Adult ADHD Advice

like · 09-05-2018 4:48pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx13a2-unjE

like · 09-05-2018 5:15pm

Best of luck Pique, don't worry, he understands adult ADHD...

Pique · 11-05-2018 6:49pm

like wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx13a2-unjE

Thank you for this. There's an interview she did that I thought this guy was reading my mind in parts. It's excellent. The bit from 3m13s onward I was just like... fcuk!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNCDwUv_gkQ

PPN2893 · 14-05-2018 12:49pm

Just a quick update that I got an appointment with Prof. Fitzgerald. His secretary didn't have a problem with booking adult patients so @Pique wasn't a lucky one off booking. Seemed to be booked solid for a week or so but got an appointment for the end of the month so you can get seen pretty quickly, if anyone else is looking for a specialist assessment.

cannex · 14-05-2018 9:59pm

Really glad to see more people being able to get appointments.

PPN2893 · 28-05-2018 12:23pm

Feeling a bit unenthusiastic going in to the assessment appointment I have on Wednesday. Tried to get my school records which would have been great proof that I've had these problems since childhood but they have nothing since they're not obliged to keep any records past the age of 21. Tried to get my brother to come to the appointment as backup but he couldn't get the time off since we'd have to travel from Waterford to Dublin. I'm almost tempted to call up and cancel the appointment since I'll be going with no real proof of having issues since childhood. Feel like I'll be going empty handed and paying €300 for nothing. I'm still going to go but I feel like I'll be spending 6 hours travelling for no reason. Yeah, I'm just complaining about nothing at this stage but I don't feel like I'm going into this on appointment on good footing.

Wanderer78 · 28-05-2018 12:30pm

PPN2893 wrote:

Feeling a bit unenthusiastic going in to the assessment appointment I have on Wednesday. Tried to get my school records which would have been great proof that I've had these problems since childhood but they have nothing since they're not obliged to keep any records past the age of 21. Tried to get my brother to come to the appointment as backup but he couldn't get the time off since we'd have to travel from Waterford to Dublin. I'm almost tempted to call up and cancel the appointment since I'll be going with no real proof of having issues since childhood. Feel like I'll be going empty handed and paying â‚¬300 for nothing. I'm still going to go but I feel like I'll be spending 6 hours travelling for no reason. Yeah, I'm just complaining about nothing at this stage but I don't feel like I'm going into this on appointment on good footing.

Please go to the appointment, I seen prof Fitzgerald last year and received a diagnosis, I ll respond with a better response later, under pressure here

PPN2893 · 28-05-2018 1:03pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Please go to the appointment, I seen prof Fitzgerald last year and received a diagnosis, I ll respond with a better response later, under pressure here

Don't worry, I'm going to go but I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself. I just dread dealing with doctors because I always expect the worst and I'm going through the usual self doubt cycle of thinking that I'm just lazy.

dbas · 28-05-2018 1:17pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

Don't worry, I'm going to go but I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself. I just dread dealing with doctors because I always expect the worst and I'm going through the usual self doubt cycle of thinking that I'm just lazy.[/QU

Just spotted this thread so thought I'd post. Yeah definitely go to your appointment. Nothing to lose! Is this through St Pats Hospital? I was diagnosed there a few years ago at 31 year old. I never had any school records nor means of getting them but i answered their questions as best i could and completed their tests. Took about 5 hours in total but i was diagnosed on the day. I went in on my own too

PPN2893 · 28-05-2018 1:26pm

dbas wrote: »

Just spotted this thread so thought I'd post. Yeah definitely go to your appointment. Nothing to lose! Is this through St Pats Hospital? I was diagnosed there a few years ago at 31 year old. I never had any school records nor means of getting them but i answered their questions as best i could and completed their tests. Took about 5 hours in total but i was diagnosed on the day. I went in on my own too

That's encouraging, thanks! It's not in St Pat's. Seems like most of the bigger clinics have ridiculous waiting lists lately. It's with Prof. Fitzgerald in Blanchardstown. I'm not sure what kind of testing he's gonna do or if it's just a sit down talking sort of deal.

dbas · 28-05-2018 2:19pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

That's encouraging, thanks! It's not in St Pat's. Seems like most of the bigger clinics have ridiculous waiting lists lately. It's with Prof. Fitzgerald in Blanchardstown. I'm not sure what kind of testing he's gonna do or if it's just a sit down talking sort of deal.

