Adult ADHD Advice

Feu · 24-09-2017 8:16am

somefeen wrote: »

Hello
I posted on this thread a few months ago and was very grateful for the replies. I just forgot to to post again..
I was prescribed Concerta back in January. Seemed to help. I got a job but left a few weeks ago. I could see the same pattern I always had repeating itself and the medication didnt seem to help as much in a work environment. I stopped taking them and I decided to bail before I got fired or went into the same self loathing spiral as before.

I went back on the medication a few weeks ago but no sign of any changes.
I was never given a formal diagnosis. But I did complete the DIVA assessment which gave a strong indication towards ADHD.
I was back with the mental health primary care team last week and they are arranging an appt with a Clinical Psychologist to get a proper diagnosis. I've also got an appointment with an Occupational Therapist.
Just wondering if anyone could give any insight as to what to expect from either of these appointments?
Feeling very frustrated with myself at the moment.

What kind of patterns develop at work? I wonder if other people might identify or have suggestions. If you've no diagnosis how did you get prescribed Concerta ? ( not a dig, just curious!)
Some people find it can take up to 8 weeks for effects to accumulate and kick in, but you should be feeling more focused at the least! That being said, the different medications work differently for different people, and some people go through the 2 or 3 without much success. They say medication is successful for about 80% of people with true adhd/add

While medication (when it works) is a big part of the puzzle, behavioural and lifestyle changes are really important too. I have detailed some of these above, and cannot recommend any without knowing your individual difficulties,but generally things like sleep hygiene, organizational habits, and psycho education about your own conditions and acknowledgment of your strengths and difficulties. Since I am an OT, this may be what the OT will cover with you, but it may not

How the meeting is focused will depend on the setting, reason the referral, and clinicians own experience.
In my experience, many health professionals are not overly experienced with adult ADHD, but since this is part of the query, you should be fine. THE OT will probably ask you what you want to improve, and may set some goals with you, and may do some kind of assessment, I can't say which one without knowing your case, but it will be painless

OTs in a nutshell want to help you improve your function and quality of life and therefore are generally speaking client centred and practically focused. Before you meet with them, try to think about if you could just improve one aspect /area, what would it be?

For the psychologist, again depending on their background, they may do a series of assessments and ask you lots of questions, including about your childhood. I would imagine they will also try to rule things out, often a cognitive test is given to rule out learning difficulties. Again, they should be nice, they are trying to help you

sorry I can't be more specific, but it's hard without knowing more details,

some people have outlined above what their assessments were like, and it's usually fine.

Lastly, try not to feel too frustrated with yourself. It sounds like you are being proactive and seeking out the support you need. You have asked for and are getting help. As many people reading this can attest, the road of adult diagnosis of any neurological conditionis a long and rocky one, but you are further along them most, and in a good situation by being linked in with a team already. While things are difficult at the moment, try to focus on the proactive things you have done.

If you have more questions just put them out here

and do let us know how you get on. I think this page is a brilliant resource (although it is getting long and therefore may be tricky for some people with adhd to read through in its entirety! ), and the more info we can pull together about people's experiences the better.

somefeen · 25-09-2017 12:07am

Feu wrote: »

What kind of patterns develop at work? I wonder if other people might identify or have suggestions. If you've no diagnosis how did you get prescribed Concerta ? ( not a dig, just curious!)
Some people find it can take up to 8 weeks for effects to accumulate and kick in, but you should be feeling more focused at the least! That being said, the different medications work differently for different people, and some people go through the 2 or 3 without much success. They say medication is successful for about 80% of people with true adhd/add

While medication (when it works) is a big part of the puzzle, behavioural and lifestyle changes are really important too. I have detailed some of these above, and cannot recommend any without knowing your individual difficulties,but generally things like sleep hygiene, organizational habits, and psycho education about your own conditions and acknowledgment of your strengths and difficulties. Since I am an OT, this may be what the OT will cover with you, but it may not
How the meeting is focused will depend on the setting, reason the referral, and clinicians own experience.
In my experience, many health professionals are not overly experienced with adult ADHD, but since this is part of the query, you should be fine. THE OT will probably ask you what you want to improve, and may set some goals with you, and may do some kind of assessment, I can't say which one without knowing your case, but it will be painless OTs in a nutshell want to help you improve your function and quality of life and therefore are generally speaking client centred and practically focused. Before you meet with them, try to think about if you could just improve one aspect /area, what would it be?

