Adult ADHD Advice

Kurtosis

Mod note

The discussion around an exercise to "simulate" ADHD for a group presentation is an interesting one, but could I ask that people please remain respectful when posting? If you're unsure whether something may be offensive to people who have ADHD, best not to post it.

Any queries feel free to PM myself or another mod.

Feu

Pique wrote: »

So after years of the usual ADHD symptoms I only recently realised that those symptoms were actually those of ADHD. I'm trying to do the right thing and get assessed but like you all I've found it basically impossible to identify someone. Fitzgerald no longer does adults, Murtagh has a year long waiting list. Who else is there in this country that one can go to?

I'm not in Dublin but Midlands/west or NW would suit. Is NI (Derry/Omagh/Enniskillen) any better or is it all centered in Dub/Belfast/Cork?

Have an adult who received an appointment with fitzgerald for next month. waiting time, 4 weeks. I know there are issues around this, but could still be a good option for some people

brianblaze

emilymemily wrote: »

Seriously. Im giving a talk to adult educators in a University to raise awareness for adult ADHD. Would love if someone could recommend a short (5 - 15 minute) activity or 5 minute video which shows what its like to have ADHD.
Thanks

*modsnip*

Kurtosis

Mod note

Just to be clear, posting "funny" videos/gifs of what ADHD is like on this forum is not on - it's very insensitive to people who may have ADHD.

brianblaze

Kurtosis wrote: »

Mod note

Just to be clear, posting "funny" videos/gifs of what ADHD is like on this forum is not on - it's very insensitive to people who have ADHD.

Like me? If you can't approach issues with a good sense of humour about things, then they end up being a stigma

Kurtosis

brianblaze wrote: »

Like me? If you can't approach issues with a good sense of humour about things, then they end up being a stigma

While you may not have an issue with it, other people may find it offensive. I had specifically asked people to be respectful and conscious of what they post.

I do not want to derail the thread. If you want to continue this discussion please do it via PM.

Samuel T. Cogley

I was thinking on the way home today maybe you could ask them to do a task and then continually distract them.

Messyhead

Sorry if I'm ruining the flow of the ADHD simulator conversation...

Ugh very frustrated, although I will probably realise I'm overreacting once I calm down. Went to a new GP 2 weeks ago today. I had been without a GP for 10 months as the last ones were not really helpful in terms of ADHD, and any other places I would be able to get to are full. Anyway, the place I went to in the end - they were very nice and I asked for a referral to Dr. Alan Murtagh and they said they would do that.

Today I had a hunch to check this out and I phoned his clinic and no referral has been made. Just so glad I checked as otherwise I would have been here a year from now expecting an appointment any day and not even realising I wasn't even on the waiting list. I phoned the GP and the one I saw isn't in today so I won't be able to sort it out until next week.

I know this is a solvable problem and since I've already waited 10 months and it's a year long waiting list, another couple of weeks won't make much difference, I was just so upset and disappointed in the moment as once again I had got my hopes up that I was a step closer to help...and also having that "it's the beginning of the weekend and my mood is spiralling down and I've no one to talk to" feeling. So I'm just having a vent really.

And although they were nice at the GP surgery and did listen, I had the feeling they were trying to put me back into the depression/mental illness box, despite years of treatment for depression being unhelpful and downright harmful. I really feel the emotional side of things is directly because of the ADHD or that any depression is brought on by years of not being able to cope with untreated ADHD and always getting judged for coming up short.

Anyway, that's my vent. Thanks for reading!

Aj007

emilymemily wrote: »

Hi can anyone recommend an ADHD simulator? - A video or activity that lets someone experience and understand what its like to have ADHD. Thanks.

Give your audience an exam on java programming with code that makes no sense and is completely obsolete, set the exam on a roller coaster, give them 25 minutes to answer 75 questions and they must get 80% to pass. And they can only start the exam after consuming 3 litres of red bull.

Aj007

Hi guys,
I'm new here and just wondering why my GP asked me the questions he did.