Probably just a chat about history etc. I had to complete other tests to rule out low IQ, cognitive difficulties (any other possibility really) Glad I did it. My wife works in child mental health and advised me to get checked for it as i was constantly on the laptop while watching tv and checking my phone at the same time. I had about ten different jobs so far in my life.
Think i can already see signs of it in my 18 month old son. He'll have me to guide him though

Feu · 29-05-2018 9:19am

It's a positive step forward PPN

Hopefully you will experience a sense of relief when you are diagnosed.You also have all of us here for some support!

As i've mentioned before, several adults I know have gone without family input (for a variety of reasons), and it is not necessary for Dr Fitzgerald assessment. The adult assessment is based primarily on self reporting.

I think the important thing to focus on is why you're going, as in, what functional impairments do you have? What seems more difficult for you than others, what really makes you think you have ADHD? and perhaps write these down this evening, so you can tell him when you go in.

He will go through a checklist with you, and you comment on it. These are the kinds of things covered, (i['ve copied and pasted from the additude website, as I find it very busy - oh the irony!)

ADHD – Primarily Inattentive Type (Formerly Known as ADD)

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).

Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).

Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).

URL="https://www.additudemag.com/emotional-hyperarousal-adhd-self-test/?src=embed_link"]Self-Test: Could You Have Emotional Hyperarousal?[/URL
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).

Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).

Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

ADHD – Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.

Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).

Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate. (Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless.)

Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.

URL="https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-test-children/?src=embed_link"]Self-Test: Does Your Child Have ADHD?[/URL
Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).

Often talks excessively.

Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).

Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).

Another way of describing or understanding domains of difficulty is the Brown Model. Some people find this helpful:[discussed in more detail/from http://www.brownadhdclinic.com/add-adhd-model/ ]

PPN2893 · 29-05-2018 9:39am

Thanks guys. I think I was just so down about it yesterday as my primary school didn't have anything they could give me in terms of records when they made it seem like they had loads of stuff a couple of weeks ago. Felt like I was going empty handed and I've not had great experiences with doctors taking me seriously in the past so I was a bit worried. I really need to sit down and write a list of ways it affects me but I know I'll probably end up doing most of that on the train in the morning because I'm doing everything else that doesn't need to be done first! I'm only really staying positive because I might end up getting help if ADHD is what I have.

dbas · 29-05-2018 11:41am

PPN2893 wrote: »

Thanks guys. I think I was just so down about it yesterday as my primary school didn't have anything they could give me in terms of records when they made it seem like they had loads of stuff a couple of weeks ago. Felt like I was going empty handed and I've not had great experiences with doctors taking me seriously in the past so I was a bit worried. I really need to sit down and write a list of ways it affects me but I know I'll probably end up doing most of that on the train in the morning because I'm doing everything else that doesn't need to be done first! I'm only really staying positive because I might end up getting help if ADHD is what I have.

If its what you have, then the professional will see it and will know what questions to ask in order to extract the info from you. You probably haven't been 'taken seriously' by doctors as they didn't know what you had.
Be positive about it anyway. This could be a great move for you

PPN2893 · 31-05-2018 7:36am

So I went yesterday. I was worried about nothing. I'm officially diagnosed with ADHD. I was also told I have Asperger's and (no surprise from my previous posts) Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Still laughing about the fact I didn't think I'd get one diagnosis and ended up with three. Just have to go to my regular GP and get blood pressure and weight checked for a strattera prescription.

kod87 · 31-05-2018 8:53am

PPN2893 wrote: »

So I went yesterday. I was worried about nothing. I'm officially diagnosed with ADHD. I was also told I have Asperger's and (no surprise from my previous posts) Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Still laughing about the fact I didn't think I'd get one diagnosis and ended up with three. Just have to go to my regular GP and get blood pressure and weight checked for a strattera prescription.