For the psychologist, again depending on their background, they may do a series of assessments and ask you lots of questions, including about your childhood. I would imagine they will also try to rule things out, often a cognitive test is given to rule out learning difficulties. Again, they should be nice, they are trying to help you sorry I can't be more specific, but it's hard without knowing more details, some people have outlined above what their assessments were like, and it's usually fine.

Lastly, try not to feel too frustrated with yourself. It sounds like you are being proactive and seeking out the support you need. You have asked for and are getting help. As many people reading this can attest, the road of adult diagnosis of any neurological conditionis a long and rocky one, but you are further along them most, and in a good situation by being linked in with a team already. While things are difficult at the moment, try to focus on the proactive things you have done.

If you have more questions just put them out here and do let us know how you get on. I think this page is a brilliant resource (although it is getting long and therefore may be tricky for some people with adhd to read through in its entirety! ), and the more info we can pull together about people's experiences the better.

Thanks for your response. You were very detailed and thorough so I'm going to try and do it justice.

I've definitely been prescribed Concerta. I think you might not be the first person to question how I got it without an official diagnosis so I'm curious now myself. It is Concerta though, says so on the bottle, prescription says Concerta and the pills match the description. Unless its some kind of placebo. I get the prescription from my GP.

The problems I have at work are many and varied, perhaps not all to do with ADHD. I get bored very easliy, any kind of routine eventually becomes soul destroying. This is not the regular 'I hate my job kind of boring' this is agony, almost physically painful and I find it very hard to cope. In one previous job I had, what looking back on it now were probably panic attacks. 10-15 minutes in the morning curled into a ball on the kitchen floor. I'm a grown man and I consider myself resilient. I generally handle stress well, but boredom....jesus.
Since I get so bored I find it very hard to maintain focus. I find focusing hard anyway but in my last job I would usually be going around doing the morning rounds on my own and I would lose focus and end up staring off into space.
It slowed me down alot and led to errors that I'd have to go back and correct making it worse.
The only time I could really focus and get the job done in a timely fashion was when it absolutely had to be done by a certain time or there would be an actual consequence. By that I mean something real would happen, like a truck woudlnt leave on time or I wouldnt be ready for another job that had to be done that day. Its hard to explain but I think I've realised that certain pressures don't click with me. Getting it done fast because I want to be a good worker and keep my boss happy just doesnt work for me because the consequences of failing in that regard are vague and not defined.

Then there is the attention to detail. I just don't have it.

I also hate being told what to do. Time and time again I have tried to just suck it up and get on with it but it hurts. A bit like the boredom.
Like the above example. My boss and coworkers mentioned that I was slow getting the mornings work done. It was pretty obvious that none of them were impressed with the amount of time it would take me. That made it worse for me, because now the last thing on earth I was going to do was go faster. If the lord himself came down and gave me a wondrous potion that would make me go faster in the mornings and stay focused, I'd have told him where to shove it.

A more extreme example. In the job where I was having panic attacks due to the boredom, I was consistently late. Due in part to the effort required to extricate myself from the fetal position on the kitchen floor but also due to the fact I would wake up in the morning when my alarm went off...and then forget to get out of bed.
My boss mentioned it to me and told me to make sure I was on time because I was always late. From that point on I made sure I was atleast 5 minutes late every day.

I'm reading back on this realising I probably just sound like an arsehole. Its still beyond my comprehension how anyone can be told by there boss they need to work faster, be earlier, be tidier etc and then actually go out and do it. I don't know why, Im generally a helpful person and I work hard really. I put in the hours and never complain about problems or conditions, I do overtime without any problems.
Maybe I just have an aversion to being asked to correct problems that I feel I simply can't solve? But I also just hate being given an order or told how to do something. If my boss says 'clean up that stuff you spilled' or 'thats not how X is supposed to done' right on the tip of my tongue is a massive **** YOU! and then I hate myself for just saying 'OK yeah, no bother'

