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Adult ADHD Advice
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How are the college students getting on?0
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Hi everyone I suspect that I have adhd/add.. I thought maybe I had aspergers because a close relative was diagnosed and I know it can be inherited I researched it hoping id find an answer to what is wrong with me but I felt it never quite clicked with me, besides my problems around making friends and fitting in I can understand body language, facial expressions, ive no sensory issues although I dont like sudden loud noises like balloons popping, horns beeping or loud motorbikes nothing else fit with me, ive no obsessions or ever had unusual or specific interests, my relative on the other hand had boxes of stones and crystal labelled and categorised, hundreds of video tapes of a television show which he knew everything about. I did onlline tests (I know, not a diagnostic) but I always fell within the neurotypical score.
I came across an article on facebook, a woman in her 40's recently diagnosed with adhd and everything she said clicked with me, the more I researched adhd, in women especially the more everything began to fall into my place, it basically described my personality, besides hyperactivity it all related. Ive had difficulty paying attention, daydreaming, zoning out, losing things, forgetting things my whole life. I even forget words when im speaking and take pauses while I rummage through my brain for a replacement. I procrastinate and leave everything to the last minute, I did 5 months of college work 3 days before assessments. I feel anxious, panicked and edgy if I have to sit in a lecture or talk for a length of time and have to doodle or leave the room, if I wont be able to escape I dont go. I bite my nails, find it impossible to organise myself, my room is often a tip and I find it very hard to follow conversations and remember names. Can anyone relate to this? is it possible to get a diagnosis? I dont like my gp, so im reluctant to go there for help. Im afraid I wont be taken seriously. Ive brought it up with counsellors before that I find it very difficult to concentrate and for whatever reason they ended the sessions there. So I stopped bringing it up with new counsellors. I dont know what to do.0 -
Hi Emily, welcome!
just quoting a couple of posts on moving a diagnosis along. Emily, it is worth noting, that if you do go to Fitzgerald, he does have a history for want of a better word, of diagnosing people with ADHD AND ASD, so be prepared for that! Discussed somewhere back in the thread.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.
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.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-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.I forgot to take my meds one day in work, I was literally distraught when I got home, thought I destroyed everything and I would be hated by all my -workers........ and....... the next day was uneventful lol, totally normal, I wont forget again. Understanding how my brain works, where I have issues and where I need to watch behaviours, all of this is why is I am able to now hold down a part time job - big achievement for me. Getting ready for college (again) in Sept. This is what a "label" is.
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 good0 -
Well folks, I'm going for an assessment in Malahide before Xmas. I recently had one of my meltdowns and nearly lost everything: wife, daughter, house etc. Purely out of hitting the nuclear button because of the noise in my head.
I have a lifelong habit of burning everything down when everything becomes too much (jobs, relationships, friendships etc). Thing is I know it's coming, like a tidal wave I can see way off, but I never seem to be able to stop it. Then it hits and chaos! I also constantly miss appointments, arrive late or not at all, lose things literally every day, forget things, and am sometimes unable to complete any one task and other times able to focus feverishly on one thing. I studied science in college and would get 98's in assignments and then fall to pieces in exams.
The work thing is just ridiculous. I'm super engaged while I'm in the learning phase and then once I know how everything works and am totally on top of everything it's like a light goes out and I can feel the tidal wave coming. Then its only a matter of time before I self-sabotage, erupt and walk out, or just switch off and end up getting fired. School was the same. Super focused for things I liked (doing three essays when one was all I was asked for) but for maths (which I had no interest in) I would get this white noise and couldnt think even if I wanted to.
So, finally decided to get an assessment. I'll let you know how it goes.0 -
Thanks for your input, its very much appreciated.How are the college students getting on?
I just finished semester one, I felt adhd rear its head numerous times, things stand out the same way they did throughout school - mainly time blindness. Managing time for everything - reading, assignments thats been the hardest part.
Welcome Emily
I hope you have enough information to move forward and see if you can figure out if you have adhd. It was a total shock for me when I read the symptoms for adults properly.