Did the Aspergers diagnosis come as a surprise to you or had you suspected that yourself?

PPN2893 · 31-05-2018 9:15am

A bit of a surprise on the day because I hadn't really had that stuff on my mind. I had thought about it around 5-10 years ago when it started becoming more well known and I thought it fit with what I was like as a child. I hadn't considered going for a diagnosis because it wasn't something that particularly bothered me and, for want of a better term, I grew out of the worst parts of it.

brianblaze · 31-05-2018 12:24pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

A bit of a surprise on the day because I hadn't really had that stuff on my mind. I had thought about it around 5-10 years ago when it started becoming more well known and I thought it fit with what I was like as a child. I hadn't considered going for a diagnosis because it wasn't something that particularly bothered me and, for want of a better term, I grew out of the worst parts of it.

If you haven't been to the HADD suppourt group meetings, I'd highly reccomend going! A lot of people recently fiagnosed alongside long term suffereers too, it's a great resource

PPN2893 · 31-05-2018 5:06pm

brianblaze wrote: »

If you haven't been to the HADD suppourt group meetings, I'd highly reccomend going! A lot of people recently fiagnosed alongside long term suffereers too, it's a great resource

I'd give it a go for the craic but there isn't anything like that near by that's not for kids and parents. If I lived closer to Dublin I'd be more likely to give it a go but it's a long auld slog from the country.

Pique · 31-05-2018 7:42pm

PPN2893 wrote:

So I went yesterday. I was worried about nothing. I'm officially diagnosed with ADHD. I was also told I have Asperger's. Just have to go to my regular GP and get blood pressure and weight checked for a strattera prescription.

I went today and this was exactly me. Ritalin was also mentioned but the script is for Strattera.

So what does it feel like on Strattera? Is it sudden or a barely noticeable change process?

Not that I care now tbh. Just glad to have got this far.

PPN2893 · 31-05-2018 7:55pm

Pique wrote: »

I went today and this was exactly me. Ritalin was also mentioned but the script is for Strattera.

So what does it feel like on Strattera? Is it sudden or a barely noticeable change process?

Not that I care now tbh. Just glad to have got this far.

Yeah, he asked me if I'd be interested in Ritalin, even though it's off label for adults. I told him I'd take whatever would help. I thought after that maybe I was mistaken or missed something he'd said but I got the impression he was prescribing Ritalin.

From what I've read of Strattera, it's not as strong as something like Ritalin and could take a good few weeks to see the benefit. Going to the doc tomorrow to get the prescription sorted. We'll see if it works out.

dbas · 31-05-2018 7:59pm

Strattera is non stimulant if i remember correctly. Its an art more than a science getting meds right for ADHD (if they are for you at all- depends on how you take to them) There is coaching available and plenty of books online as other/additional methods of handling ADHD

Samuel T. Cogley · 31-05-2018 9:53pm

dbas wrote: »

Strattera is non stimulant if i remember correctly. Its an art more than a science getting meds right for ADHD (if they are for you at all- depends on how you take to them) There is coaching available and plenty of books online as other/additional methods of handling ADHD

I suspect they're trying that first as it's a non-stimulant and less potential for abuse.

Feu · 01-06-2018 8:54am

PPN2893 wrote: »

So I went yesterday. I was worried about nothing. I'm officially diagnosed with ADHD. I was also told I have Asperger's and (no surprise from my previous posts) Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Still laughing about the fact I didn't think I'd get one diagnosis and ended up with three. Just have to go to my regular GP and get blood pressure and weight checked for a strattera prescription.