1. Why do I want to be assessed?
2. Would I take the medication if assessed?

Background:
Iv only realised in the last couple of months why iv been struggling my whole life with education and work is more than likely ADD. Since making the connection iv visited my GP on a number of occasions to seek advice and assessment only to be told ADD does not exist, it is an overused term in stereotyping misbehaving children and I was told to "just park that idea".
Yesterday I had a really bad ADD day in college during a mock java programming exam. It was so bad I had to walk out with frustration because I couldn't simply read what was on the screen in front of me. After leaving college I headed straight for the doctors practice all guns blazing.
Thankfully my usual GP was not seeing patients and I got to see a new dr. He's was also reluctant to help but I eventually convinced him to refer me for assessment.
Both doctors asked the same things as outlined above but the second doctor outlined that if I am diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that will go on my record forever and my affect things such as life insurance quotes etc in future. He also said I should look for a job that does no require books or concentration even though I had informed him iv done virtually every job from apprentice level to management and even ran my own business but usually throw them away after 6-8 months because I just get fed up.

Seanachai

Aj007 wrote: »

Hi guys,
I'm new here and just wondering why my GP asked me the questions he did.

1. Why do I want to be assessed?
2. Would I take the medication if assessed?

Background:
Iv only realised in the last couple of months why iv been struggling my whole life with education and work is more than likely ADD. Since making the connection iv visited my GP on a number of occasions to seek advice and assessment only to be told ADD does not exist, it is an overused term in stereotyping misbehaving children and I was told to "just park that idea".
Yesterday I had a really bad ADD day in college during a mock java programming exam. It was so bad I had to walk out with frustration because I couldn't simply read what was on the screen in front of me. After leaving college I headed straight for the doctors practice all guns blazing.
Thankfully my usual GP was not seeing patients and I got to see a new dr. He's was also reluctant to help but I eventually convinced him to refer me for assessment.
Both doctors asked the same things as outlined above but the second doctor outlined that if I am diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that will go on my record forever and my affect things such as life insurance quotes etc in future. He also said I should look for a job that does no require books or concentration even though I had informed him iv done virtually every job from apprentice level to management and even ran my own business but usually throw them away after 6-8 months because I just get fed up.

I think that there is a systemic problem within the health service whereby GP's are afraid to refer patients for certain issues for fear of getting flak back from the hospitals. I don't know if this is because they are discouraged from doing so by feedback from comsultants or just a general culture of ignorance on certain health issues.

I want to get assessed for ADD, but I am also investigating another issue and the ignorance towards it is shocking. I'm saving to go private because I just can't deal with the frustration of people dismissing my symptoms or offering me treatments that were out of date a decade ago.

Samuel T. Cogley

It effects things like insurance very little. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to drive. Both NDLS and the Insurers couldn't have cared less.

Feu

Aj007 wrote: »

Hi guys,
I'm new here and just wondering why my GP asked me the questions he did.

1. Why do I want to be assessed?
2. Would I take the medication if assessed?

Background:
Iv only realised in the last couple of months why iv been struggling my whole life with education and work is more than likely ADD. Since making the connection iv visited my GP on a number of occasions to seek advice and assessment only to be told ADD does not exist, it is an overused term in stereotyping misbehaving children and I was told to "just park that idea".
Yesterday I had a really bad ADD day in college during a mock java programming exam. It was so bad I had to walk out with frustration because I couldn't simply read what was on the screen in front of me. After leaving college I headed straight for the doctors practice all guns blazing.
Thankfully my usual GP was not seeing patients and I got to see a new dr. He's was also reluctant to help but I eventually convinced him to refer me for assessment.
Both doctors asked the same things as outlined above but the second doctor outlined that if I am diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that will go on my record forever and my affect things such as life insurance quotes etc in future. He also said I should look for a job that does no require books or concentration even though I had informed him iv done virtually every job from apprentice level to management and even ran my own business but usually throw them away after 6-8 months because I just get fed up.