On the subject of solving problems. I get to wrapped up in an issue an focus solely on that to detriment of everything else. I remember we had a minor technical issue in my last job. Nothing major, a tail lift on a truck wasn't working as it should and all the wiring was rotten. We didnt really need it to work it just would have been handy if it was. My boss was away for two days and I spent all that time trying to get this thing working instead of what I was supposed to be doing, I kept saying just another five minutes, I tried and go and do something else but all I could think about was this damn tail lift and why it wasn't working. My boss came back and I still didnt have it working. He seemed a bit annoyed that I'd 'wasted' so much time on it. H told me not to spend anymore time on it because there was other stuff that had to be done. So later that evening when everyone had gone home, I came back and kept working on it. I couldn't stop myself. I fixed it anyway but I don't think anyone noticed.
I can't really understand verbal instructions either. It just turns into noise. I really feel like an idiot when I don't understand what someone is asking me to do. "Bring five bags of cement and put them on that trailer and then load up the van with 2 shovels and 3 rakes". I probably look like a complete idiot when I have to stop and think about what was a fairly simple set of instructions.
I'm sure people I work with think of me as a dope and because of everything else I never really get trusted with anything too important. I really hurts my self esteem and there are times i believe i am just an idiot.

****ing hell I just looked back on how much I've written. I was not expecting to write a novel ::eek:

cannex · 25-09-2017 5:20pm

I'm the same, I get bored very easily and struggle to understand verbal instructions.

Anyway the main point is that the medication will not do anything on its own, sure it will help you to focus a little bit better but the main issue as an adult who is new to the diagnosis of adhd is that we generally have a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms due to compensating for the deficit in attention and everything else that goes with adhd.

So.......you need CBT for ADHD, Cognitive behavioural therapy so you can learn healthy coping mchanisms, coupled with taking your medication you will find yourself in a better state of mind to put what you have learned in cbt to proper use.

It starts from the second you wake up all the way to your bedtime routine, you have to look at it all, dont do it alone, get help.

I had an occupational therapist, while she did help a little bit, the problem is that she wasnt trained to deal with adult adhd so she was treating me with a therapy that is designed for people who are clinially depressed, while adhd can cause depression, the adhd need to be treated first and foremost, then the depression will generally disappear when the adhd is treated.

In a nutshell
meds will not work alone - not a magic pill
get CBT - check out www.mymind.ie for affordable cbt therapy.
Everything you are experiencing is typical for the majority of adults who realise they have adhd
You will get through it, keep powering on, and forget about that job, you need to get the adhd under control first before you can thrive in the work place. dont be so hard on yourself -

ADHD is a disability that effects all aspects of life - untreated it is really tough - treated - you will thrive - i promise you that - so keep going!!!

Hope that helps, ask away if any more questions.

Effects · 25-09-2017 5:25pm

What kind of meds are you on? Did you have to go through a load of different ones until you find the right meds?
I've been on a few in the past but haven't been on any in about 4 or 5 years. Been thinking of going back to my Doctor to try something again as my ADD is getting a bit hard to manage at the moment.

somefeen · 26-09-2017 12:20pm

cannex wrote: »

I'm the same, I get bored very easily and struggle to understand verbal instructions.

Anyway the main point is that the medication will not do anything on its own, sure it will help you to focus a little bit better but the main issue as an adult who is new to the diagnosis of adhd is that we generally have a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms due to compensating for the deficit in attention and everything else that goes with adhd.

So.......you need CBT for ADHD, Cognitive behavioural therapy so you can learn healthy coping mchanisms, coupled with taking your medication you will find yourself in a better state of mind to put what you have learned in cbt to proper use.

It starts from the second you wake up all the way to your bedtime routine, you have to look at it all, dont do it alone, get help.

I had an occupational therapist, while she did help a little bit, the problem is that she wasnt trained to deal with adult adhd so she was treating me with a therapy that is designed for people who are clinially depressed, while adhd can cause depression, the adhd need to be treated first and foremost, then the depression will generally disappear when the adhd is treated.

In a nutshell
meds will not work alone - not a magic pill
get CBT - check out www.mymind.ie for affordable cbt therapy.
Everything you are experiencing is typical for the majority of adults who realise they have adhd
You will get through it, keep powering on, and forget about that job, you need to get the adhd under control first before you can thrive in the work place. dont be so hard on yourself -

ADHD is a disability that effects all aspects of life - untreated it is really tough - treated - you will thrive - i promise you that - so keep going!!!

Hope that helps, ask away if any more questions.

Could I ask if you've noticed any improvements since starting the CBT and medication?

What does CBT actually do for ADD. I suppose I am wary of the treatment as well. There's parts of ADD that I like and I don't want to be moulded into a good little member of society if you know what I mean.

cannex · 26-09-2017 10:50pm

What I did in CBT was literally organisation skills. With adhd, prioritizing is difficult, everything is just as important as everything else so i learned a few techniques to plan my day, week, how to put things in order of importance. Basically I looked at ways my disorganization lead to all sorts of problems long term and short term.