Great news PPN! Apologies should have mentioned (although i think referred to several times on this thread) that Fitzgerald tends to diagnose ASD & ADHD together regularly enough (although not always!). His position is that there is high co-morbidity (https://www.imt.ie/clinical/mental-health/common-diagnostic-errors-in-child-adolescent-and-adult-psychiatry-07-07-2008/ ) and while in my experience of working with people, often the dual diagnosis is missed, I think he's a wee bit enthusiastic in this area

Advice appears to be give Strattera a belt for a couple of months, and then if not working, ritalin can be tried. As mentioned, strattera is not stimulant based, and therefore preferred by some people, as they don't get the speedy/jittery effect that some people report with Ritalin, but also many people consider it less effective. Some people e.g. Cannex have given detailed information on their experiences with medications, back towards the start of this thread. suck it and see i suppose!

Feu · 01-06-2018 8:56am

brianblaze wrote: »

If you haven't been to the HADD suppourt group meetings, I'd highly reccomend going! A lot of people recently fiagnosed alongside long term suffereers too, it's a great resource

Would love to hear any feedback about the group! I mean not personal details, just, has it been helpful, what kind of people are going, age group, how does it work, is there a topic for the meeting, or just random?

brianblaze · 01-06-2018 9:35am

Group meetings generally have a central topic and then we go round table in a discussion on it. (IE Discussing the 'mindfog' of ADHD etc)

As it's a mix of regulars and newcomers, diagnosed and non-diagnosed, no session is the same but I always feel better for going, if only to be around people going through the same stuff as you

PPN2893 · 01-06-2018 10:09am

Feu wrote: »

Great news PPN! Apologies should have mentioned (although i think referred to several times on this thread) that Fitzgerald tends to diagnose ASD & ADHD together regularly enough (although not always!). His position is that there is high co-morbidity (https://www.imt.ie/clinical/mental-health/common-diagnostic-errors-in-child-adolescent-and-adult-psychiatry-07-07-2008/ ) and while in my experience of working with people, often the dual diagnosis is missed, I think he's a wee bit enthusiastic in this area

Advice appears to be give Strattera a belt for a couple of months, and then if not working, ritalin can be tried. As mentioned, strattera is not stimulant based, and therefore preferred by some people, as they don't get the speedy/jittery effect that some people report with Ritalin, but also many people consider it less effective. Some people e.g. Cannex have given detailed information on their experiences with medications, back towards the start of this thread. suck it and see i suppose!

Ah yeah, I'm going to give it a belt for a while and see how it goes. A bit apprehensive about Strattera since I've been on two SNRIs before and it didn't go well but if there's a chance it can improve my concentration by even 10%, I'll be happy out. I think I was initially a bit disappointed it wasn't Ritalin because you can tell fairly quickly if it works for you. Sure you know yourself, delayed gratification and ADHD don't go hand in hand.

dbas · 01-06-2018 12:53pm

Feu wrote: »

Great news PPN! Apologies should have mentioned (although i think referred to several times on this thread) that Fitzgerald tends to diagnose ASD & ADHD together regularly enough (although not always!). His position is that there is high co-morbidity (https://www.imt.ie/clinical/mental-health/common-diagnostic-errors-in-child-adolescent-and-adult-psychiatry-07-07-2008/ ) and while in my experience of working with people, often the dual diagnosis is missed, I think he's a wee bit enthusiastic in this area

Advice appears to be give Strattera a belt for a couple of months, and then if not working, ritalin can be tried. As mentioned, strattera is not stimulant based, and therefore preferred by some people, as they don't get the speedy/jittery effect that some people report with Ritalin, but also many people consider it less effective. Some people e.g. Cannex have given detailed information on their experiences with medications, back towards the start of this thread. suck it and see i suppose!

i will second what is said about Fitzgerald. I didn't wanna say it yesterday but a family member works in mental health and misdiagnoses of aspergers come in all the time. Trust his diagnosis of ADHD but not the aspergers for now anyway. Research aspergers yourself and make your own mind up about that one. One wonders whether he is on the spectrum himself as his thinking on the co-morbidity of the conditions is a bit concrete.
Regarding the drugs for ADHD- I was put on strattera first as I've a history of drug abuse (social-not serious) so that was first port of call. The last i tried was ritalin but i stopped taking it as it made getting to sleep even worse than it always has been. I take 5000mg of good cod liver oil and vitamin b every day and that helps

