Adult ADHD Advice

cannex · 18-08-2016 9:04am

Hey Shint0
Sorry it took so long to respond, such is the nature of the beast.
in general i have a lot of problems with transitions as they call it. excuse all the lower case letters as my shift key is fecked.

i have major major problems with planing ahead which carrys through to not being able to get very far in life with many plans. something that will take a normal person 2 years will take me on average 5 - 8 years to do the same thing, ie. college, life plans etc.

lots of stops and starts, giving up after being overwhelmed. i'd love to hear from any people reading this thread how they get on if they have the adhd under control.

for me, losing things was the bane of my existence as a child and i was constantly in trouble for forgetting my homework, musical instruments, p.e kit etc etc. i guess after that really sticking out in my head as an adult i am completely anal about having a place for everything and put these things in their places as soon as i walk in the door at home, i put my keys on the microwave, its the first thing i do when i get home and i have a stand right next to the couch which has three drawers, one for medical, one for bills and one for other stuff. they all get seperated and my bag gets emptied every day. i have a box in front of me where all the cards go, leap card, social welfare card etc.

this helps a lot but my home is a bloody mess as my bf is a messy bugger but when i lived alone EVERYTHING had a place and it was tidy, ah well.

I will tell you about the new assessment I had yesterday in a new post, ah the shift key works again, cool

cannex · 18-08-2016 9:36am

Yesterday I travelled from Cork to Kildare and it was no easy journey as there is no direct route so had to go to dublin first and then to kildare. spent 7 hours travelling!!

I went to see Dr Sean Domhnaill at The NAAS Clinic. He is an expert in ADHD, ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders.
I spent two hours in the office talking with him. He was brilliant at making me feel at ease and as soon as he walked in the door he said "you are here for an ADHD assessment, arent you?"
I said yes and he asked me how he knew and I assumed that he had it on his notes on the computer but no. I said I have no idea and he said he could tell straight away by all the fidgeting and squirming. We spoke at length about my difficulties and about the trouble I was experiencing with the HSE not accepting my diagnosis.

The appointment was not rushed in any way at all and he took the time to listen and he is well aware of the lack of knowledge, expertise and training the general irish psychology community has at this time about adult adhd and asd.

He is on the Irish medical council and his diagnosis cannot be argued with. He is also a forensic psyhchologist with the irish courts and the HSE cannot argue with him.

So, anyway I got almost the exact same diagnosis as Prof Fitzgerald gave me except that he said i am on the autistic spectrum but dont fit all the critera so they call it PDD - pervasive developmental disorder.

He had changed all my meds and a bit scared about that but he is hands on and i will go back to see him in a couple of months to see how i am getting on with the new meds.

Shint0, if you want to end all the hassle and crap you have had to go through I would highly recommend you go see this guy.

He is sending a report to the horrible nasty psychiatrist i had to deal with in the hse and will be sending a full, detailed report and i cannot wait to shove it where the sun dont shine.

The nasty psychiatrist was actually trying to imply that i had borderline personality disorder and i knew it straight away as i had a best friend with it, dealt with it for years and did my research so i knew she was trying to railroad me into a wrong diagnosis and that is why i freaked the hell out and got to see Dr Domhnaill ASAP.

Please do this for youself and get the support/help you DESERVE.

Shint0 · 19-08-2016 8:03am

Wow Cannex! Lots of stuff there and lots of questions for you.

First things first. So your first assessment was with Prof. Michael Fitzgerald? Are you really saying they wouldn't accept his diagnosis? Is the issue that they wouldn't accept his diagnosis or they refuse to accept any external diagnosis which wasn't conducted within the HSE? It leaves the question as to what's their criteria for an 'approved' assessment and diagnosis.

The assessment you had just recently sounds like it went really well for you. Did you ask him about HSE approval and if he has had any issues with having any of his diagnoses accepted and recognised by the HSE? My guess is and it's only a guess is that you could be the first person to present to the HSE with an adult diagnosis of ADHD and from an external psychologist or psychiatrist so the whole area might be unprecedented for them but do they accept any of his other diagnoses, I wonder?

Are you hoping to access the HSE because of financial reasons? You don't have divulge that if you prefer not to but obviously it has thrown up an issue for the HSE around accepting ADHD assessments which have been conducted privately even with mental health experts who are reputed in the country.

Your most recent assessment seems to confirm the same findings at least from the ADHD perspective although I know you say it has thrown up another issue with being on the autistic spectrum. How did that psychologist come to that finding, I wonder and that it wasn't suggested from your previous assessment? The whole area of psychological testing can be a bit of a minefield producing resulting with sometimes more questions than it can answer.

How did he conduct the ADHD assessment? Did you do the cognitive testing with him as well because the cognitive test results seems to have been a significant issue for me in my second assessment along with a few other factors namely l'ife circumstances', not having access to school reports at 38 years old which they said nobody ever does anyway (go figure) and nobody to vouch for my behaviour.

The most significant person who might have been in a position to answer was entering their death bed at the time but I guess that wasn't a good enough reason for them and who most likely appears to have had it themselves looking at their life from that frame of reference

Interesting about the old 'borderline' chestnut you mention. The last desperate attempt of some incompetent psychiatrists when they can't get anything else to stick. The last psychiatrist I met within that same clinic, and I mean last, was trying her damednest I know to pin a personality disorder on me after only meeting me just once for about fifteen minutes simply because she refused to accept their ADHD team might have got it wrong.

This was in the face of the behavioural therapist I was sent to afterwards for a number of sessions saying 'Hang on, this really does look like ADHD here'. He knew from meeting me several times I don't really fit the criteria for any personality disorder and certainly not borderline which I have extensive knowledge of myself and that's definitely not me. It's insulting as well to others who do genuinely have borderline personality/ emotional dysregulation disorder for the medical profession to lump it around.