I set up a forum for adults dealing with adhd in ireland, there are a few members but just myself and another member with posts, if you join you will get an email when there is a post It helps a lot to share info relevant to getting treatment in Ireland, its too hard to access right now.
http://adhdadultireland.boards.net/
Hope you all have a lovely christmas
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Those counsellors basically need t0 understand adhd in adults, plus they arent trained enough to really see it or they dont have the qualifications.emilymemily wrote: »Hi everyone I suspect that I have adhd/add.. I thought maybe I had aspergers because a close relative was diagnosed and I know it can be inherited I researched it hoping id find an answer to what is wrong with me but I felt it never quite clicked with me, besides my problems around making friends and fitting in I can understand body language, facial expressions, ive no sensory issues although I dont like sudden loud noises like balloons popping, horns beeping or loud motorbikes nothing else fit with me, ive no obsessions or ever had unusual or specific interests, my relative on the other hand had boxes of stones and crystal labelled and categorised, hundreds of video tapes of a television show which he knew everything about. I did onlline tests (I know, not a diagnostic) but I always fell within the neurotypical score.
I came across an article on facebook, a woman in her 40's recently diagnosed with adhd and everything she said clicked with me, the more I researched adhd, in women especially the more everything began to fall into my place, it basically described my personality, besides hyperactivity it all related. Ive had difficulty paying attention, daydreaming, zoning out, losing things, forgetting things my whole life. I even forget words when im speaking and take pauses while I rummage through my brain for a replacement. I procrastinate and leave everything to the last minute, I did 5 months of college work 3 days before assessments. I feel anxious, panicked and edgy if I have to sit in a lecture or talk for a length of time and have to doodle or leave the room, if I wont be able to escape I dont go. I bite my nails, find it impossible to organise myself, my room is often a tip and I find it very hard to follow conversations and remember names. Can anyone relate to this? is it possible to get a diagnosis? I dont like my gp, so im reluctant to go there for help. Im afraid I wont be taken seriously. Ive brought it up with counsellors before that I find it very difficult to concentrate and for whatever reason they ended the sessions there. So I stopped bringing it up with new counsellors. I dont know what to do.
the only way to know for sure is to see a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist depending on their speciality (I think). If you are in college, go to the disability support office and make an appointment, tell them you suspect you may have adhd. They may be able to obtain funding to assess you as adhd is a described as a learning difficulty in my college.0 -
Well folks, I'm going for an assessment in Malahide before Xmas. I recently had one of my meltdowns and nearly lost everything: wife, daughter, house etc. Purely out of hitting the nuclear button because of the noise in my head.
I have a lifelong habit of burning everything down when everything becomes too much (jobs, relationships, friendships etc). Thing is I know it's coming, like a tidal wave I can see way off, but I never seem to be able to stop it. Then it hits and chaos! I also constantly miss appointments, arrive late or not at all, lose things literally every day, forget things, and am sometimes unable to complete any one task and other times able to focus feverishly on one thing. I studied science in college and would get 98's in assignments and then fall to pieces in exams.
The work thing is just ridiculous. I'm super engaged while I'm in the learning phase and then once I know how everything works and am totally on top of everything it's like a light goes out and I can feel the tidal wave coming. Then its only a matter of time before I self-sabotage, erupt and walk out, or just switch off and end up getting fired. School was the same. Super focused for things I liked (doing three essays when one was all I was asked for) but for maths (which I had no interest in) I would get this white noise and couldnt think even if I wanted to.
So, finally decided to get an assessment. I'll let you know how it goes.
I also get overwhelmed. Hyperfocus is intense with me too. I hear ya. Please do call bak to let us know how it went.0 -
I also get overwhelmed. Hyperfocus is intense with me too. I hear ya. Please do call bak to let us know how it went.
Hi Cannex. Well I had my first appointment with a Clinical Psychologist and it was very thorough. I wanted someone who would take their time on the assessment because there are additional factors with me that will make an ADHD diagnosis more complicated than usual.
So, I should know more after the second session in mid January. We already did a Weschler test but have a few more tests to get through before a diagnosis (if any) can be made.
I would really urge people to be cautious of quick and easy assessments and assessors. ADHD is real but it is also over diagnosed in this country. A label is with you for life, so make sure it's the right one.
