Adult ADHD Advice

houseyhouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118859852#Comment_118859852

That sounds very frustrating. Surely transfers from your wife shouldn’t affect your means, given that you’ll be jointly assessed? Can you not show her withdrawal and your corresponding deposit? Maybe better to do those transfers online for a while if you intend to apply again?

I looked at that Thriving Autistic website Feu recommended and they have a service to assist with applying for disability allowance. Perhaps that would be helpful for you?

BK92

Sorry, I don't mean to be taking this thread off topic, but with my levels of executive function it's difficult enough to get all the right documents together at the right time. It's frustrating when all your hard work is sent back with no clear explanation as to what you need to do for it to be accepted. Worse still, by the time they send the letter telling you what additional info you need to send within 3 weeks from when the letter is dated, 7-10 days have already passed ! Doesn't it take 1-2 days max for a letter to be received in Ireland ?

@houseyhouse Thanks for the advice. I got onto my 'mentor' from my local EmployAbility service yesterday. He has a lot of experience with submitting DA applications and appeals so I was delighted I got this unexpected break ! I think I will make use of Thriving Autistic and combine both their and my mentor's advice to give me the best shot at getting DA.

Definitely, my record keeping needs to improve as well. I'm already asking for receipts for everything and as painful as filling in bank details everytime I want to make a transfer is, it will be in my interest to do it that way for the time being. As for the kids, they can shop local !

BK92

Also, I want to share some positive news. After the best part of 15 years not really knowing what I wanted to do in life and then settling on doing an MSc in Financial Services, I've finally realised that my path is in IT. Long story short, I did an aptitude test for FIT's Cybersecurity apprenticeship last Friday. I'm confident it went well and that I'm ready for the next step (preparing CV and interviews). To prepare for the academical part of the apprenticeship I'm doing a pretty thorough 'Fundamentals of IT/Cybersecurity' course which has a strong 'hands-on' element to it. This is great for me as I need detailed explanations to enable me to process new concepts. The ADHD and ASD actually work very well here as I love getting up early every morning and spending a good hour and a half (at least !) learning about Cybersecurity. Before this, I only thought I liked using computers because of my ASD sociability traits and that coding and building computers was all there was to IT and that this wasn't for me !

I'm not into stereotypes but I'm very much liking the neurodivergent techie one at the moment !

On the subject of work (I know I'm hopping all over the place) but does anyone find that there is so much going on in their head that they end up doing a lot of tasks in the workplace on autopilot ? And that this works fine until you slip up because you're not paying attention ?

For example, last night at work I closed my till without counting how much was in it (it's supposed to be €200) because I was thinking about what I was going to study in my Cybersecurity course this morning. Other times my concentration has slipped and I've hit 'Cash' instead of 'Credit Card' when a customer wants to pay by card. Then I have to call my manager and get them to talk me through creating a refund on the till. Last week I twice forgot to ask 2 customers if they had bought and petrol or diesel and they ended up driving off (without meaning to) and not paying (€50 and €77) ! Autopilot works fine for 98% of tasks but the 2% of the time I encounter an atypical situation, applying the 'typical' level of focus ends up making a big mess !

MadMacGettingFlack

Hi all,

I've been a lurker on Boards for years without having an account, but decided to set one up to look for advice on this thread.

It's really inspirational reading this thread and seeing everyone's perseverance in the face of such a slipshod and careless mental health system in this country.

I'm just wondering would anyone have any experience with the ADHD assessment service provided by Myclinic.ie? I've been looking around trying to find somewhere for an assessment, but it seems most everywhere is closed for referrals at the moment. I gather that the Myclinic waiting list is months long at the moment, but it seems like the most suitable place because I don't think I'll be able to travel for my assessment and Myclinic does assessments virtually.

I'm just wondering whether anyone has used this service and what their experience was like? Was the assessment thorough and did the assessor look to speak to a family member to back up your experience (Because I really can't see anyone in my family being able to assist me if required) ?

Many thanks

ana_conda

Hi can I ask if ypu used my clinic in Dundrum?