Hi Aj007
Sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. Some GPs are brilliant at some things, and not great at others, and some just aren't great. There is a ton of evidence that supports the cluster of symptoms usually referred to as ADD/ADHD, with largescale longitudinal studies done in America. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that supports the claims of many that it doesn't just "go away" when you turn 18, but in fact, can have a pervasive effect on your life even in adulthood. This thread in itself anecdotally supports that.

regarding the questions of the GP, I think those questions may be helpful, especially the medication one. Many people on here will attest to the fact that even if you can get a diagnosis, medication is really the only thing offered as treatment.* Therefore, if you are not interested in trying medication, the lengthy and costly process of getting a diagnosis, may not reap the rewards you would like. Obviously, many people find it helpful to get the diagnosis, but without support, it can be difficult for people.
As to why, I think explaining your functional difficulties is helpful for your own thought process, but really, a GP shouldn't balk too much at referral. Perhaps bringing in one of the completed checklists would be helpful? Afterall, it's just a letter, and if you're assessed as not having it, what is the difference? You're still going to pay for the consultation/assessment etc, so really, they should listen to your valid concerns and then make the referral. If not, it is go to another GP time.

With regard to insurance, "your record" etc. First of all, you do not have to tell anyone about your diagnosis. It is your private information.
You do not have to tell an employer, but you can, if you would like accommodations. However, if you didn't disclose, and if something were to happen, you can't say later on that you have the diagnosis, and that you were not supported appropriately. If an employer doesn't know, they cannot be accused of not supporting you correctly. [hope this is clear]
re: e.g. car insurance, it is mandatory to disclose an ADD/ADHD diagnosis to the Roads authority in UK, but not here.
Re: health insurance, again, like any pre-existing condition, it is up to you to disclose it, especially if on medication. I do not have any information on how this affects cost or weighting etc, but perhaps that is available through individual insurers.

Without a diagnosis, you will probably not be able to get support from your college disability service, but you may be able to get support from the "Student Learning" unit, which most colleges have, to help people structure their study, write essays etc. Please do check this out in your own institution.

* you can seek additional treatment yourself e.g. ADHD coaching, psychological support, OT. All at a cost.

Feu

Dr David Carey has passed away http://www.thejournal.ie/david-carey-death-tributes-3969959-Apr2018/

I know some on here had worked with him. He was a real gent.

Orionis

Aj007 wrote: »

Hi guys,
I'm new here and just wondering why my GP asked me the questions he did.

1. Why do I want to be assessed?
2. Would I take the medication if assessed?

Background:
Iv only realised in the last couple of months why iv been struggling my whole life with education and work is more than likely ADD. Since making the connection iv visited my GP on a number of occasions to seek advice and assessment only to be told ADD does not exist, it is an overused term in stereotyping misbehaving children and I was told to "just park that idea".
Yesterday I had a really bad ADD day in college during a mock java programming exam. It was so bad I had to walk out with frustration because I couldn't simply read what was on the screen in front of me. After leaving college I headed straight for the doctors practice all guns blazing.
Thankfully my usual GP was not seeing patients and I got to see a new dr. He's was also reluctant to help but I eventually convinced him to refer me for assessment.
Both doctors asked the same things as outlined above but the second doctor outlined that if I am diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that will go on my record forever and my affect things such as life insurance quotes etc in future. He also said I should look for a job that does no require books or concentration even though I had informed him iv done virtually every job from apprentice level to management and even ran my own business but usually throw them away after 6-8 months because I just get fed up.

Yeah so as I'm sure you realise yourself, your first GP knows SFA about ADHD. That might seem a bit blunt but I think it's important to call out the lack of knowledge for what it is. For me personally at least, the sooner I understood how lacking in knowledge the vast majority of Irish health professionals are in this area, the sooner I was able to study the area myself and get myself the right help so I could start getting my life back on track.

I can't emphasise enough for people reading about it for the first time that the existence of adult ADHD is in no way controversial. No credible researcher or specialist in the field seriously disputes it's existence. While there is still a lot of debate about what the cause of it is and how best to help people with it, the argument regarding whether it is a legitimate condition or not has long since been put to bed. Adult ADHD has been well known for decades now in fact. Professor Fitzgerald (who I know some people here have attended) actually wrote a paper in 1990 [nearly 30 years ago!!!] drawing attention to it and calling for Adult ADHD services to be developed in Ireland...

