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Adult ADHD Advice

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 crackers91


    Hey folks.

    For years I've mostly just lurked here, but this place seems really beneficial so I might start contributing more. I'm in my early 30s and have always suspected that I have ADHD, but haven't done much about it. I've got the usual symptoms - inattention, inconsistency with habits and routines, hyperactivity etc.

    I've been seriously looking at getting an assessment. I don't mind going private as I imagine the wait times will be shorter, but I'm unsure what the most reliable options are currently. I've looked at the assessors listed on ADHD Ireland, and I've inquired with multiple off the back of that. Dr Jaime Martinez seems like the best bet, but I think his waiting list could be long. I've also tried adhdclinic.ie, but I'm waiting to here back. Is Daniel still as active as the thread would suggest he was?

    Finally, what does everyone currently think of the ADHD assessment provided by Centric Health? It's pricier than the other options, and I can't help but wonder if it's a bit scammy and taking advantage of a vulnerable group (example: you having to get reassessed by a psychiatrist outside their system if you want further help or medication). Should I avoid them?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,619 ✭✭✭Timing belt


    I would ensure assessment is from psychiatrist otherwise you will end up paying twice in the long run.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 crackers91


    Thanks, I was thinking this myself but it's always good to see someone else state it.

    From a diagnosis perspective, I think the diagnosis is more to confirm a lot of my existing theories and help me deal with some of my more frustrating symptoms.

    I never really struggle in work (or get impostor syndrome etc) as I excel in fire fighting and when there's a crisis, but the day to day and long term planning stuff can be hard at times (I'm a Site Reliability Engineer, a software engineer who specialised in website uptime/reliability).

    I think I'm more struggling in my personal life from it - I can't keep hobbies for **** (since I was a kid), and I'm generally inconsistent in other parts of life - remembering things, being aware of others etc.

    I don't think I necessarily need medication, I've managed for 32 years without it and have done quite well for myself. But, a part of me wonders what I'd be like if I wasn't a a mess in my personal life - would I be more fulfilled and less prone to my impulses if I had the meds to set myself into a routine? These are all questions for a psych, but I wanted to get some perspectives  



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 routine_feeling7814


    Dr Sean O Domhnaill - Rathfarnam, Dublin

    Hi everyone 👋 

    I would be interested in hearing about people’s experiences with Dr Sean O Domhnaill who has an clinic based in Rathfarnam, Dublin. My experience wasn’t great. 

    I found him to be very unprofessional. Had an appointment for 10am but was left standing outside his clinic till 1.30pm because he overslept. He also never took out my file when I was there and barely asked much about my medical history. For the majority of the appointment, he spoke about himself and how great he is. He said he cured lupus & reversed certain diseases. After saying that, he paused and expected me to respond like “woah” or “ooooh”. He spoke about his hatred for the HSE while drinking coffee out of his “genius at work” mug. 

    I explained to him that the concerta wasn’t working for me that I just get very tired after taking it. He comes out with oh it’s my thyroid and to get blood tests done on it even if he doesn’t trust doctors thyroid panels. As I’ve mentioned, he didn’t once take out my file (I don’t know if he even read it) and began talking about everything related to the thyroid and “hashimotos” disease. He was saying that is why my medication wasn’t working. I ended up getting an extensive thyroid panel done and it turns out it’s perfectly fine. So I still don’t know why the concerta isn’t working, I am now on 108mg and find I’m very tired after taking it. Dr Sean keeps saying it’s my thyroid….



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 709 ✭✭✭frogstar


    Hi All


    Like most of you I am looking to get officially diagnosed. Very hard to get responses at all and when I do, the wait list is 2024/2025.


    Maria Rubeo has availability and is only 550. I know she is a registered to practice but my concern is how 'cheap' she is compared to others and also that she uses a Gmail address. In my line of work that's a big red flag.


    But keen to get official diagnose soon (otherwise my want will wear off:) )



    Any thoughts, worth the chance or could be a little scam in some way? I'm probably trying to talk myself out here but really cannot wait until 2025


    I thought that new ADHD clinic in merrion (but now dun laoghaire) would have been perfect as I liked their fee structure but they have not responded to my mails nor when I phoned and left a message. Very disappointing



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51 ✭✭tittybiscuits


    Hey I actually had to cancel my appointment last July and said I would get back to him to arrange a new one soon, haven't had the chance yet. Where did you see reviews for him?