MrSzyslak · 01-06-2018 8:27pm

dbas wrote: »

i will second what is said about Fitzgerald. I didn't wanna say it yesterday but a family member works in mental health and misdiagnoses of aspergers come in all the time. Trust his diagnosis of ADHD but not the aspergers for now anyway. Research aspergers yourself and make your own mind up about that one. One wonders whether he is on the spectrum himself as his thinking on the co-morbidity of the conditions is a bit concrete.
Regarding the drugs for ADHD- I was put on strattera first as I've a history of drug abuse (social-not serious) so that was first port of call. The last i tried was ritalin but i stopped taking it as it made getting to sleep even worse than it always has been. I take 5000mg of good cod liver oil and vitamin b every day and that helps

How did you find the Strattera?

I am currently on Ritalin and Lexapro for anxiety

dbas · 01-06-2018 8:34pm

MrSzyslak wrote: »

How did you find the Strattera?

I am currently on Ritalin and Lexapro for anxiety

I lasted around 3 days on the strattera. It made me feel really anxious in a physical way. I felt these horrible waves passing through my head which is really hard to explain properly but worried me enough to not take the remaining drugs. Think i went on concerta then which i lasted on for a few months. Started on ritalin afterwards and took those for over 6 months but I stopped as they effected my sleep too much. I don't take anything now bar cod liver oil and vitamin B. I use bose noise cancelling headphones in work as they help me concentrate in a noisy office. I have been thinking of trying out the ritalin again though

MrSzyslak · 01-06-2018 8:53pm

dbas wrote: »

I lasted around 3 days on the strattera. It made me feel really anxious in a physical way. I felt these horrible waves passing through my head which is really hard to explain properly but worried me enough to not take the remaining drugs. Think i went on concerta then which i lasted on for a few months. Started on ritalin afterwards and took those for over 6 months but I stopped as they effected my sleep too much. I don't take anything now bar cod liver oil and vitamin B. I use bose noise cancelling headphones in work as they help me concentrate in a noisy office. I have been thinking of trying out the ritalin again though

Did you find all the stims gave you anxiety? I have the same problem with sleep and I think it just drains you after awhile without noticing.

I suffer from Anxiety myself and therefore I am on Lexapro with the Ritalin LA.

Strattera can actual treat anxiety also so was thinking of going back for an appointment to request a change.

It can take 2 - 8 weeks to take affect same as many SSRI / SNRI. The side effects of those can be very nasty the first few weeks also so I am hoping most of the horror stories online are due to people trying for a few days and then stopping.

Either this or going from Ritalin LA to Concerta in the hope it causes less anxiety but thats probably a long short.

I know of someone on this thread being treated with Vyvanse which is amphétamine based which I would love to try, but I think it would be difficult to get a prescription for that in Ireland, although apparently possible.

DrWu · 02-06-2018 1:19pm

Hi guys, just a word of caution.

I was checking out counsellors on the website of Ireland's leading counselling body and was shocked to see so many counsellors listing ADHD as something the specialize in but with no specialized training.

Worse still, I contacted one such counsellor and asked her about ADHD and her lack of knowledge (even at the most basic level) was staggering. Another counsellor I spoke to (who also lists ADHD therapy in her bio) had no knowledge of adult ADHD and viewed the condition as a "motivational" problem.

Please be careful. The wrong kind of counselling can do more damage than no counselling. If in doubt, attend a psychologist.

PPN2893 · 02-06-2018 2:46pm

DrWu wrote: »

Hi guys, just a word of caution.

I was checking out counsellors on the website of Ireland's leading counselling body and was shocked to see so many counsellors listing ADHD as something the specialize in but with no specialized training.

Worse still, I contacted one such counsellor and asked her about ADHD and her lack of knowledge (even at the most basic level) was staggering. Another counsellor I spoke to (who also lists ADHD therapy in her bio) had no knowledge of adult ADHD and viewed the condition as a "motivational" problem.