Happy Xmas folks.0 -
Those counsellors basically need t0 understand adhd in adults, plus they arent trained enough to really see it or they dont have the qualifications.
the only way to know for sure is to see a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist depending on their speciality (I think). If you are in college, go to the disability support office and make an appointment, tell them you suspect you may have adhd. They may be able to obtain funding to assess you as adhd is a described as a learning difficulty in my college.
I work as a counsellor/psychotherapist and I agree 100% with Cannex. I studied Psychology and am well versed on ADHD, Autism etc, etc. However, the vast majority of my colleagues know little or nothing about most neurological/developmental disorders and conditions. They should make these limitations clear to you and other clients who are presenting with the signs and symptoms of ADHD, ASD's etc. Sadly many do not.0 -
Hi,
I have an assessment appointment on January 8th with Dr Fitzgerald. I'm wondering what should I bring along with me? I don't have any school reports or anything to that effect. I did read on this thread about someone taking a questionnaire they filled in, does anyone have a link for that?
Also, instead of taking a family member there is it okay if the Doctor rings them?
Thanks.0 -
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Hi,
I have an assessment appointment on January 8th with Dr Fitzgerald. I'm wondering what should I bring along with me? I don't have any school reports or anything to that effect. I did read on this thread about someone taking a questionnaire they filled in, does anyone have a link for that?
Also, instead of taking a family member there is it okay if the Doctor rings them?
Thanks.
Hi Yupder,
I don't want to comment on individual clinicians. Just make sure your assessment and diagnosis is thorough. Tests (such as the Weschler test) should be carried out as well as cognitive processing tasks and an in-depth back history.0 -
Hi DrWu,
Thanks for your response. Sorry if I wasn't clear in my initial post but I mean that someone previously said they took to their appointment a questionnaire they had filled in previous to their appointment. I think they said they got it off a Canadian website. I am not asking about the questionnaire the Dr will ask you to fill in during your assessment.0 -
yupder wrote:I have an assessment appointment on January 8th with Dr Fitzgerald. I'm wondering what should I bring along with me? I don't have any school reports or anything to that effect. I did read on this thread about someone taking a questionnaire they filled in, does anyone have a link for that?yupder wrote:Also, instead of taking a family member there is it okay if the Doctor rings them?yupder wrote:Thanks for your response. Sorry if I wasn't clear in my initial post but I mean that someone previously said they took to their appointment a questionnaire they had filled in previous to their appointment. I think they said they got it off a Canadian website. I am not asking about the questionnaire the Dr will ask you to fill in during your assessment.
I got an assessment done by Dr Fitzgerald a few months ago, I 'll respond with more info in a bit, you 'll be fine, nothing to worry about0 -
Hi DrWu,
Thanks for your response. Sorry if I wasn't clear in my initial post but I mean that someone previously said they took to their appointment a questionnaire they had filled in previous to their appointment. I think they said they got it off a Canadian website. I am not asking about the questionnaire the Dr will ask you to fill in during your assessment.
Ok. No harm I guess. But bear in mind, a questionnaire is only an indicator that you may require a full assessment. It may also serve as a (small) part of your overall assessment. I hear plenty of stories of assessments made in minutes on the back of a questionnaire and brief chat. Please be careful and be satisfied your assessment is thorough. Good luck.0 -
Has anybody that went on medication here later decided to go without it?0
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Hi,
I have an assessment appointment on January 8th with Dr Fitzgerald. I'm wondering what should I bring along with me? I don't have any school reports or anything to that effect. I did read on this thread about someone taking a questionnaire they filled in, does anyone have a link for that?
Also, instead of taking a family member there is it okay if the Doctor rings them?