  • Posts: 0 Alice Fat Rifle


    Hi All

    I thought I would post here as I'm about to start my journey to see if I have undiagnosed ADHD,

    I have an appointment with my GP on Wednesday to start the process.

    I'm a 44 year old Male.



  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 61,189 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gremlinertia


    Brave of you. I've a friend a similar age facing into the same, I wish you the best, welcome to the thread I hope you find comfort here



  • Posts: 0 Alice Fat Rifle


    Ah thanks.

    My money is on a ADHD diagnosis but let's see.

    I'm looking to follow the HSE ADHD Clinical Pathway so my GP will the first port of call.

    I don't want to take shortcuts with these online assessments as I really want to understand why what i always thought was a normal behaviour and thought process seems to be different to everyone else.



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  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 61,189 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gremlinertia


    All I can say is be very patient with the process, much like any area of medicine the services are awfully stretched, we'll be here to chat



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 710 ✭✭✭Feu


    Welcome and best of luck! What's your experience been with your GP on other matters? Might be helpful to bring along a few points as to how you think you might the criteria/examples of how it's affecting your life. Some GPs great, some very sceptical.The people I've spoken to who have come though the pathway have found it really good, and I know some the clinicians who are very knowlegeable and affirmative. If the clinical pathway is open in your area, it will still be a long wait, as there is about 300,000 to 600,000 catchment area per team of 4 clinicians.

    You are absolutely right to go to GP first, but you might consider going private if you find the wait is very long. Going to the GP is the only way we can register the demand for services, so everyone should do it in the first instance.

    Again good luck! There's some great advice on this thread from people who've been through the process :)



  • Posts: 0 Alice Fat Rifle


    Thanks for the welcome

    I've always had a great experience with my GP from giving up smoking to referrals to different consultants on unrelated matters.

    I'm also lucky enough that she has had training in Psychiatry so I feel comfortable discussing mental health with her.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 710 ✭✭✭Feu


    Post edited by Boards.ie: Mike on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51 ✭✭tittybiscuits


    Strange one. i cancelled my appointment as I was between jobs and couldn't afford it at the time, starting a new job in a few weeks so was looking to get back in contact with him. There is a psychologist very close to me who offered a place but Dr. Dujmovic got in contact first and my doctor said to choose the first offer as waiting times were so long. Maybe I should contact the other psychologist again, she's a 5 minute walk from my house and she saw my nephew when he was getting his autism diagnosis. I heard psychologists can't prescribe medication but that doesn't bother me, I've had addiction issues in the past.


    Thanks for the info you posted! Be interesting to know if anyone here as experience with him too



  • Posts: 0 Alice Fat Rifle


    It's true that a psychologist can not prescribe medication, only a psychiatrist can.

    I'm unsure if a GP can prescribe medication based on a psychologists report.

    I would think a GP would refer people to the psychiatrist if medication is required.

    I feel that people most likely think my behaviour is part of my personality when I know deep inside its not. I tend to notice after the fact unfortunately 😕.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 710 ✭✭✭Feu


    Vast majority of GPs will not prescribe based on assessment by psychologist. They may take over prescription from psychiatrist once working dose has been established, but may not. I've seen every permutation. I've seen a GP stop prescribing ritalin to a 19 year old, as "you've been on that for two years, that's enough, and it's not fit adults anyway" etc. One of the most stigmatised and misunderstood conditions and THE MOST misundestood and stigmatised medications

    Post edited by Boards.ie: Mike on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭niallb


    55 YO here, so don't be worried about leaving it too late!



  • Posts: 0 Alice Fat Rifle


    Has anyone here attended The Psychology Collective?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    Had my assessment two days ago with Dr. Murtagh. It was a two year wait, but worth it. Lovely man.

    Confirmed combined type at the age of 43. Bit weird, trying to process it, truth be told. It's a hard thing to not look back at the past and think how life could have been different had I known.

    He has to check in with my cardiologist about treatment, but I'm hoping non stim meds will work for me.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭JDD


    Hi All

    I'm going to spend some time reading through this whole thread when I can, but I wonder if I could ask a question first?