Please be careful. The wrong kind of counselling can do more damage than no counselling. If in doubt, attend a psychologist.

This is part of the reason I'm iffy about CBT. I'm definitely willing to give it a try but the requirements for someone to call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist are quiet low. Some will have BAs or PhDs but I don't think you need them to say you're a counsellor, so there's probably a lot of dodgy ones out there.

DrWu · 02-06-2018 3:11pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

This is part of the reason I'm iffy about CBT. I'm definitely willing to give it a try but the requirements for someone to call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist are quiet low. Some will have BAs or PhDs but I don't think you need them to say you're a counsellor, so there's probably a lot of dodgy ones out there.

It's a profession in disarray - in this country at least. I got out of it in 2017 and things have got worse since then. The vast majority are woefully underqualified (IACP require only a diploma) and most of the courses out there have zero training in working with conditions like ADHD, eating disorders (which counsellors shouldn't be dealing with on their own anyway!), Bipolar, OCD, etc, etc.

CBT is seen as a cure all within counselling and is more importantly an "easy" modality to work within - i.e. it takes little emotional/mental strain on the counsellor. However I question it's long term benefits for adults with ADHD. It may be able to help out with some of the secondary symptoms of ADHD (low self-esteem, poor self-image etc) but beware of counsellors making grandiose claims!

Please, please please quiz your counsellor about ADHD. Test them if you have to. If they don't know what they're talking about DO NOT go to them. And better still make this known to CORU (no point telling the professional body they are accredited with as nothing will be done).

brianblaze · 02-06-2018 10:58pm

DrWu wrote: »

viewed the condition as a "motivational" problem

Alert HADD, they can have the person in question taken off the list

DrWu · 02-06-2018 11:44pm

brianblaze wrote: »

Alert HADD, they can have the person in question taken off the list

Hey brianblaze. It's totally separate from HADD. The people they have on their list (predominantly Psychologists) all have specialized training in assessing and diagnosing ADHD. I actually went to one of them for my assessment and diagnosis.

I was talking about the list of counsellors on a counselling organization's website (I don't know if I'm allowed to name the organization here so I wont, but it's on their website for all to see).

I was well into double figures on the amount of counsellors claiming to work with ADHD - with no specialized training. The few that I contacted hadn't a clue about the condition and one in particular had an appalling attitude towards the disorder, bordering on dangerous.

Psychologists are generally much better informed (some counsellors like myself have their primary training in psychology, so that's worth checking for). Just please be careful everyone. It is still an unregulated profession and what I'm hearing about how it's going to be regulated doesn't fill me with confidence either.

Orionis · 07-06-2018 12:25pm

DrWu wrote: »

It's a profession in disarray - in this country at least. I got out of it in 2017 and things have got worse since then. The vast majority are woefully underqualified (IACP require only a diploma) and most of the courses out there have zero training in working with conditions like ADHD, eating disorders (which counsellors shouldn't be dealing with on their own anyway!), Bipolar, OCD, etc, etc.

CBT is seen as a cure all within counselling and is more importantly an "easy" modality to work within - i.e. it takes little emotional/mental strain on the counsellor. However I question it's long term benefits for adults with ADHD. It may be able to help out with some of the secondary symptoms of ADHD (low self-esteem, poor self-image etc) but beware of counsellors making grandiose claims!

Please, please please quiz your counsellor about ADHD. Test them if you have to. If they don't know what they're talking about DO NOT go to them. And better still make this known to CORU (no point telling the professional body they are accredited with as nothing will be done).

I'd actually go further and suggest that people avoid counsellors entirely regarding ADHD. The vast majority of counsellors just don't have the education or training to deal with a serious neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD and are likely to do more harm then good in my opinion. It's vital to get help from someone who understands the condition.

The vast majority of psychologists in Ireland have little to no knowledge of ADHD either. Unfortunately, I think there's really only a very small number of psychologists that have adequate training in this area.