There was no moulding me into a different person, I just learned some skills that normal people dont have to learn.
Also we looked at catastrophizing - which is something a person with adhd tends to do too - so we looked at my reactions and the most likely scenario as opposed to my version of events, which were normally worst case scenario.

I could do with doing some more CBT, I had 10 sessions but all CBT is, is learning practical life skills and looking at behaviours that help to offset the effects of having a neurobiological disorder like adhd.
Here is a excerpt taken from

ADDiTUDE MAGAZINE
https://www.additudemag.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-adhd/

How Exactly Does CBT Improve ADHD in Adults?

While it is fascinating to learn how CBT may change the brain, most patients with ADHD just want to get out the door without wasting 20 minutes looking for their keys. CBT helps patients manage such everyday challenges.

CBT intervenes to lessen life impairments — procrastination, time management, and other common difficulties — not to treat the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

CBT sessions focus on identifying the situations in which poor planning, disorganization, and poor time and task management create challenges in a patient’s day-to-day life. Sessions may help an individual deal with obligations such as paying bills or completing work on time, and encourage endeavors that provide personal fulfillment and well-being, such as sleep, exercise, or hobbies. Learning about ADHD is always a good starting point, as it reinforces the message that ADHD is not a character flaw and demonstrates the neurological underpinnings of daily challenges.

Most adults with ADHD say, “I know what I need to do, I just don’t do it.” CBT focuses on adopting coping strategies, managing negative expectations and emotions, and unwinding behavioral patterns that interfere with the strategies.

[How CBT Can Help Change Your Behavior]

The goals and session agendas of CBT center on scenarios and challenges that the patient has encountered and, more important, expects to encounter, particularly between sessions. The therapist uses take-away reminders, follow-up check-ins, and other ways of making coping skills “sticky,” so that they are used outside of the consulting room. Ultimately, the way that a patient with ADHD functions in everyday life is the best measure of whether the therapy is helping.
What Is a Typical CBT Session Like?

CBT is administered in many different formats, and each therapist tailors sessions to a patient’s individual needs. Each session’s agenda provides a benchmark for identifying when the discussion is straying off course. Early sessions typically involve an introduction to CBT, the structure of sessions, and setting and refining therapy goals (making them specific, realistic, and actionable), as well as developing action plans for what the patient will do outside of the office. (See “CBT Success Stories.”)

Subsequent sessions focus on identifying the most important life situations affecting the patient, and developing coping skills to handle those situations. For each agenda item, the therapist and patient work together to reverse-engineer the challenge to better understand its nature, including a review of the impact of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and other factors that have interfered with handling the situation

Using the CBT framework breaks down the tough task of “managing ADHD” into specific tactics for navigating transition points in a day — getting up and off to work on time, starting a project that you’ve been avoiding, or setting a time to review a daily planner — which increases coping skills. These coping steps are strategized in a session (and written down as take-away reminders) to use between sessions.

Some of the in-session CBT exercises are based on simple ideas: “Many people with ADHD don’t wear a watch,” says Dr. Mary Solanto, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. However, remembering to wear a watch, placing clocks all over the house, and keeping a detailed log of the day helps a lot with time management. How does someone with ADHD remember to do all that? Simple mantras (“If it’s not in the planner, it doesn’t exist”) are basic forms of CBT. They serve as reminders to change one’s thought patterns.

“We teach them that, if they are having trouble getting started on a project, the first step is too big,” Solanto says.

Solanto advises her patients to write down in their ADHD-friendly planners every task they have to do in a given day — from important appointments to everyday errands. She asks clients to link checking the planner to routine activities, like brushing your teeth, eating lunch, walking the dog, and so on. This helps someone with ADHD stay on task throughout the day, and prioritizes the things to get done. “People with ADHD spend a lot of time putting out fires, instead of thinking ahead to prevent those fires,” says Solanto, who has recently outlined her work in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Dysfunction. The book teaches therapists how to apply and use Solanto’s brand of CBT in their own practices.

CBT makes it easy to address other important issues that affect ADHD symptoms — co-existing mood and anxiety disorders, addictions to technology and gaming, a job search, or overall lifestyle habits — sleep, exercise, and one’s self-esteem.
How Do CBT and Medications Mix?