Aj007

Hi every one,
Has anyone been to see Dr. Stephanie Bourke in Black rock Clinic?
I was supposed to be referred to Dr. Alan Murtagh in st. John Of Gods for assessment but my GP rang today to say Dr. Murtagh is fully booked and not accepting new patients.
I would like to know if anyone has any experiences with Dr. Bourke and what sort of time frame were you waiting to see her?

Orionis

Aj007 wrote: »

Hi every one,
Has anyone been to see Dr. Stephanie Bourke in Black rock Clinic?
I was supposed to be referred to Dr. Alan Murtagh in st. John Of Gods for assessment but my GP rang today to say Dr. Murtagh is fully booked and not accepting new patients.
I would like to know if anyone has any experiences with Dr. Bourke and what sort of time frame were you waiting to see her?

Did you try Dr Maria Romanos in St John of god?

I've never heard of Dr Bourke so can't really help you there. Does she specialise in adult ADHD? I'd be wary of spending time and money on any Irish psychiatrist who does not at the absolute least have a specialist interest in ADHD.

Would you consider the UK? There is definitely extra hassle and cost involved in travelling there so for sure it's not for everyone but at least you will find proper experts in the UK and some of them will do skype consultations once your attending them on an ongoing basis.

Aj007

Orionis wrote: »

Did you try Dr Maria Romanos in St John of god?

I've never heard of Dr Bourke so can't really help you there. Does she specialise in adult ADHD? I'd be wary of spending time and money on any Irish psychiatrist who does not at the absolute least have a specialist interest in ADHD.

Would you consider the UK? There is definitely extra hassle and cost involved in travelling there so for sure it's not for everyone but at least you will find proper experts in the UK and some of them will do skype consultations once your attending them on an ongoing basis.

I would go to the UK yes. Would I have to get a referral from a UK doctor to see a psychiatrist there?

Samuel T. Cogley

Aj007 wrote: »

I would go to the UK yes. Would I have to get a referral from a UK doctor to see a psychiatrist there?

You can see Doctor Saleem Tareem in Belfast without referral, but it's not covered by insurance.

Messyhead

Orionis wrote: »

Did you try Dr Maria Romanos in St John of god?

I'm now on the waiting list for Alan Murtagh. I just enquired about Dr. Romanos after I saw your post (thanks for the tip by the way) and saw that she also treats adult ADD, and they told me that they both work off of the same waiting list, so you get whoever is available first. So I don't think there's a way to get on her list separately - or have you found a way to do this? Also interested in the possibility of going to the UK - I asked about this the first time I asked a GP about ADHD and they said it wasn't a possibility but I'm seeing a different GP now and also armed with a bit more knowledge. I have to look back through this thread to see how people have gone about this.

Orionis

Aj007 wrote: »

I would go to the UK yes. Would I have to get a referral from a UK doctor to see a psychiatrist there?

No a referral from an Irish GP will be fine.

One thing to be aware of though is that a UK consultant cannot prescribe a scheduled medication such as stimulants for you directly. That is, an Irish pharmacy cannot dispense a UK prescription for a scheduled medication. [An uncontrolled drug is fine]

However, this isn't necessarily a problem because in practise it's usually the GP who prescribes anyway even if you were attending an Irish consultant. It would be a good idea though to run this past your GP first to make sure he's happy to prescribe on the back of a recommendation from a UK consultant.

This option is likely to be expensive though just to be clear. You would be attending a UK consultant privately.

PPN2893

I just joined so I could get on the train of asking questions and reading other people's experiences. You can stick to the bold stuff if you're not arsed to read all this waffle. I'm at a stage in life where I know I have some sort of problem and I suspect that it's ADHD. Even if it's not, I want to at least rule it out because I've just had enough of living the way I do.