I am looking into getting assessed but it's very costly and similar to you I'm looking for other people who many have used this clinic?

houseyhouse

I just want to vent here. I’ve had a terrible couple of days. I’ve been dealing with the fallout of my own disorganisation leading to feeling guilty, stressed, anxious, and angry with myself, and then getting distracted from work at every turn. I end the work day so fed up with myself that I can’t even enjoy my evening with my family. My poor partner and kids then have to put up with my bad mood which leaves me feeling worse about myself. That in turn makes me more fidgety and distractible and it becomes a vicious cycle. Agh!!

alanzo27

Hi all.

I am feeling awful recently and feel the need to rant. Apologies for the text wall.

I have yet again failed my attempt at Third Level education. My experience of Semester 1 was terrible. I had withdrawn from University in January due to being overwhelmed and finding the core modules too difficult, but quickly reversed this spontaneous decision. The Network Engineering degree was completely different to how I envisioned. I had not anticipated the primary focus on programming and microcontrollers. I had entered the degree via Advanced Entry which placed me directly into the Second Year. This may have been a contributing factor to my anxiety. I have found the Disability and Counselling services excellent within the past 7 months. They have been crucial and I now feel disconnected as I have lost these supports. Upon various meetings with both the Counsellor and Disability supports, it was suggested that I defer Semester 2 until January 2023 which would allow me to focus on my mental health which has been atrocious within the past few years. I would also not lose my financial supports.

Upon establishing a relationship with the counsellor within these 7 months, it is of their opinion that I am an autistic individual and have traits of ADHD (Inattentive Type) as well as some potential learning difficulties such as Dyslexia (surprised by this observation as I can read and write well but I have difficulties retaining information, following instructions and comprehension), Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. It was also observed that I suffer from intrusive OCD. These of course these are not official diagnoses, however as the counsellor is a registered Clinical Psychologist they have the qualifications to make such observations.

Since establishing the relationship I had discussed my anger and frustration obtaining the written ASD/ADHD report from an assessment made over one year ago. I have went through the necessary steps and I am now in a position where an official complaint will be made to the Psychological Society of Ireland regarding the psychologist who performed the assessment. A preliminary observation result via a phone call does not suffice.

I have been trialing an SNRI recently as all SSRI's I have tried in the past have been unsuccessful with helping with intrusive thoughts and mental health. I am living at home with no emotional support except for one family member who lives elsewhere, and I have proposed that I move out with them on a temporary basis to aid my recovery and help with my independence as presently I have no routine, I am not looking after myself and I feel nothing, although I have always struggled to regulate and understand my feelings.

I have been seeking peer groups that I could speak to but I am at a loss.

houseyhouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118949591#Comment_118949591

Have you tried any of the ADHD Ireland support groups? https://adhdireland.ie/adhd-events/ I haven’t had a chance to try one yet but I plan to attend this month.

I know it’s a cliché but when I’m having a bad week I find that forcing myself to go for a walk or bike ride every day really helps. It’s difficult to make myself because I feel that I don’t deserve to spend time on my own well-being and should just suck it up but if I do it, it always makes a difference.

I hope you feel better soon.

lisajanecawley

Can someone please explain why doctors in Ireland are reluctant to prescribe these meds? I have a cousin who I always suspected had ADHD but his parents fobbed it off. He had a few issues as a teen and was referred to CAMHS but they still misdiagnosed him with bipolar and depression. Meds made him worse.

He struggled until he went to the States on a J1 and then a doctor suggested that he might have ADHD. Got put on Adderall and it was life changing.

I've heard many stories of people as adults who can't get a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD in this country.

Feu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118949591#Comment_118949591

i would suggest the asiam adult support groups - there is a new group for people who are recently diagnosed or self diagnosed, which i heard was quite good, I'm not sure when the next one is running, there is also various peer support groups that they offer: more info

https://asiam.ie/asiam-support-programmes/adult-support-wellbeing/

As houseyhouse suggested there is also peer support groups through ADHD Ireland, they are online and in person, think it might be €5. Some people find the groups good, but they obviously don't suit everyone.