Quite well. For some individuals, using ADHD medications alone results in both symptom improvements and better management of adult responsibilities. Most individuals, however, find that they need CBT to target ongoing struggles with disorganization and procrastination, despite being on ADHD stimulants. As has been said many times, “pills don’t teach skills.” The combination of medication and CBT is often the treatment of choice for dealing with the wide-ranging effects of ADHD.

There’s no evidence that CBT can replace drug therapy for ADHD, or even permit lower dosages, but research does suggest that it works better for ADHD than do other forms of therapy. A 2010 study by Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital found that a combination of drug therapy and CBT was more effective at controlling ADHD symptoms than was drug therapy alone.

“CBT picks up where medication leaves off,” says Steven A. Safren, Ph.D., leader of the study and assistant professor of psychology at Harvard University. “Even after optimal treatment with medication, most adults have residual symptoms, and this treatment appears to make them better.”
When Can I Expect to See Results?

Results come quickly. CBT typically yields benefits after only 12 to 15 one-hour sessions. However, most patients continue with CBT much longer, as it emphasizes long-term maintenance of coping skills and improvements. In fact, the length of time spent in treatment — over many months, say — is as important as the number of sessions a person undergoes.

Some people ask whether they should take a month off from work or school and do a CBT “boot camp” for four or five weeks. This is generally not recommended. CBT aims to help individuals make sustained changes in their daily lives. Instead of attending 20 daily sessions of CBT in a month, a patient should stretch out those sessions over six months to turn his new skills into habits and to weave them into his lifestyle. This allows time and practice for mastering coping strategies for paying monthly bills, organizing work or school issues, and pursuing other tasks and endeavors in real time.

Some individuals return to CBT for “booster sessions” to address a challenge if they’ve fallen into old habits. Some resume CBT to adapt their coping skills to a major life change, such as having a child or losing a job."

cannex · 26-09-2017 11:02pm

Effects wrote: »

What kind of meds are you on? Did you have to go through a load of different ones until you find the right meds?
I've been on a few in the past but haven't been on any in about 4 or 5 years. Been thinking of going back to my Doctor to try something again as my ADD is getting a bit hard to manage at the moment.

I was forst prescribed with strattera - hated them, then it was Ritalin long acting and I am still on them but I'm sorry for the extremely short response - but its the same answer - meds alone do nothing really except make you focus better with bad habits and coping skills skewed by adhd. Look at the post on CBT specifically for ADHD.

Please people believe me

cannex · 26-09-2017 11:07pm

somefeen wrote: »

Could I ask if you've noticed any improvements since starting the CBT and medication?

Yes I noticed a lot of improvements, basically I keep an organiser, i write everything down, I rely on my medication to get me through my day in college and I also rely on the meds to stop me from over-reacting to everything, sounds, people, emotions.

I was on meds for about a year before I got CBT and they did fcuk all because I still had no clue how to organise my daily life, we need to learn these things.
The cbt helped me to plan ahead and without the combination of bothmeds and life skills, the meds are actually pointless!!!

ok rambling now!

Effects · 28-09-2017 3:01pm

cannex wrote: »

I was forst prescribed with strattera - hated them, then it was Ritalin long acting.

Please people believe me

Ah yes, just remembered I was on Strattera for a while. Doc even tried Zyban as it works in some cases even though it's for smoking! Might see what he says about Ritalin.
It's the focus that's my problem at the moment. I also need to get back to regular yoga which I found was helping.
I'll have a read of the CBT thread too.

cannex · 13-10-2017 8:24am

Please watch this, only 17mins long:

Feu · 06-11-2017 11:48am

How are the college students getting on?

emilymemily · 06-11-2017 3:03pm

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.

Feu · 06-11-2017 5:56pm

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.

cannex wrote: »

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.

Feu wrote: »

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 â‚¬65 a month to over â‚¬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.

cannex wrote: »

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 good

DrWu · 07-11-2017 3:38am

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.

cannex · 25-12-2017 1:40am

Feu wrote: »

How are the college students getting on?

Thanks for your input, its very much appreciated.

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

cannex · 25-12-2017 1:47am

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.

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.

cannex · 25-12-2017 1:50am

DrWu wrote: »

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.

DrWu · 26-12-2017 9:49pm

cannex wrote: »

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.

DrWu · 26-12-2017 9:58pm

cannex wrote: »

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.