I share your skepticism about the benefits of CBT in ADHD to some extent. However there is a great deal of evidence now for it's efficacy which is difficult to argue with. Multiple randomised trials have shown this and the benefits were maintained at follow up months later. The trouble is that all the evidence of benefit is for a limited number of CBT programs developed specifically for adult ADHD. I suspect very few psychologists in Ireland are even aware of those programs, never mind providing them.

MrSzyslak · 07-06-2018 5:14pm

Orionis wrote: »

I'd actually go further and suggest that people avoid counsellors entirely regarding ADHD. The vast majority of counsellors just don't have the education or training to deal with a serious neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD and are likely to do more harm then good in my opinion. It's vital to get help from someone who understands the condition.

The vast majority of psychologists in Ireland have little to no knowledge of ADHD either. Unfortunately, I think there's really only a very small number of psychologists that have adequate training in this area.

I share your skepticism about the benefits of CBT in ADHD to some extent. However there is a great deal of evidence now for it's efficacy which is difficult to argue with. Multiple randomised trials have shown this and the benefits were maintained at follow up months later. The trouble is that all the evidence of benefit is for a limited number of CBT programs developed specifically for adult ADHD. I suspect very few psychologists in Ireland are even aware of those programs, never mind providing them.

I have tired it, it wasnt very effective above general organisation skills you can find online.

Some cheap courses on Udemy.com that give some good practical tips on dealing with adult ADD.

I think I am resigned to the fact that the Adhd brain lacks dopamine, you can get that from medication which also brings side effects, so you have to make a trade off and weigh up the benefits medicated and going without. You make basic life changes and add structures and routines that help.

Try to avoid alcohol, exercises as more as possible - all easier said than done when trying to hold down a job and pay bills. Luckily I am still relatively young and don't have any kids to worry about. Not convinced I would ever cope with all that tbh suppose time will tell!!

PPN2893 · 08-06-2018 7:12pm

So, Strattera is sh*te. I don't mean that it doesn't work for symptoms because it's too early to tell but the side effects are fecking annoying. Even if it improves my concentration in the long term, I don't see the point if I'm half asleep all the time. I know it can take as much as a couple months to work properly but I feel like I'll be counting down the days until it's appropriate for me to ask to try another medication.

Pique · 08-06-2018 9:47pm

I'm 3 days in. First day I felt practically stoned till lunch, but took them on an empty stomach. Had a kinda headache and felt woozy for 4-5 hours. After that I was still in slow motion. Second day more of the same. I actually wanted to sleep after taking it. today was different. Had healthy breakfast (normally don't have breakfast) of fruit, yoghurt and a coffee before taking it and felt a lot better. Based off that, I'm thinking not to take on an empty stomach, at least for me. This is only the 18mg though, and I'm supposed to ramp up to 80mg so who knows what the incremental jumps will be like. I'll probably need a steak for breakfast on 80mg!!

PPN2893 · 08-06-2018 9:51pm

Pique wrote: »

I'm 3 days in. First day I felt practically stoned till lunch, but took them on an empty stomach. Had a kinda headache and felt woozy for 4-5 hours. After that I was still in slow motion. Second day more of the same. I actually wanted to sleep after taking it. today was different. Had healthy breakfast (normally don't have breakfast) of fruit, yoghurt and a coffee before taking it and felt a lot better. Based off that, I'm thinking not to take on an empty stomach, at least for me. This is only the 18mg though, and I'm supposed to ramp up to 80mg so who knows what the incremental jumps will be like. I'll probably need a steak for breakfast on 80mg!!

Yeah, I read to try and take it with a large breakfast. Been trying to eat as much as I can with it but it's destroyed my appetite. Think today just knocked me because it's my first day upping from 18 to 25 mg. Not looking forward to another increase! I'm going up to 80 mg too.