Theres also counselling/therapy/coaching available through thriving autistic, they offer a quick free call to see what would best suit you

https://www.thrivingautistic.org/

BK92

@Feu Thanks for mentioning the Asiam support groups but I can't find anything that resembles the ADHD Ireland online support groups on the Asiam website. It's really surprising to me that it's practically impossible to find online support groups when 1 in 50 people suffer from this condition. In Ireland it would mean that there's a potential audience of ~90,000 people. I can't explain why that it is but I do think that ASD probably suffers a bit more than ADHD with regard to being advocated for by parents of children rather than a more equal distribution of parents of children, AND adults with the condition.

I know this is an ADHD group but if anyone has any links to online ASD support groups I'd be really grateful ! Also, I'd like to second the recommendation of ADHD Ireland online support groups, it was the single biggest factor in allowing me to feel understood and not feeling like I'm dealing with all this alone.

@lisajanecawley This is just my personal opinion but knowledge of ASD/ADHD in adults is lacking in Ireland, certainly among GPs. When it comes to adults it appears there's an acute shortage of specialised professionals in this area. From my own experience, my GP couldn't get her head around why I wanted a diagnosis and therapy since I was 'no longer going to school' ! ADHD still seems to be viewed as a condition mainly affecting young children and their schooling which may explain my GP's bemusement.

Also, I believe Irish doctors generally prescribe conservatively. Maybe it stems from this strange pride in Irish society, especially among my own friends/family/aunts/uncles etc., of refusing medicine or not wanting to take much of it. Again, that's just my opinion !

The good news I have is that my Disability Allowance application is moving forward. They couldn't get their head around my parents giving me a bit of money to help with my son's OT and ASD assessment and me lodging my children's birthday card money ! So they called my local social welfare inspector (who couldn't quite understand what all the hoo-hah was about) who asked me a few questions. As I'm an American citizen, one thing that the Disability Allowance section wanted me to confirm was that I had definitively stopped receiving the US Economic Impact Payments. Now, I can tell them it probably has stopped but surely that's US government policy ? Maybe I should have told them to call Joe ?

Anyway, thank God it's finally moving forward and it appears that this is the final hurdle although I'm not sure if the medical part has been okayed yet.

olestoepoke

I'm almost 50 and have always suspected I had ADHD to some degree, I was a difficult impulsive child, always in trouble for one thing or another, did horrendous in school although they always said I was intelligent but had issues with concentration and never sitting still. I suppose back in the 70s and 80s I was just labelled a messer. My whole life I couldn't sit and wait on a bus or in a queue for anything. I'd walk to the next stop and the next stop until the bus came. I've a bad stomach from years of wolfing my food down because I don't have the patience to sit and eat like a normal person, couldn't finish the first page in a book growing up and even today I have to force myself to get through a book. I eventually made it to university later in life and got myself a degree and a masters so I suppose the teachers were right I wasn't a dunce.

My 10 year old son is now showing the same traits and we have been called to the school to speak about ADHD, they have suggested he is showing signs of it and we can see it at home too.

BK92

@olestoepoke I think it's all the more courageous and brave when someone decides to confront the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis after such a long time living with, and especially in your case, succeeding with ADHD. Fair play to you. I got diagnosed last year, at the age of 29. My own two cents is that getting assessed for ADHD is probably the best investment you'll ever make. It will give you the peace of mind that you either have ADHD or not, in my own case the doubts over whether I was 'normal' or not ate away at me over time until it became unbearable for me and my family. If you don't, then you know that it's not the source of what you describe above and that you need to look elsewhere. If you do have ADHD then it helps you understand certain 'quirks' or frustrations so much more, to possibly access supports (if required) and most importantly, in my case, to forgive myself and not be so hard on myself for things I might have said or done in the past that have stuck with me to this day.

My own child showed signs of ASD and didn't talk until he was 18 months, he didn't walk until he was 16 months. He has been seeing an OT (private) for the past year and has made amazing progress in his speech and general conversation. He's slightly behind still, but 100 times better than if we just left him 'do it in his own time'.