28-12-2017 11:34am

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.

DrWu · 28-12-2017 12:17pm

yupder wrote: »

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.

28-12-2017 12:27pm

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.

Wanderer78 · 28-12-2017 12:44pm

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 about

DrWu · 28-12-2017 12:48pm

yupder wrote: »

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.

Seanachai · 28-12-2017 12:53pm

Has anybody that went on medication here later decided to go without it?

Gremlinertia · 28-12-2017 4:47pm

Seanachai wrote: »

Has anybody that went on medication here later decided to go without it?

If it was against medical advice no one here can say anything to be honest.. Perhaps find a dedicated practice to discuss?

Wanderer78 · 28-12-2017 4:50pm

yupder wrote: »

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 it

like · 04-01-2018 2:44pm

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....

lucat · 04-01-2018 4:05pm

like wrote: »

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!

like · 04-01-2018 4:24pm

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 :-)

Samuel T. Cogley · 08-01-2018 3:14pm

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.

Feu · 08-01-2018 4:08pm

DrWu wrote: »

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 difficult

Feu wrote: »

Also, 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. e

like · 10-01-2018 10:24pm

@ 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.

Samuel T. Cogley · 11-01-2018 8:21am

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.

Samuel T. Cogley · 02-02-2018 3:37pm

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.

lucat · 02-02-2018 3:58pm

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.

lucat · 02-02-2018 4:07pm

like wrote: »

@ 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.

Samuel T. Cogley · 24-02-2018 5:38pm

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.

PAULFRANCIS69 · 14-03-2018 9:32pm

RazzaR wrote: »

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,

Paul

Feu · 15-03-2018 10:13am

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

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

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

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

Dr Fitzgerald is still working at least part time, read previous posts for people's experiences. Wait not normally too bad, maybe 6 weeks

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 away

PAULFRANCIS69 · 15-03-2018 1:45pm

Feu wrote: »

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

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

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

Dr Fitzgerald is still working at least part time, read previous posts for people's experiences. Wait not normally too bad, maybe 6 weeks

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 away

Feu, thanks so much for the speedy reply and the advise to fill out our the CADDEX form, which I was not aware of!

Had a quick look and it certainly helps with taming one’s thoughts we regard to the myriad issues and difficulties they experience.

I’m now aware that you need an assessment from someone who is approved by the HSE. I have a medical card and am not working so while I can scratch together the assessment fee, I need to know I will be able to get medication should that be indicated or recommended.

Dr. Alan Murtagh is with the NAAS clinic and from what I can gather had expertise and is HSE validated. I intend to ask my GP to refer me there depending on the size of the waiting list.

While I feel tremendous nervousness around taking this step there is also a chunk of light emerging at the hope of a future more fitting to my own intelligence and potential.

I am very grateful for having found this thread and that it exists at all in what seems to be a vacuum of information about ADHD amongst Irish adults.

Also the HADD website appears to be non-functions too!

Thanks again,

Paul

cannex · 15-03-2018 6:22pm

Hi Paul
Heres how it worked for me.
I suspected I might have ADHD so I contacted my GP and explained that I needed a referral. My GP asked me why I thought I had ADHD and I explained the various life-long symptoms. She seemed satisfied that it was worth referring me.

SO, I was referred the the Adult Mental Health Services in Cork City. I waited for apprximately 3 months for an appointment. After my first appointment, being asked if I wanted to kill myself and exlaining why I was there, I was PUT ON A WAITNG LIST FOR A WAITING LIST - I kid you not - a 2 year waiting list for a screening appointment to be seen by a clinical psychologist. Shocked by this I decided to look for a private appointment. My life was falling apart!!!

I found Prof Fitzgerald through the many discussion forums dedicated to parents of children with adhd. I contacted him and 3 months later I had an appointment with him in his monthly Cork clinic. Anyway I was diagnosed with ADHD. 2 weeks later I had a diagnosis letter and immediately I had a perscription. I went to my GP with the perscription while the diagnosis leter was posted to the GP. I was then given my perscription and began taking the medication.

I went to my next HSE appointment 3 months later with this diagnosis letter and I was questioned by a different psychiatrist why I thought I had adhd. I did not know at the time that the HSE still believe that adult adhd does not exist. On the HSE website they describe adhd as sometimes continuing onto adulthood!!!!!!!! Not only that, but they had a problem with Prof Fitzgeralds diagnosis. BUT my GP did not. I am on the medical card too and BECAUSE I WAS DIAGNOSED AND PERSCRIBED THIS MEDICATION BY A PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERT IN ADHD - my gp had no issue whatsoever with prescribing the medication.