    My son was diagnosed with autism two years ago, and during the course of my own research into neurodiversity, I watched a talk online which leads me to strongly suspect that I have ADD - Inattentive. I never thought I was neurodiverse, but I had always been looking at it through the prism of autism (which I don't think I have) and ADHD, specifically the hyperactive type. It's only recently I come to realise that you don't have to be physically hyperactive to have ADD, and that it presents differently in women compared to men.

    I went to speak to my GP this morning, to see if he would refer me for an assessment. He basically laughed in my face, told me there was nothing wrong with me, and I was just a bit forgetful, and would just need to work harder to concentrate. He asked me about work, and I said that I am paralysed starting any task - even one that I know how to do. It's only with a deadline looming that I can focus. He said that if I can focus at all, I can't have ADD.

    Its very disheartening (not to mention a waste of €70). He's been my GP for 30 years, and I've always found him great. But clearly he hasn't a clue on this one.

    Does anyone know of a GP in South Dublin (preferably Dublin 1, 2, 4, 6/6W, 14, 18? Although really I'll go anywhere) who has some knowledge of ADD in adults?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    Hi all, hope everyone had a good Christmas and enjoying the weird limbo days between Xmas and New year's!

    I was wondering has anyone here gone to an ADHD coach, and if they have, how much is it a session? I never understand why people can't be upfront on the web about their fees. I looked at all the coaches listed on the ADHD Ireland website, and none of them have their fees listed.

    I was looking into becoming an ADHD coach myself, as it would suit me and my temperament I think,but the basic cert is over $6,000! (There's no Irish courses I can see, we are very far behind America.)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    Prescribed Tyvense for adult ADHD I took the first one an hour ago. No effects yet anyway. I hope they can help with my general organisation and motivation as I intend to apply for a 4 year course tomorrow through the CAO.

    Has anyone else has started this medication and returned to education on here?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    Ya I had three appoinments with a psychologist and one with a psychiatrist. Pyschiatrist prescribed me the meds last friday and I have them today. The pharmacy had to order them last friday as theres a shortage at the moment.

    Post edited by Boards.ie: Mike on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 422 ✭✭Robert Nairac


    For anyone taking stimulant medication, can I ask what the effects have been? Have they helped you much?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 766 ✭✭✭PmMeUrDogs


    I'm on a very low dose of ritalin, it helps. Anything higher than the lowest dose caused me crippling anxiety so I can't take higher.


    Higher doses lasted much longer, the extended release low dose I'm on only lasts for about 3 hours, topped up by an instant release, even lower dose in the afternoon.


    It's helped enough that I can do my job (on a computer all day) without getting up and down and getting totally distracted every 5 minutes. I don't forget half of my tasks anymore. I can focus for longer periods of time. When I'm distracted, I can get back to what I was doing without going blank mentally.


    No side effects, not even a decrease in appetite (which I'm somewhat gutted about haha). Works for me, although I'm now attempting to see how I get on coming off of it because I never wanted to be on meds long term and it's been about 9 months now.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    I was on Ritalin for a month. I had to give up coffee, which sucked, and I was really dehydrated without realising it.

    (I got drunk really quickly)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,350 ✭✭✭lucalux


    What was the reason for giving up coffee, do you mind my asking?




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    The meds interact with caffeine and cause side effects like I'm finding out tonight, i can't sleep.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,350 ✭✭✭lucalux


    i know everyone's different with how the meds/caffeine affect them, sorry you couldn't sleep.

    I just wondered if it was something the doctor recommended to give up or that

    Am on Ritalin IR and still drink a lot of coffee, don't notice any effects with sleep or that.

    Maybe some anxiety late afternoon/early evening if I've not eaten properly and meds are wearing off but that's par for the course for me, even before Ritalin



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    I have heart issues, and the coffee gave me palpitations



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,350 ✭✭✭lucalux


    Thanks, I only got an ECG for the first time last week, having been on Ritalin IR for over 18months, not sure did they forget to send me for it or what!

    Seems to be ok at any rate, not seeing huge effects from it, playing around with dosage and timings still.

    I'll probably ask to try Tyvense/Vyvanse before too long. It might suit me better with an IR prescribed if needed in late afternoon/early evening.

    Always feel like I'm being treated like an addict when requesting titration to a higher dose though, suppose I just have to try



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 Strawberrybeds


    ??