Thanks.
my assessment lasted about 20-30 mins, to be honest i was a little disappointed with it, but since its the only assessment i have done with a clinical psychologist, ive very little to compare it to, other than an assessment i done a couple of years ago with an educational psychologist. this lasted in total 3-4 hours over 2 sessions, and ive also had follow up phone calls. i was obviously expecting a little more than what i got from dr fitzgerald, but to be honest, i do believe i was diagnosed correctly(Aspergers and add).
i brought my report from the educational psychologist, dr fitzgerald had a glance over this during the assessment. theres no need to bring any documentation, but i guess it can help, so dont worry about it if you dont have any.
i didnt tell anybody i was going for the assessment, which was a mistake, as it would have helped a lot if somebody came with me that knew me well, but a phone call was made during the assessment to a close loved one, and this worked reasonably well. phone was put on loud speaker and the conversation continued.
the assessment was to cost 350 euro but i was actually only charged 300 on the day, payable by cash or card.
im gonna pm you some documents dr fitzgerald gave me after the assessment, i didnt really look at them but they might help you prepare for yours.
please feel free to discuss this further with me either on the open forum or via pm, but bare in mind, some details of our discussion might help others in a similar situation. best of luck with it0 -
Hi Cannex, thank you very much for setting up this board and all your advice, I read the whole lot last night in one go ! :-)
I'm Dave, 54, sole parent to 3 children ( 10, 9 and 8 yrs old) for many years now, my youngest 8 yrs has recently been diagnosed with ADHD by CAHMS Cork, no medication yet as I've been reading up books and net for past 3 months. Like a few I had "something wrong" with me all my life and couldn't get the diagnosis right.
I've finally figured out I'm ADHD also (Mostly the "attention deficit" label pointed me in wrong direction straightaway and the info online re attention inconsistency etc etc put me right. I seem to tick 100% of all and every ADHD symptom. Good to know finally, sad and a relief ... I'm a ferocious optimist so I'll take the relief and look forward to a bit of mind calmness for first time in my life.)
GP agrees, HSE Cork not interested (only just before Christmas GP referred me and just yesterday heard news back that they don't treat adult ADHD), so great to read this forum and learn that I'm wasting my time pursuing HSE route (pity but that's the fact - I can see in waiting times for my son how stretched they are... also how unbelievably inefficient).
I'm poor enough in that my main source of income is One Parent Family Allowance (and Domicilliary Care Allowance) but I will start gathering all my dormant credit union accounts ( :-) ! ) together and see if I can get to see Prof Michael Fitzgerald asap. Maybe my GP when I see him in next day or so will have an alternative - he did mention someone in Dublin who has a great interest in adult ADHD but I forget his name (maybe the same person)
Again, thanks Cannex, this is great practical information....0 -
Hi Cannex, thank you very much for setting up this board and all your advice, I read the whole lot last night in one go ! :-)
I'm Dave, 54, sole parent to 3 children ( 10, 9 and 8 yrs old) for many years now, my youngest 8 yrs has recently been diagnosed with ADHD by CAHMS Cork, no medication yet as I've been reading up books and net for past 3 months. Like a few I had "something wrong" with me all my life and couldn't get the diagnosis right.
I've finally figured out I'm ADHD also (Mostly the "attention deficit" label pointed me in wrong direction straightaway and the info online re attention inconsistency etc etc put me right. I seem to tick 100% of all and every ADHD symptom. Good to know finally, sad and a relief ... I'm a ferocious optimist so I'll take the relief and look forward to a bit of mind calmness for first time in my life.)
GP agrees, HSE Cork not interested (only just before Christmas GP referred me and just yesterday heard news back that they don't treat adult ADHD), so great to read this forum and learn that I'm wasting my time pursuing HSE route (pity but that's the fact - I can see in waiting times for my son how stretched they are... also how unbelievably inefficient).
I'm poor enough in that my main source of income is One Parent Family Allowance (and Domicilliary Care Allowance) but I will start gathering all my dormant credit union accounts ( :-) ! ) together and see if I can get to see Prof Michael Fitzgerald asap. Maybe my GP when I see him in next day or so will have an alternative - he did mention someone in Dublin who has a great interest in adult ADHD but I forget his name (maybe the same person)
Again, thanks Cannex, this is great practical information....