I continue with my appointments in the HSE, seeing a different person every time, waiting for and hour and a half for each appointment and spending approx 10 minutes with a different person again. Once I met someone who believed me - a man who was working with children with adhd - he knew it was the right diagnosis, he even had a student dr in the appointment with us so she could learn how it presents in adults.

Long story short - you do not need the HSE to get treatment. You can refer yourself privately and avail of the reduced rate of the medical card charge for medication once you are diagnosed and once the gp in on board with perscribing your medication. Only issue is that you are on your own then. ADHD is not considered worthy of treatment by the HSE because we dont want to kill ourselves and we are not a danger to others. they have bigger fish to fry.

**** THE BACKWARDS OUT OF DATE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE HSE - I was given an occupational therapist who I met for 40 minutes every 2 weeks - who proeeded to treat me with a behaviour modification therapy FOR DEPRESSION - I did not have depression. - met a wagon of a woman in the north Cork team the last time I was there - she played mind games and made me say what she wanted - it was horrible and traumatizing - I want nothing more to do with them. I came out of my experience with the mental health team in Cork traumatized, literally traumatized - stay away.

After I realised that they were trying to actually debunk my diagnosis due to sheer ignorance and outdated information related to adults with adhd and especially females...I went and sought another assessment with another expert - same diagnosis. I stayed the hell away from the HSE after that experience.

Sorry for the rant but I just need to warn people who need an assessment with the HSE that there is no point.

SO its:
Speak to GP
Stay away from HSE
Refer yourself privately
Bring letter and perscription to GP
Get perscribed by GP

And then - come back because medication is only the tip of the iceberg - its like putting a plaster on a broken leg
we need - CBT for adhd, occupational therapy at the very least.

Best of luck with trying to find someone as I dont have any information for John of Gods but I do know the Dean Clinic no longer takes any patients. I went to the Naas Clinic but I was not seen by the person you mention so I cant comment on him.

Also I set up a forum for adults in Ireland, in its infancy still, approx 30 members - all adults with or seeking assessment for adhd in the Irish system. http://adhdadultireland.boards.net/

Most basic advice
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME SEEING SOMEONE WHO IS NOT AN EXPERT ON ADHD OR AUTISM

cannex · 15-03-2018 6:32pm

Feu wrote: »

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

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

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

Dr Fitzgerald is still working at least part time, read previous posts for people's experiences. Wait not normally too bad, maybe 6 weeks

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 away

I fear its getting too long for many to read through too

Only thing I can say is to wait for one of thse hyperfocus nights/days
OR
Leave the forum page open and keep reading over time.

Just to feel the aha moments and not feel so alone

Orionis · 15-03-2018 10:20pm

PAULFRANCIS69 wrote: »

While I feel tremendous nervousness around taking this step there is also a chunk of light emerging at the hope of a future more fitting to my own intelligence and potential.

Well done. I remember that chunk of light myself. If as you suspect, your life until now has been diminished by the effects of this condition, then there is every reason to be hopeful as you say. I can express great optimism for your future given my own experience and those of many others that I have read about.

It is not an easy road by any means. But it is a far better road then before.

Feu · 20-03-2018 4:20pm

Feu wrote: »

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

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

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

Dr Fitzgerald is still working at least part time, read previous posts for people's experiences. Wait not normally too bad, maybe 6 weeks

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 away

I have heard this week that David Carey is not currently taking new clients/assessments, at least for next couple of months. Hopefully this will change. Will update as and when I get any

Feu · 20-03-2018 4:22pm

HADD event in Trinity this evening, is now sold out. topic, Adults & ADHD. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/adults-and-adhd-tickets-43174691665 live webinar this evening. http://hadd.ie/news/adults-and-adhd-talk-now-be-broadcast-live

I don't know the speakers, but will try to check it out

cannex · 20-03-2018 4:26pm

Great! thank you, I'll be watching for sure.

Feu · 20-03-2018 4:28pm

PAULFRANCIS69 wrote: »

Feu, thanks so much for the speedy reply and the advise to fill out our the CADDEX form, which I was not aware of!

Had a quick look and it certainly helps with taming one’s thoughts we regard to the myriad issues and difficulties they experience.