Pique · 08-06-2018 10:13pm

Hasn't destroyed my appetite yet. Wouldn't mind though as I could do with losing the middle aged spread lol.
Maybe a stodgy breakfast would help contain it longer. Porridge or something?
Like you I'm not feeling any more focused but if you're kinda stoned it's not surprising. I assume your body needs time to adjust to the dopamine/adrenaline changes.

PPN2893 · 08-06-2018 10:20pm

My appetite disappeared on day 1. Will try to force some Flahavans in tomorrow. It's not a bad idea. Have been going for bran flakes since... well, around day 4-5 the constipation symptoms reared their ugly head. For a smoker with a caffeine addiction, I'm not used to it at all! I didn't actually get the stoned feeling the first couple days until around 6pm. Has been getting worse as time goes on. Feel like my eyeballs are floating half the time. Not a massive drinker but I know I can't touch the stuff now because I'm light-headed enough as is.

Pique · 08-06-2018 10:31pm

Sh!t you're not filling me with optimism about what is coming up, man.

PPN2893 · 08-06-2018 10:44pm

Sorry! Meds aren't the worst I've taken. If the concentration improves in a couple weeks I can live with the side effects, so they're not too bad. I'd just say that some spicy food in your future might not be a bad idea! I might start experimenting with taking them at a different time of day eventually if the tiredness doesn't go away. I've read some stuff about people having a better time with taking them at night.

MrSzyslak · 11-06-2018 6:33pm

Cheers guys - be helpful if ye could keep updating here regarding the Strattera as its a good alternative to stimulant medications and I'm very interested in switching over.

Best of luck with it :-)

PPN2893 · 12-06-2018 2:27pm

MrSzyslak wrote: »

Cheers guys - be helpful if ye could keep updating here regarding the Strattera as its a good alternative to stimulant medications and I'm very interested in switching over.

Best of luck with it :-)

I'm happy to give updates but there isn't much to tell at this point. I'm on my last day of 25 mg before I switch to 40 mg. I'll be up to 80 mg by the end of the month. I'm not getting much of a bang off the meds as of yet. Still have the tiredness and dizziness during the day but it's gotten a little bit better. The other symptoms like low appetite and constipation have mostly sorted themselves out. I've noticed I'm a bit more irritable. Nothing extreme but if someone gets in my way or if it's too noisy, I'm more prone to getting a bit angry about that. I'm basically a bit more snappy. Unless I see a marked improvement by the start of next month, I can't see myself staying on the meds. So far, they're more of a hindrance with no improvement in concentration and motivation.

Samuel T. Cogley · 12-06-2018 3:37pm

The effect of the meds, even the medium does of Conserta and Ritalin I'm on is quite subtle. I've dabbled in taking larger does of Ritalin and all it did was keep me up all night.

I find motivation a real problem.

PPN2893 · 12-06-2018 3:48pm

To be honest, I think the Strattera is making me worse. I'm tempted to go back and ask to switch to Ritalin already. I just haven't because I want to at least been seen to give Strattera a shot. It's early days still so I'm open to the possibility that I might see an improvement in another week or two. Strattera is just making my brain fog worse. I keep losing things more often than I did before and my motivation is worse because I'm more tired than I used to be. It's not like the medication has truly awful side effects but I don't think it's for me at all. I'm mostly just continuing to take it because I know that it would be a fight to get a doctor to switch to Ritalin so I might as well keep trying Strattera in the meantime.

Pique · 13-06-2018 12:30am

I'm on day 2 of Strattera 25mg and it's making me wrecked by 7pm when taking it around 10am on a full stomach. First hour or 2 after taking it I feel light headed and warm. Next few hours I'm fairly alert but still not properly focused. But when evening hits I just hit a wall.
No appetite loss or toilet changes.Maybe want to focus on more than one thing at a time than in the past (which is no improvement really). I bought a month's worth of meds which cost me over €130 so I'm averse to throwing in the towel after a week but if it's like this for the next couple of months as my brain and body adapts, I'm not sure if this is for me. Out of 12 hours after taking it, only about half are anywhere near improved. The rest are spaced or wrecked.

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