My point being that an ADHD diagnosis, if it is to be made, will help so much at home, at school and for when your son enters further education and the workforce. Starting now will save so much hardship and frustration in the future and will allow your son to flourish like every parent wants to see their child do. My parents were dissuaded from sending me to see a psychiatrist at 4, because of the stigma of 'white coats' and restraint jackets etc. They knew something just wasn't right but back in 1996 the support and general awareness just weren't there. Now, I got my degree (eventually) and I have a lovely wife and family and have finally found my career path, in IT. However, I wonder sometimes how much better my outcome would have been had I been assessed and diagnosed 25 years ago. I don't blame my parents one iota, I just really don't want it to be anyone else's story.

houseyhouse

Two articles on adult ADHD in the Irish Times today:

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/new-research-highlights-need-for-earlier-diagnosis-of-adhd-1.4856548

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/living-with-undiagnosed-adhd-you-have-this-sense-that-you-don-t-quite-fit-1.4857284

houseyhouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118972375#Comment_118972375

I read somewhere that ADHD is more heritable than height. I started to suspect I have it myself after my daughter began to have problems. It’s not easy to get a diagnosis for either of us (the recommended educational psychologist in the area has a waiting list so long that he won’t even give estimates of when he can see somebody) but I’m determined that she won’t go through what I went through. For me, the real damage from ADHD was not understanding myself and then thinking my behaviour meant I was lazy, selfish, bad etc. I am trying to teach her to have compassion for herself. I think that seeing the whole thing from a parent’s perspective has allowed me to be much kinder to myself too. And I’m just so glad that I can understand what she’s going through.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982497#Comment_118982497

services are disturbingly bad, is that private assessment? humans are not inherently lazy, most perceived 'laziness' is actually related to undiagnosed disorders

houseyhouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982712#Comment_118982712

Yes, that’s a private educational psychologist who works with kids and specialises in ADHD. There are a couple of other educational psychologists in the area who might have shorter waiting lists. There’s nobody diagnosing adults in the west of Ireland as far as I know.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982877#Comment_118982877

jesus thats disgraceful, im glad i got mine done a few years ago, i suspect its impossible to get an appointment now, south east

BK92

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982877#Comment_118982877

If it’s of any use to anyone, I was diagnosed by a private educational psychologist in Kerry who assesses adults.

Johnnyvegas221

Don't want to add my sob story i just want to get sorted.I got an assessment with Dr'Ogrady from Arduna and after mutiple meetings he has given me a large assessment document that strongly hints at me having ADHD along with a large case of low self esteem. I went back to my gp with this but he seems clueless. ADHD ireland have recommended i get in contact with Dr john Griffin In Dublin and i was wondering if anyone has any experience with him or if they can recommend another psychiatrists and how hard is it to get seen. will he recommend someone to go to therapy or can someone here recommend somewhere to get therapy?.

thanks.

garv123

I had my appointment with Dr. Sean Ó Domhnaill at the The National ADHD & Autism Service Clinic last week in Rathfarnum.

The first appointment was with Dr. Hugh O’Marcaigh, a staff Psychiatrist.

I'm in my 30's, and all along through school and Uni I was never able to study, Id be daydreaming instead of reading a book and forget the start of a sentence before I got to the end of it. I just put it down to not having any interest in it. As an adult when pressure of a family, and living with my partner came along things began to seem really difficult, I wasn't good at planning, organising, prioritising, remembering, brutal with dates and times.

I did a bit of research and came back with ADHD, I spoke to my wife about it and did some online tests which was saying yes you could have ADHD. She also listened to some podcasts about living with someone with ADHD and her feelings matched a lot of how other peoples partners were feeling.

I found Dr O'Marcaigh very good, I wrote a few bits down before I went in so I could remember why I was there (big help making a few bullet points, but I should have wrote down what he was saying to remember more when I left)

He listened to what I had to say first, and then asked me a series of questions afterwards.

