Does it make sense to get an ADHD diagnosis if I already have an ASD diagnosis?

First off I am in England in the UK, so that's the medical system I would probably be using.

I've had significant issues with executive function throughout my life, but especially in the last two years of my integrated masters degree. This includes organization, as well as staying focused. I've had issues with losing things, multitasking, procrastinating, racing thoughts, and other issues in the other areas of life as well. I am thinking of going back to do a PhD or starting my first full time job, and am worried that I will really struggle this time.

I got a diagnosis of Asperger's before you could officially have a dual diagnosis under the DSM. So even though some of initial paperwork said I had significant evidence of ADHD, I couldn't actually be diagnosed with both so I guess Asperger's took precedence. This all happened when I was like 4 or 5 years old.

I am thinking medications or maybe therapy might be helpful, but I don't know if I need the second diagnosis to get those. From what I understand the NHS (UK public health system) has long wait times, and going private might be expensive. Additionally going to a psychologist, and talking about stuff with my family seems scary.

Additionally I have issues with sleeping and waking that probably won't help get all of this organized, and I probably need to get this addressed too. I understand that both ASD and ADHD can cause sleep issues, so maybe getting treatment for those would help.

Sorry for the long post. I hope this is also the right community for this as I wasn't sure where to post this.

Edit: I also have hyperfixation/hyperfocus/special interests out the waazoo, but I didn't know if this was relevant as that's also a part of having autism.

clockwork_octopus ,

I mean, they’re two different things, so I would think a separate diagnosis wouldn’t hurt.

On a side note, my therapist told me that she has never met or worked with a single ASD patient who wasn’t also ADHD, so take from that what you will.

Gormadt ,
@Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

Getting the diagnosis could open up treatment options for ADHD that could make dealing with other aspects of life easier overall

Routhinator ,
@Routhinator@startrek.website avatar

This. ADHD can be medicated and trust me, its easier to deal with less of your symptoms than trying to live with them all at once.

doo ,
@doo@sh.itjust.works avatar

I have both and I think it's better to know, independent of the outcome.

areyouevenreal OP ,

Yeah this makes a fair bit of sense. At least then it would be less confusing and I wouldn't have to worry about it quite so much.

How difficult is it to get diagnosed as an adult though? Since the last time I got a diagnosis was when I was small I don't really know the process.

Lhianna ,

Personal experience from Germany but also heard from others in the UK: it's easier to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult than an ASD diagnosis as an adult.

Fiivemacs ,

Does getting diagnosed even do anything other then knowing what you already know?

Lhianna ,

For ADHD it means you can try medication to help you. For ASD it wouldn't change anything for me personally so I'm not going to bother.

Fiivemacs ,

But there is no testing for ADHD. It's just someone agreeing that they also think you have it.

Lhianna ,

Well, I had to go through excessive tests, including blood work and EEG.

Fiivemacs ,

I can see EEG being something valid, blood tests just seem like body baseline and would have zero bearing on a clinical evaluation.

Either way, glad you had it addressed

Lhianna ,

Blood tests help to exclude other reasons for symptoms so they absolutely have bearing.

Kolanaki ,
@Kolanaki@yiffit.net avatar

They can prescribe you medicine better. It is also necessary for disability (which autism and ADHD qualify as) to actually have a diagnosis.

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