I'm wondering for those who were diagnosed in adulthood, what was your experience? And did you go private? And if so, what clinic did you go to?

I've been down road with mental health services (for different issue 6 years ago) via the HSE and I'm not eager to try that route again, but I will if I have to. I've booked a GP appointment for next week and I'll see how it goes from there but I would be really interested in getting a private assessment.

I've checked online for private consultants and the main one that keeps popping up is a psychologist in Rathgar. I've shot them an email but I don't want to call in case I end up booking an appointment with someone that may not right for me. There's also the added problem that I'm out in culchieville. There aren't any private psychiatrists/psychologists near me so I'm stuck looking for places further afield, probably Dublin.

There's also one big question about getting assessment that's been bothering me. Is a professional going to insist that they speak to my family about my history before diagnosing/ruling out ADHD? Most, if not all, of the criteria for diagnosis I've read talks about getting history. I'd have no issue contacting my old primary school on the off chance they still have records of me from the 90s but I'm 30 now and I really don't want to bring my parents into a possible diagnosis. They're from the "walk it off" school of medicine and their memories are so bad that they would be literally useless with information. Plus, I don't want to worry them since this isn't my first rodeo in the mental health system.

Feu

Hi PPn, welcome!
I am just quoting a couple of posts here for simplicity, hopefully some of it is relevant to you. and will post again below

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannex
hey Messyhead, hope you had a good xmas. I recently replied to the same question so I'm gonna copy and paste it here for you too.
I'm female too and we generally are more often diagnosed inattentive.

Prof Michael Fitzgerald: here is his no. 018211796, you can only ring the secretary in the morning I think.

I would strongly recommend that you let your GP in on the whole process. Discuss it with GP and tell them why you made an appointment to see a specialist. If you just arrive at you drs appointment with a prescription and a report out of nowhere you might have a harder time with presribing meds and the dr being on board with your treatment. (or change Dr)

As far as the appointment went with Fitzgerald - I went there with 2 questionnaires filled out. I got it from a Canadian website. It was a good few pages long and it was checking for all kinds of disorders. I filled in blue the things that affected me as an adult and I marked red that effected me as a child. - So I brought that.....

I had spent weeks writing down, when I got the chance, examples throughout my life that included extremely impulsive behaviours and all other behaviours I thought could relate to why I thought I had adhd. By the time my appointment came around I had both sides of 5 foolscap pages written out describing my life and behaviours. (aged 35 at the time)
I also asked my mum to come with me as it is recommended that you bring someone to the appointment who knows you well, preferably from childhood and she was able to tell him about my behaviour as a child. But, it can also be a partner, sibling etc. Just someone who knows you well.

So, if you go ready with all the info he needs the appointment will give you the best chance of coming out with the right diagnosis.

The HSE will need a more detailed report but they just dont have the resources. If only these things were treated with the same urgency as something physical.

If you have the co-operation of your GP, and go on the waiting list to see the mental health team in your area, its a long pointless wait but it means you will probably be doing what you dr considers good protocl - find out, discuss.


Have a read of the posts, lots of info and others who are trying to figure our way through getting treatment in Ireland. It feels good to have aha moments and relate to the same stories and nod in agreement and not fel like its just you.

Originally Posted by Feu

A psychiatrist may diagnose you in the one visit, depending who it is. This is a relatively painless process ( ) just asking questions about your history and behaviour. Again it is worth having a think about this before you go along (although attending unprepared could be seen as symptomatic in itself ]), like what are the functional difficulties you are having, what impacts your day to day life. While many adults will not have "documentation" from when they were at school, it is actually worth bringing along a school report or something if you have one, they are often illuminating! Frequent comments along the lines of "X won't stay in their seat" or "X daydreams through class" can speak to history of these difficulties. If a clinical psychologist does the diagnosing, you will still need to see a psychiatrist or GP before medication is prescribed. Liz i think you said you were going to a psychiatrist, but if being diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, this can take up to 3-4 visits depending on the psychologist. You shouldn't have too many appointments if being diagnosed by a psychiatrist, but there will be follow up if medication is commenced.