You could try Dr Bourke, she only does adults: http://www.blackrock-clinic.ie/consultant/bourke-dr-stephanie/. It’s about €300 for an assessment I think (but not sure). Don’t know if she has an office anywhere else besides blackrock clinic but you could ask. Shes my consultant and I’d recommend her. No waiting list either, as far as I know. Good luck!0 -
Thanks Lucat, that sounds like another good path to follow.... seems like I just have to come up with the €300-350 now and I should be sorted with a diagnosis, maybe Michael Fitz handier for me here in Cork City as he visits once a month, but a trip to Dublin might be no bad thing either , to visit some friends :-)0
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Well just diagnosed and will be reading through the thread. Just thought I'd say Hi :pac:
Got my assessment done up North for £400 very short wait if that's useful info to anyone.0 -
Ok. No harm I guess. But bear in mind, a questionnaire is only an indicator that you may require a full assessment. It may also serve as a (small) part of your overall assessment. I hear plenty of stories of assessments made in minutes on the back of a questionnaire and brief chat. Please be careful and be satisfied your assessment is thorough. Good luck.
Hi Dr Wu, some of us have made the suggestion of completing a checklist before attending Dr Fitz or others, as a guide for identifying "what difficulties do i actually have", and maybe raise questions, it is not for formal assessment. Lots of people wonder what will they be asked, or what should i tell them. Doing a checklist ahead of time can help prepare for the assessment, by reminding people what functional difficulties are making their lives more difficultAlso, just wanted to pick up on something else Cannex mentioned, the Canadian ADHD resource alliance CADDRA guidelines (specifically the ADHD checklist).https://www.caddra.ca/practice-guidelines/download I feel this is some of the best clinical stuff written on ADHD/ADD. While it is a bit dense, and I know could be hard to stick with if your attention is dysregulated, it is well worth reading Chapter 1 on diagnosis, and Chapters 5 and 6 on specific management of ADHD in adults, and psychosocial interventions. I notice a lot of queries and comments about behavioural intervention, cbt, medication, and it can be hard to know what is right for you if you've never tried any of it! This at least lays out possible treatments, and evidence for these.
The Checklist is in the toolkit section (chapter 8 basically) and starts on page 22 of that section. May be helpful for people preparing for an assessment or who are just at the stage of wondering if this is something they may have. e0 -
@ Samuel T. Cogley, well done, hope that sorts you ......
I've contacted Prod Michael Fitzgerald's office and they say he is concentrating on childhood ADHD at the moment, Dr Stephanie Bourke Blackrock Clinic has a waiting list until mid April 2018....
Dr Alan Murtagh, St John of Gods Dublin has a normal waiting list of 6 weeks but 1 year for Adult ADHD.
Other recommendations from HADD.ie are for psychologists (or clinical psychologists) which may be able to diagnose but not prescribe (? I don't know ) as they are not medical doctors (as psychiatrists are) so my GP would not take their diagnosis and prescribe me medication on an ongoing basis without me having to travel half the country and pay several hundred euro every month which I don't have. Jaysus.. So next question is would a diagnosis / prescription from up North do - it is outside jurisdiction and lucat already had problems with this.0 -
I was in the day hospital at Highfield for other matters :pac: They referred me to Saleem Tareem at Malone Medical Chambers. Now I have to see the consultant psychiatrist at Highfield again and she's be the one prescribing initially due to my high blood pressure. Once she hands me off to the GP I don't see any issues.
The problem I suppose is that it's not a case of 'you have ADHD here take X' they have to get the medication right which really needs to be done by a psychiatrist so it's expensive even with medical insurance. The good news is down here it's a monthly prescription up the North they can prescribe for six months (so I've been told). So even if you did have to make a trip up north it's only twice a year.0 -
Sorry if this has been covered but I'm on the Ritalin ramp up and feck me it's hard. I've been started on 5mg and already doubled that on a couple of days (I know I know). It's so hard though as 10mg gives me about 90 minutes or more of focus and motivation like I've never had. Any advice? I suppose it's just bear with it until they titrate the dose but it's really hard as I've now something to compare my normal state too and it's throwing me off wanting to do anything other than when I'm dosed.0
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Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »Sorry if this has been covered but I'm on the Ritalin ramp up and feck me it's hard. I've been started on 5mg and already doubled that on a couple of days (I know I know). It's so hard though as 10mg gives me about 90 minutes or more of focus and motivation like I've never had. Any advice? I suppose it's just bear with it until they titrate the dose but it's really hard as I've now something to compare my normal state too and it's throwing me off wanting to do anything other than when I'm dosed.