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 422 ✭✭Robert Nairac


    Questions about medication for ADHD:

    Sorry, I'm sure this has been asked a lot.

    What is the story with medication for ADHD after you have been diagnosed? How often do you need to go back to the psychiatrist? Can a GP not simply handle renewing or changing the medication? I just want to get a better of any potential additional charges as money is tight.

    Does this apply in all cases or only if you are seeking a different medication/dosage?

    I would appreciate any assistance. I am struggling to understand this.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 766 ✭✭✭PmMeUrDogs


    Psychiatrist has to prescribe.

    A GP can agree to take on the prescription once a dose is settled upon.

    I'm unsure if GPs can change doses, but in my experience they can't as it's a controlled substance.

    GPs can refuse to take on prescription renewal, mine did.

    Usually monthly prescriptions until you've settled on a dose comfortably. I was 5 months on one dose before my psychiatrist switched me to 3 monthly prescriptions and once yearly check ups. 6 monthly cardiovascular exams with the GP too.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 710 ✭✭✭Feu


    exactly as PmMe said. Often a private psychiatrist will want a referral from a GP for this reason, i.e. to ensure that they are aware of the assessment and will continue prescription. Not all GPs do, so worth having a discussion with them on this, before heading to psychiatrist

    I would advise anyone already taking medication or looking at getting assessed to enrol in the drugs payment scheme if you are not already. This used to automatic, but now you have to sign up to it (another barrier to ADHDers!), which is a straightforward process, but another bit of life admin to do. Everyone is entitled, but you have to register for it. This caps a household or couple or individuals medication expenses at €80 for prescribed medication, so can potential be a huge saving as ADHD meds can cost from 40 to 100 a month



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,619 ✭✭✭Timing belt


    A GP can change prescription if it’s specified in handover report.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    Anyone on Tyvense losing weight? I've lost around 10kg since I started 30mg 6 weeks ago. I've little interest in snacking anymore and even have to force myself to eat my regular meals. I noticed if I skip meals I get a bad crash in the evenings and sometimes anxiety which keeps me up very late.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,350 ✭✭✭lucalux


    No experience with Tyvense sorry, I'm on Ritalin and, sadly, have gained weight tbh, snacking/compulsive eating is off the charts (sigh) but;

    One thing I've noticed for the crash effect though, is to have something high protein maybe an hour before the effective window of my medication ends. Seems to avoid the crash where I'm suddenly exhausted, hangry and anxious for the evening

    I know reading online people have said that it might be something you need to force yourself to do, appetite-wise, but something easy like a protein shake with banana etc maybe?

    The difference is noticeable for me, when I remember to do it



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41 997


    I only have a small amount of experience with it but from what I know the weight loss is normal as it’s an appetite suppressant. Re:the evening crash, I got that even when I ate and what helped was a split dose of a top up dose. So for you maybe 20mg in the morning and 10mg around 3pm? Or if you need the 30mg to see an effect, 30mg in the morning and 10-20mg at 3pm?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    Has anyone experience of guacafine? I've been on 1mg x 1 a day for 5 weeks and I don't know if I'm feeling different.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    Ya that's a good idea i think ill ask my doctor to change it



  • Moderators Posts: 51,965 ✭✭✭✭Delirium


    Currently taking it (on it almost a year at this point).

    For about 3 weeks, it seemed to be doing nothing for me.

    Then one day, it kicked in and it was very noticeable that it was working.

    If you can read this, you're too close!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 360 ✭✭Barney224


    hi all, looking for some advice. My son, now age 22 was diagnosed ADHD as a child. He took some medication in primary and early secondary but nothing seemed to work for him so ended up stopping when he was around 13/14. Now, he's thinking he might need something so that he can focus again and see if it makes any difference to him. He's finding life quite challenging at the moment, so am a bit worried for his welfare.

    Just wondering, where should he go from here? He visited an online GP last year and go a referral letter for anxiety, stress etc, but we're not sure what type of person he should contact to get a new diagnosis? Psychologist, consultant, psychiatrist?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    Hi all,

    Been super quiet here. How is everyone?

    Personally, I'm out of whack with routine gone because of the kids summer holidays and she's home with me two days a week.

    I'm currently in (on?) titration with a new anti-d (finally moving off SSRI to a SNRI(Effexor))and trying out guanfacine for the ADHD. It's not been an easy few weeks.