If you have not already had your appointment, it is worth thinking ahead of time about whether you want to try medication or not, and discussing any concerns re: medication with the psychiatrist when you meet them. There's lots of research out there on the efficacy, side effects, long term outcomes of medication, mostly on children (i.e. started when kids, followed through to their late 20s/30's). Laurence Greenhill is one of the experts on this, he actually spoke here a couple of years ago, and he really knows his stuff: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18573923.
This is also a nice article on the European situation for adult treatment, although 6 years old: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral....471-244X-10-67 That article states that stimulant medication is effective for about 70% of people with ADHD.

Most people say that stimulant medication is very effective in increasing focus, and decreasing distractability. Therefore doing what they want it to do. Some people express side effects such as reduced appetite (and when prescribed to children and adults they will monitor their weight), weight loss, nausea, sleep difficulties, and one of the reasons some people dislike it is a feeling of "not myself", which could be described as being less emotional, feeling "robotic", or even devoid of emotion. There is lots about this online, obviously. Cost really varies, I've seen from €65 a month to over €100, so definitely shop around.

There are lots of behavioural and environmental modifications that you can make apart from or in conjunction with medication. I have a lot to say about this, depending on the difficulties you are having, so maybe I'll hold off unless people are interested
In a nutshell, routine routine routine! Routine will help prevent/improve some of the functional difficulties associated with add/adhd e.g. losing things as mentioned by numerous posters above. I think it was also Cannex that mentioned having a little chest of drawers for like bills and things like that, that can so easily be lost or misplaced, and leaves people with ADHD tearing their hair out. Having a set place for things, and then developing the habit of always putting things there, can really work over time. Some people i work with have a literal checklist for when they come in the door, and for when they are leaving the house, to reduce stress and anxiety.

I think as well for people with a recent diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, considering seeing a counsellor, with experience/knowledge of the difficulties associated with ADHD would be beneficial. There is a high incidence of other difficulties correlated with ADD/ADHD particularly depression, anxiety, substance abuse and sleep disturbances. Some people are interested in ADHD coaches which is more of a thing in america

You could also consider seeing a life coach or OT on a regular basis, who may focus on the more practical side of things then therapy, like helping you set and achieve goals to reach a particular milestone in your life




Disclosing to your workplace can be a really good idea depending on the setting. Sometimes employers can be really supportive, and really open to modifying your role etc, and sometimes it is hard for them to understand the condition. Their attitude can depend on how much "this will affect the business", i.e. if it is quite easy to move you to a slightly different role, that's handy. Having a good idea of how things could be improved for you is helpful when thinking about having this discussion i.e. if i could change x and y, I will be able to work mostly independently, that kind of thing.

Poolshapedmoon
Well you sound exactly like me when I was coming to the realisation that I migt have adhd.
I had all the same worries.

Yes you can do all of the above: bypass the Gp nd make a private appointment for a private assessment and not go through the public health system but as far as I know the GP needs to write the prescription for the pharmacy to dispense. I could be wrong here but I cant think of any other way, unless, I think, you would have to pay privately or full price for the meds.
You mentioned you were a student, is ti possible to speak the the GP in your area who deals with student patients?
You could just turn up at your GP with the diagnosis letter and a prescription and say nothing more. This is my experience, my GP practice/GP is fine with writing the prescription but I dont discuss the meds with them really. If your GP is not, change GP.

In regards to follow - up: there is none really, it is up to you to follow-up, oh the irony, I get it
I learned that the hse is too bogged down in "real" mental health issues and adult adhd isnt top of the priority list.

I followed up by emailing to discuss some medication issues with the Prof and he responded promptly.
Other than that I strongly suggest you look for adhd focused therapy and/or CBT for adhd.
Its a long journey but reaching goals and staying on track feels really good

Feu

PPN2893 wrote: »

I just joined so I could get on the train of asking questions and reading other people's experiences. You can stick to the bold stuff if you're not arsed to read all this waffle. I'm at a stage in life where I know I have some sort of problem and I suspect that it's ADHD. Even if it's not, I want to at least rule it out because I've just had enough of living the way I do.

