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Confused about my Diagnosis

Rhjnsgcskdl

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, autism, and ADHD in my home country before moving to the UK.

The diagnoses came after several months of weekly consultations with a psychiatrist. However, only the bipolar diagnosis was disclosed to me at the time. I only found out later—through an official letter the psychiatrist had sent to the NHS—that he had also diagnosed me with autism and ADHD.

I was only treated for bipolar, and the medication caused some pretty bad side effects.

My GP here told me I could stop the medication, saying my issues seemed more like emotional dysregulation than a mood disorder.


Since stopping medication, I’ve been unmedicated, but I still have intense meltdowns, especially when I’m physically stressed (e.g., sleep deprivation, skipped meals, overexertion at the gym).

My GP is skeptical about my original diagnoses. He said mental health labels are rarely clear-cut, unlike physical conditions, and that it’s impossible to truly know the cause of my symptoms.

He suggested therapy and recommended I avoid overexerting myself physically as a way to manage the meltdowns.

It was my partner who strongly encouraged me to research autism further, as he noticed I showed many traits. Since then, I’ve found online resources and tools life-changing—they’ve helped me make sense of so much about myself.

But I also feel conflicted. My views now don’t line up with my GP’s, and I’m scared that I’m just “internet surfing” and self-diagnosing based on traits I happen to relate to. I’ve read that self-diagnosis can be valid, but I also worry (given my mental health history) if it’s really safe for me to rely on that alone.

I’d really like a formal autism assessment, but I can’t afford a private one. What’s especially confusing is that I’m already officially registered with the NHS as having bipolar, autism, and ADHD, yet I haven’t received any support for autism or ADHD.


Right now, I feel stuck and aimless, and not sure how to move forward.

I’d really appreciate to know if anyone has been through something similar or has advice!

Parents

  • If your NHS record states you have a diagnosis for autism, ADHD and bipolar, you'll not normally be permitted to pursue another assessment from the NHS.    

    Just because the procedures may vary from country to country, it doesn't make the conclusion any less valid - and it seems you may be questioning the validity of the original diagnosis because you were not aware of it.  This however doesn't make it the responsibility of the NHS to ensure everything is in order by putting you through (possibly) another three assessments. 

    You are of course free to pursue as many free private assessments as you like.

    In terms of support, there is little available for anyone post-diagnosis of ASD - so if you are suggesting or thinking this may be due to the fact you were diagnosed abroad - rest assured it isn't.  

    https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory

    the directory above lists services above that you may find useful in your area.  You could also speak to your GP about social prescribing, which is the idea of matching people with activities and interests in their area that may be of general benefit - or look locally for volunteer-led support for ASD groups.  

  • in reply to overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U )

    Thank you so much for your response! I didn’t realise that already having a diagnosis could block me from being reassessed. That makes a lot of sense now.

    I’m really grateful for the resource you shared about autism services and the idea of social prescribing. I was feeling quite lost as to where to start, so it's reassuring to know that the lack of support isn’t just because of where I was diagnosed. Thank you again for all the helpful information!

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  • in reply to overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U )

    Thank you so much for your response! I didn’t realise that already having a diagnosis could block me from being reassessed. That makes a lot of sense now.

    I’m really grateful for the resource you shared about autism services and the idea of social prescribing. I was feeling quite lost as to where to start, so it's reassuring to know that the lack of support isn’t just because of where I was diagnosed. Thank you again for all the helpful information!

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