just wanting to be done with life. I have repeatedly talked to my GP about it however my medical support are too immersed in my pain management. My pain support specialist has said to my GP that I'm spiralling and need help with ADHD so maybe help is coming but then it's been coming for a long time.

So where do I start, who do I make enquiries with, do I need to go through my GP or can I independently seek help? Any advice and I would be extremely grateful.

2 replies

1 - 2 of 2
1

In response to: ADHD

AinjouleSenior Contributor

Re: ADHD

Hey @Insensate

Welcome. To be diagnosed and medicated for ADHD you would likely need to see a psychiatrist, at least initially. To see a psychiatrist you do need to go through your GP for a referral. To make things slightly more confusing only some psychiatrists treat ADHD. Your GP may know of a psychiatrist that treats ADHD, but it's also possible that they don't. When I wanted to be assessed for ADHD I found a psychiatrist that treated ADHD and then I took that name back to my GP to write a referral. I cold called psychiatrists till I found one that treated ADHD to be honest. Initial appointments to these psychiatrists can be expensive, but worthwhile if it helps. And welcome to the forums.

In response to: ADHD

GlistenSenior Contributor

Re: ADHD

@Insensate I don’t know what State you are in.

Generally you need a referral from your GP to a Psychiatrist.

Why can’t your Pain Specialist refer you to a psychiatrist?

You can also contact ADHD Australia for more information https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/

G

1 - 2 of 2
1

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.