    I'm also looking at retraining to become an ADHD coach. A few reasons 1) I really like helping people, 2) I have ADHD so can recognise and empathise with the struggles, 3) My GP thinks coaching will become quite normalised within 10 years as more and more adults get diagnosed, 4) I can work via zoom (I live in the middle of nowhere)

    Has anyone here tried out a coach before? I actually haven't (haven't been able to afford one with any kind of regularity, but I benefitted immensely from a 12 week CBT course with an ADHD practitioner).

    Hope you're all well.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,162 ✭✭✭Flaneur OBrien


    Apologies, I don't know how it works, but I assume his diagnosis from childhood should be still sound? Despite common thinking, ADHD is NOT something people "grow out of".

    Has he met his GP to discuss ADHD meds?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 jamesdaniel


    Hello All. Long time reader, first time poster to boards.ie. I have a question for the group.

    I finally have the money to go for an ADHD assessment but I searched online and it said I need a referral from my GP. So yesterday I asked my GP and she said "I can tell you right now you don't have it. You're very calm there.". Needless to say she didn't give me a referral. She gave me the number of a psychotherapist to talk about my problems. The thing is I stopped therapy at better help because I just couldn't afford the €200+ monthly bill. And I don't want that bill again. I'm quite depressed about it as I know hyperactivity isn't always a symptom of ADHD and I feel I need to act manic to get a referral but I'm a bad actor and just don't want to fake it. I want a legit assessment so I can close the book on this and move on.

    Right now I'm stuck in limbo. Two past therapists and a friend's girlfriend who has ADHD said I probably have it. But I don't want to go the route of self diagnosis. I want to know if I have it so I can do the things that are supposed to help like buy books about it. I'm not opposed to drugs and if they help great but that's not what I'm after right now. I just want to know.

    So I got a 5 seconds diagnosis from my GP that I'm not hyperactive so I don't have ADHD. Now I don't know what I'm supposed to do. It's hard to forget about it and move on without answers. Is there any other route for assessment besides the GP?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41 997


    That’s disgraceful conduct from your GP, I’m sorry you went through that.

    There are many private psychiatrists that don’t need a GP referral. I used Neuromed which are good and don’t need a referral, although they did get me to go to the GP for an ECG as a matter of course to make sure my heart is okay before prescribing meds. But you can totally get assessed without a GP, don’t worry



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 817 ✭✭✭I.am.Putins.raging.bile.duct


    You don't need a referral from a GP to book an appointment with a psychologist to be tested for either of the three types of ADHD( inattentive or hyperactive or combined).

    The test results if positive will allow you to book an appointment with a psychiatrist and they will decide if you should be put on medication.

    I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD a few months ago and am now on 30mg Tyvense daily. They help me in ways but the side effects can be intense too.

    In all it will cost you around 1200-1500 to get to the stage of getting medication. I did it all through online appointments it was faster than face to face waiting lists which are probably over 6 months now.

    Be warned though there are constant shortages of medications atm because of the huge spike in ADHD diagnosis.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41 997


    I agree with all you said, but I would say if you’d like medication then skip the psychologist and go straight to a psychiatrist, as often the psychiatrists won’t prescribe without doing their own assessments which means you pay twice if you went to a psychologist first



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 710 ✭✭✭Feu


    As you've learned, many GPs unfortunately are not knowledgeable about ADHD - child or adult. As others have said, you absolutely don't need a referral for most private psychologists or psychiatrists, there's a bunch recommended on ADHD Ireland, and susanmadigan.ie

    What I will say, for anyone else reading this, it is good to initially go to your GP to show the need out there, but if you do, go in with a filled out ADHD screener. Its easy to forget what you want to say, or doubt yourself in the GP office. If they don't agree to make a referral, just contact an ADHD clinic yourself and/or change GP. If they dismissed you out of hand, it may be the case that they could make your life more difficult down the line when they are supposed to continue the prescription.

    Some people, GPs included, just don't believe in ADHD. One 19 year old I worked with, who had been diagnosed at 17 through CAMHS (a very thorough assessment), and was on medication, and getting a lot of benefit from it, was refused continued prescription from her GP as "that drug is for children, adults don't need it"/"2 years is enough on that".



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