Ah the first month is the hardest as your body is adjusting and it seems like a massive contrast when you start to get the dosage right! Sounds like the long acting one would suit you better if you don't want it to wear off in the middle of the day. I take that plus a short acting top-up for the afternoon to keep a consistent level in my system. It has been working well for me for a few years now.0 -
@ Samuel T. Cogley, well done, hope that sorts you ......
I've contacted Prod Michael Fitzgerald's office and they say he is concentrating on childhood ADHD at the moment, Dr Stephanie Bourke Blackrock Clinic has a waiting list until mid April 2018....
Dr Alan Murtagh, St John of Gods Dublin has a normal waiting list of 6 weeks but 1 year for Adult ADHD.
Other recommendations from HADD.ie are for psychologists (or clinical psychologists) which may be able to diagnose but not prescribe (? I don't know ) as they are not medical doctors (as psychiatrists are) so my GP would not take their diagnosis and prescribe me medication on an ongoing basis without me having to travel half the country and pay several hundred euro every month which I don't have. Jaysus.. So next question is would a diagnosis / prescription from up North do - it is outside jurisdiction and lucat already had problems with this.
Yes but I was unlucky with the GP. Yours might be better. if your GP will prescribe on the recommendation of the Psych from the North it might be worth thinking about because prescribing is at the discretion of the GP. Otherwise you could just commit to seeing the psychiatrist every 6 months and just call them when you need a new prescription, which is what I do. You wouldn't be going to the psychiatrist every month or anything...like I don't think anyone does that.0 -
So on Conserta 27mg. I've been told by the physiatrist that she reckons I'll need the max dose but keep an open mind. She's also proscribed a top up does of the instant release stuff starting at 5mg. She's very conservative but I don't mind that; marathon not a sprint and all that.
Thanks for the advice on the first month - it's getting easier and I'm productive for more of the day with the most recent treatments. 18mg on the Concerta was a bit of a PITA as it did nothing but onwards and upwards!
Can't believe the difference it makes to day-to-day tasks. It's like a 1 tonne weight has been lifted.0 -
Hi guys, newly Diagnosed but i had to do all the running myself, i walked into my Doctor with a Referral form i Printed from the Dean Clinic website and asked him to refer me. A year later i attended my appointment and got Diagnosed.
Hi there. I am brand new on this forum and I appreciate that your post is almost two years old but today I emailed The Dean Clinic (Capel Street) and they replied saying that they do not carry out assessments either at The Dean or St. Patrick’s. (I assume the two are connected). Instead they offered me the names of two Doctors who carry out the assessments. A Dr. Alan Murtagh and a Dr. Rita Honan.
I had seen the referral form you mention on The Dean Clinic website and yet they say they do not do assessments?
Briefly, I am a male in his late 40’s who after a lifetime of struggle has decided to pursue an assessment and diagnosis. I will be meeting my GP for a referral next week and am trying to get as much research done as possible ahead of that.
I know Dr. Michael FitzGerald works here in Blanchardstown wher I live so I intend to mention him. I would be hugely grateful for any further advice any of you might be able to provide ahead of that first GP meeting.
Regards,
Paul0 -
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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.PAULFRANCIS69 wrote: »Hi there. I am brand new on this forum and I appreciate that your post is almost two years old but today I emailed The Dean Clinic (Capel Street) and they replied saying that they do not carry out assessments either at The Dean or St. Patrick’s. (I assume the two are connected). Instead they offered me the names of two Doctors who carry out the assessments. A Dr. Alan Murtagh and a Dr. Rita Honan.
I had seen the referral form you mention on The Dean Clinic website and yet they say they do not do assessments?
Briefly, I am a male in his late 40’s who after a lifetime of struggle has decided to pursue an assessment and diagnosis. I will be meeting my GP for a referral next week and am trying to get as much research done as possible ahead of that.
I know Dr. Michael FitzGerald works here in Blanchardstown wher I live so I intend to mention him. I would be hugely grateful for any further advice any of you might be able to provide ahead of that first GP meeting.
Regards,
Paul
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
Dr David Carey (psychologist) still accepting people, he can give a really good thorough assessment, but can't prescribe medication. Again, see previous for people's experiences.
Sorry for brevity, on the phone today. Will update if possible.
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 away0
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