I'm wondering for those who were diagnosed in adulthood, what was your experience? And did you go private? And if so, what clinic did you go to?

I've been down road with mental health services (for different issue 6 years ago) via the HSE and I'm not eager to try that route again, but I will if I have to. I've booked a GP appointment for next week and I'll see how it goes from there but I would be really interested in getting a private assessment.

I've checked online for private consultants and the main one that keeps popping up is a psychologist in Rathgar. I've shot them an email but I don't want to call in case I end up booking an appointment with someone that may not right for me. There's also the added problem that I'm out in culchieville. There aren't any private psychiatrists/psychologists near me so I'm stuck looking for places further afield, probably Dublin.

There's also one big question about getting assessment that's been bothering me. Is a professional going to insist that they speak to my family about my history before diagnosing/ruling out ADHD? Most, if not all, of the criteria for diagnosis I've read talks about getting history. I'd have no issue contacting my old primary school on the off chance they still have records of me from the 90s but I'm 30 now and I really don't want to bring my parents into a possible diagnosis. They're from the "walk it off" school of medicine and their memories are so bad that they would be literally useless with information. Plus, I don't want to worry them since this isn't my first rodeo in the mental health system.

Feu wrote: »

Hi Paul, if you read back through the of the posts, I think you will find it helpful, I suggest completing the CADRA checklist before meeting with a professional to help guide your thinking and identify what specific areas are difficult e.g. Emotional regulation, organisation, impulsivity etc.
Dr Alan murtagh heads up the St John of God's private ADHD unit. They are still taking people as far as I know. Not sure if the wait time, will update if I can.

I just heard this week that SPUH/Dean clinic are not taking anyone at the moment, with primarily ADHD, even with an existing diagnosis. I'm not sure about if there are multiple conditions.

Dr Stephanie bourke in Blackrock Clinic is taking people, but waiting list at least 4 months.

Dr Fitzgerald is still working at least part time, read previous posts for people's experiences. Wait not normally too bad, maybe 6 weeks. Have had several people PM me about this, since i posted. All i can say is i know an adult that recently got an appointment - wait time 4 weeks.

Dr David Carey (psychologist) R.I.P.


I don't know if Cannex or others might have more info than I have. My only concern is this thread may be getting too long for the attention challenged to read back through!!!

Any specific qs post away

Orionis wrote: »

Greengearz, as Feu said don't worry too much about whether to bring someone with you or not. Although it's certainly useful and some doctors will want you to, it's not essential by any means. The important thing is that they are able to get an accurate account of what you were like and how things were for you growing up. You might find it helpful to write out notes for yourself in advance of things you remember as a child or even to ask your parents to write a short letter for you.

I know what you mean not wanting to bring a parent who doesn't think it's real. That can be very frustrating. That phrase always amuses me though. Nobody believes in ADHD as belief has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is not some quasi religious belief. It's a scientific and empirical reality. A neurobiological developmental condition which is approx 80% heritable. About as heritable as height is!

The poster above mentioned that they may still be able to accurately give an account of things but I think I'd have to disagree to some extent. People who say they "don't believe in ADHD" generally exhibit all the features of science denialism. They typically deny certain realities, often as a way to avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth. [In the context of Adult ADHD, perhaps this might be guilt at not getting a child help earlier or moralistic societal views in relation to lazyness, hard work etc that clash with the reality of ADHD and genetics. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing!

The above may not be relevant to you but I reckon it's worth thinking about if you find that a parent has a rather different version of what things were like for you as a child or the difficulties you experienced/ are experiencing! Having a close family member invalidate your experiences like that can be very damaging and so that's why I'd encourage you to follow your own judgement on whether to bring someone with you. Weight the benefits I suppose.