I’m now aware that you need an assessment from someone who is approved by the HSE. I have a medical card and am not working so while I can scratch together the assessment fee, I need to know I will be able to get medication should that be indicated or recommended.

Dr. Alan Murtagh is with the NAAS clinic and from what I can gather had expertise and is HSE validated. I intend to ask my GP to refer me there depending on the size of the waiting list.

While I feel tremendous nervousness around taking this step there is also a chunk of light emerging at the hope of a future more fitting to my own intelligence and potential.

I am very grateful for having found this thread and that it exists at all in what seems to be a vacuum of information about ADHD amongst Irish adults.

Also the HADD website appears to be non-functions too!

Thanks again,

Paul

Hi Paul

there is always, I believe, hope for all of us that things can improve. Recovery is not linear, but rather a mountain range with peaks and valleys, that we can traverse well, with support.With support, young people and adults with ADHD, (and other conditions) can flourish, and there is a wealth of information here Paul, so definitely take your time, and read through it. I think Cannex would say that both medication and behavioural modification work well together

* sorry for the multi-posts, disorganised today!

Orionis · 21-03-2018 8:10pm

PAULFRANCIS69 wrote: »

Feu, thanks so much for the speedy reply and the advise to fill out our the CADDEX form, which I was not aware of!

Had a quick look and it certainly helps with taming one’s thoughts we regard to the myriad issues and difficulties they experience.

I’m now aware that you need an assessment from someone who is approved by the HSE. I have a medical card and am not working so while I can scratch together the assessment fee, I need to know I will be able to get medication should that be indicated or recommended.

Dr. Alan Murtagh is with the NAAS clinic and from what I can gather had expertise and is HSE validated. I intend to ask my GP to refer me there depending on the size of the waiting list.

While I feel tremendous nervousness around taking this step there is also a chunk of light emerging at the hope of a future more fitting to my own intelligence and potential.

I am very grateful for having found this thread and that it exists at all in what seems to be a vacuum of information about ADHD amongst Irish adults.

Also the HADD website appears to be non-functions too!

Thanks again,

Paul

Paul, I might be able to help clarify some of your concerns regarding the HSE and the medical card.

There's really no such thing as HSE approved doctors in terms of adult ADHD. Unfortunately, people on here have been told this when they try to access services but to be honest, It's a bit of a made up thing that's probably down to HSE administrators or whoever deciding they won't accept the diagnosis made by particular clinicians. It's pretty questionable for them to say particular clinicians are "not approved" to say the least.

Having said that, in practical terms, you may indeed find you run into less difficulties if your assessed by particular clinicians that..shall we say have a reputation for more thorough assessments!

In terms of the medical card, virtually all of the medications available in Ireland for adult ADHD and discussed on here are covered under the medical card so nothing to worry about there.

Where the slight snag can occur is that quite a few of the medications are only licensed for children in Ireland and not adults. This is fine though- they can still be prescribed without issue but the GP and/or consultant does take on a degree of risk/liability for doing so some doctors can be a bit reluctant.

So as Cannex has said, a lot really comes down to finding a good GP in terms of how smooth things will be. He/She needs to be happy to prescribe following your assessment and diagnosis. GP's here are highly variable in terms of their awareness of ADHD and their willingness to prescribe these medications.

If you have any other questions, just shout and I'll do my best to help if I can.

PAULFRANCIS69 · 21-03-2018 9:41pm

Thank you so much Orionis and all other who have replied to me.

The meeting with the GP is in the morning but because i’m a patient in one of those new style ‘corporate’ clinics I tend to see a different GP each time. However, I have asked for an appointment with the main doctor and as I recall he himself is rather unusual but understanding. So perhaps it might go well!
I understand now that having any involvement from the HSE is not a necessity at all, but considering I have a medical card I had (wrongly) assumed that in order to fill a prescription I would need some sort of HSE approval through my GP. Let me say, this thread here is INVALUABLE for anyone stumbling around in the dark with this issue and again thanks to all who have contributed their knowledge and experience.

I am going to ask my GP for a referral to Alan Murtagh. I would like to get a through but accurate assessment. I’m almost certain that I have almost all the key traits but having a label isn’t the be all and end all for me. It’s rather about improving the quality of my life and feeling more comfortable in the world.

I’ll be sure to report back.

Thanks,

Paul

Adult ADHD Advice

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