I was thinking maybe I had mild ADHD without hyperactivity, but he said from what I described it was quiet severe and that just because I dont run around shouting doesnt mean I dont have the hyperactivity, I constanlty pull at my lip and rub my face/stubble and hop my knee when sitting and my energy levels are the same weather I sleep for 8 hours or 2 hours at night (handy with a baby in the house I guess). He said thats all to do with the hyperactivity part. He also felt I was suffering from alexithymia anxiety, which was effecting my emotions and confidence.

He's going to consult with Dr Sean and have me back to meet with him in a few weeks but he felt I was really struggling with it and gave me a prescription for Concerta and a titration sheet to try over the next few weeks.

Hopefully I'll find a difference with the titration over the next few weeks.

The 2 appointments cost €750 total. So not cheap but not expensive either compared to others. appointment wait time was 6 weeks aprox.

Feu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119036038#Comment_119036038

You only need to attend a psychiatrist now if you want to try medication. There is very few people who can do this, Dr O'Domhnall's clinic as listed by Garv123, although i have heard very mixed reports about this clinic, but short waiting list sounds good! You could also try myclinic.ie, and the ADHD psychiatrist is Dr Daniel Clear.  It costs €640 for both parts of the assessment, a report, and a prescription, if necessary. (since you already have a diagnosis, its possible it might just be one meeting - you would have to contact them directly to find out)

If you don't want medication and just want post diagnosis support, thriving autistic do this very well. They are neurodiverse therapists for neurodiverse people (i.e. all therapists have autism/ADHD/Dyspraxia/dyslexia etc). They have psychologists, life coaches, occupational therapists etc. Well worth checking out. (I don't work for them by the way, just think they're good)

Johnnyvegas221

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119075034#Comment_119075034

Thanks for the info, i will defintly be inquiring about medication as life can't get any worse and i need to do something to improve along with therapy, i will not be paying for another assessment i already paid 1250 for one.

joanz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119074950#Comment_119074950

Hi Ive been looking around the last few hours for his info but i cant seem to find a reliable address of mode of contact for him, if you could possibly DM that would be much appreciated 🙏

Feu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119080956#Comment_119080956

there is a facebook page. Boards isn;t allowing me to share it, but if you google national adhd and autism clinic butterfield avenue, you'll get the details

Andrea B.

For anyone that may not have heard, the topic of yesterday's Liveline was adult ADHD.

Some excellent, articulate and brave callers.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/liveline/programmes/2022/0715/1310453-liveline-friday-15-july-2022//

Feu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119346332#Comment_119346332

This episode was excellent Andrea, thanks for the heads up! Really recommend to anyone on here who is trying to decide whether to go for assessment or not, most of the participants talk about how the formal diagnosis has benefitted them

Jo Roek

Hi everyone 👋🏻

So I've read through this thread and a lot of things ring true for me, although I'm not 100% convinced I have adhd. Just wondering if anyone else felt like this before going for an assessment and what was the outcome? Did anybody not get a diagnosis after being assessed? I've been on and off SSRIs for 10+ years and I think they take the edge off a lot of my symptoms tbh. Has anyone else experienced this?

Also, with an assessment, I'm between Dr. Alan Murtagh and Dr. Seán Ó Domhnaill... could anybody recommend either one? I'm 38 F, not obviousy adhd but have quite a few of the signs in a subtle way if that makes sense?! I know both of those doctors have been mentioned in this thread but I can't find a way to search within a thread. Is there a way?!

LadySkunk

I was on Methylphenidate and lisdexamphetamine and the price varies with what dosage you’re on and how many pills you’ve to take if I remember correctly.

I was paying 95 for a months worth of 70mg Lisdex in Boots. Get yourself a drug payment scheme and it will be capped at €80 per month.

It might be worth a shot going into a pharmacy and asking them how much they are, I reckon they would be your best bet anyways.

Best of luck, I hope it works out for you! Try think of it as an investment in yourself, not an added expense but a necessary one. Like how you’d budget for food or bills if it is something that works for you long term.

dbas

Has anyone any experience with the adhd coaches in Ireland.

Thinking of doing some coaching but it's difficult to know who's good and who's not.

Thanks in advance