As it happens, the idea that to have ADHD as an adult you must have had it as a child may not even be true and is possibly just dogma. The current diagnostic criteria require you to have had symptoms before age 12. However, the choice of age 12 is arbitrary and there's lots of evidence that it can manifest for some people into their teens and beyond. The latest research suggests ADHD can actually occur in adulthood for the first time. This is still somewhat controversial but I guess the point is not to worry too much about whether you had it as a child. Many peoples experiences are that difficulties began for them later on.

I know for someone who was recently diagnosed, Fitzgerald did not consult with family. I think most clinicians would like it, but it's not critical, and they should push it too hard, due to the prevailing "ADHD is another word for lazy" attitudes out there. Hope this is helpful PPN, please do let us know of any specific questions or difficulties that you want to vent/get advice on!!

PPN2893

Thank you! The second post in particular was really helpful at reducing my anxiety. I have GP appointment tomorrow and my main fear in being referred to someone was "Will I need to bring someone to an appointment?"

I understand why having someone back up your childhood history is very important to an accurate diagnosis but I know my family would not be helpful at all, even if it wasn't deliberate. I spoke to my mother about it earlier and she said "Ah, don't worry about it. You're alright. You worry too much". Unfortunately, I don't have anyone other than family that has been in my life for an extended period of time since I have difficulty keeping in touch with people. I thought I was a little fecked in regards to getting tested if I wasn't able to bring someone. Since Prof. Fitzgerald is the main name that keeps popping up in diagnosing, I'm going to ring there tomorrow. Thanks again!

Pique

Feu wrote: »

Pique wrote: »

So after years of the usual ADHD symptoms I only recently realised that those symptoms were actually those of ADHD. I'm trying to do the right thing and get assessed but like you all I've found it basically impossible to identify someone. Fitzgerald no longer does adults, Murtagh has a year long waiting list. Who else is there in this country that one can go to?

I'm not in Dublin but Midlands/west or NW would suit. Is NI (Derry/Omagh/Enniskillen) any better or is it all centered in Dub/Belfast/Cork?

Have an adult who received an appointment with fitzgerald for next month. waiting time, 4 weeks. I know there are issues around this, but could still be a good option for some people

Just rang Prof Fitz again and got an appt for the end of the month. No idea what's going on, but he went from 'not seeing adults' to 'seeing adults'.

Don't care. I'm bloody delighted to start to get this monkey off my back.

PPN2893

Pique wrote: »

Just rang Prof Fitz again and got an appt for the end of the month. No idea what's going on, but he went from 'not seeing adults' to 'seeing adults'.

Don't care. I'm bloody delighted to start to get this monkey off my back.

That's great news. I just got back from my GP and I wanted to rave about how amazing he was about the whole thing but felt it wasn't that important so I closed the tab as you replied. It's good to know Fitzgerald is taking on people. GP tried to ring for me but he couldn't get through. Literally just got home and it's too late to call them now as I don't want to ring his secretary after 3pm. Might shoot them an email but I've tried emailing a few places and haven't heard back at all so ringing seems to be the best thing to do. GP gave me his details to let him know if I need a referral letter so I'm on track to getting assessed!

I also got a list of specialists in the country and NI that are willing to assess adults from HADD if anyone else comes by and sees this post in the future and wants to pm me for the info.

Pique

Yeah I actually rang this morning and left a voicemail. The secretary rang me back at 12.30. It's 350 for the assessment. Dunno if the DCA Warriors discount works for adults. If it leads to a diagnosis & treatment, it'll be the best money I ever spent.

BTW, I suggest people give Reddit ADHD page a look. The amount of posts on there that could have been written by me is scary. I laughed at one where someone drove 20 mins to the chemist to get his meds and when he had got there realised he had forgot his prescription!

PPN2893

I've been living off that subreddit for nearly a week now! €350 doesn't sound too bad. Would agree that it's definitely worth it to get assessed. I'd love to know how you got on at some point. If I can get an appointment with him it'd be great to see another experience. Will definitely have to get my arse in gear to get all my evidence sorted now.

Pique

PPN2893 wrote: »

Will definitely have to get my arse in gear to get all my evidence sorted now.

Me too. Ah I've 3 weeks, I'll do it in 2.5 weeks!