I nodded my head about your 'planning issues' and have lots of examples and anecdotes myself on that score. I laughed when you talked about you now being more organised than your boyfriend but you clearly have learned ways to compensate which could potentially go against someone during an adult assessment.

I have seen this with an elderly relative on the same side who clearly has the condition and people over the years thinking how organised he is and with me knowing what I know now he obviously managed to develop coping strategies himself without actually knowing or understanding the quirks in his behaviour.

He never married for those reasons; same with some other members of my family who strongly fit the description. It's almost as if we are being 'bred' out because of our idiosyncrasies being unrecognised and untreated. That is in effect what has happened extensively in my family.

Relationships can definitely be a challenge as understandably some of the behaviours can be frustrating for partners. I have seen a reference to women at least, it might also be true for men but where women with ADHD can end up in abusive relationships. I believe this to be true. I know this to be true. It's not even a case of low self-esteem but a recognition on a practical level I think that finding an understanding partner can be a challenge.

Apologies for the long post but it's a very complex issue; not easy to define or diagnose or indeed measure the resulting effects of being left untreated particularly where there appears to be a generational cycle and legacy of unrecognised ADHD.

cannex · 19-08-2016 10:03am

Wow Cannex! Lots of stuff there and lots of questions for you.

Shint0 wrote: »

First things first. So your first assessment was with Prof. Michael Fitzgerald? Are you really saying they wouldn't accept his diagnosis? Is the issue that they wouldn't accept his diagnosis or they refuse to accept any external diagnosis which wasn't conducted within the HSE? It leaves the question as to what's their criteria for an 'approved' assessment and diagnosis.

Yes it was. There seems to be an issue with Prof Fitzgeralds diagnosis in general with the HSE. The reason given to me was that his report was too vague. I was asked by the psych what tools he used and how long he spent with me. I should mention that he also diagnosed me with aspergers which i always thought was wierd as i dont fit a lot of the criteria, plus being female brings up other issues as females with aspergers look a lot different to males with the same disorder as we tend to be more socially adept.

Shint0 wrote: »

The assessment you had just recently sounds like it went really well for you. Did you ask him about HSE approval and if he has had any issues with having any of his diagnoses accepted and recognised by the HSE?

I rang many clinics and the first question I asked them all was: is your assessment accepted by the HSE - one person told me that the HSE will not recognise any outside/private diagnosis. Only problem here is that they are not equiped to assess adult adhd, that was my issue, especially in Cork for some reason. When I rang The NAAS Clinic it was also my first question and I got a resounding, confident YES. so i booked and appointment there and then, i was lucky to get a cancellation and that is why I was seen so quickly, otherwise it woul have been Sept/Oct. His assessments are recognised by the HSE.

Shint0 wrote: »

My guess is and it's only a guess is that you could be the first person to present to the HSE with an adult diagnosis of ADHD and from an external psychologist or psychiatrist so the whole area might be unprecedented for them but do they accept any of his other diagnoses, I wonder?

I was told at one appointment at my 3 monthly appointments with the HSE mental health team that they only had one other person in the whole of their area diagnosed with ADHD and that was because her child was diagnosed first and obviously she recognised her issues from there.

Shint0 wrote: »

Are you hoping to access the HSE because of financial reasons? You don't have divulge that if you prefer not to but obviously it has thrown up an issue for the HSE around accepting ADHD assessments which have been conducted privately even with mental health experts who are reputed in the country.

Yes definately for financial reasons but I am finding that the stress of not getting treatment suitable for ADHD (as they seem to think I dont have it) Its becoming more obvious to me that I might be better off finding a sliding scale therapist to see every so often as i can afford.

Shint0 wrote: »

Your most recent assessment seems to confirm the same findings at least from the ADHD perspective although I know you say it has thrown up another issue with being on the autistic spectrum. How did that psychologist come to that finding, I wonder and that it wasn't suggested from your previous assessment? The whole area of psychological testing can be a bit of a minefield producing resulting with sometimes more questions than it can answer.

Never mentioned the aspergers diagnosis before as I felt I didnt have it although I do have a lot of traits and problems around the autistic spectrum but I dont fit all the criteria, like obsessive hobbies and lack of eye contact but i do have a lot of sensory problems with noise/sounds and social cues. That is why Dr Domhnaill said it is called PDD - NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. So that is the difference between Fitzgeralds diagnosis and Dr Domhnaills diagnosis. So I also have sensory processing disorder but this is not recognised as a real disorder!

Shint0 wrote: »

How did he conduct the ADHD assessment? Did you do the cognitive testing with him as well because the cognitive test results seems to have been a significant issue for me in my second assessment along with a few other factors namely l'ife circumstances', not having access to school reports at 38 years old which they said nobody ever does anyway (go figure) and nobody to vouch for my behaviour.

There was no congnitive test but i did have results from one I did in 2007 which diagnosed me with dyscalculia. The life circumstances thing seems to me to wrongly attributed to difficult behaviour when testing for ADHD. i was asked a lot about my family, growing up, school, teenage years and gave him lots of information of examples of my behaviour. so it was an interview basically. I told him about my chaotic life growing up and he mentioned that this can often be attributed to one or both parents having their own issues. The family history and behaviour and genetics seems to be a really strong way of getting an idea of the hereditary factor which is wel known. I can see traits in both parents one, being the sensory stuff and my dads side the asd stuff, cant look you in the eye etc and obsessive hobbies.

Shint0 wrote: »

Interesting about the old 'borderline' chestnut you mention. The last desperate attempt of some incompetent psychiatrists when they can't get anything else to stick. The last psychiatrist I met within that same clinic, and I mean last, was trying her damednest I know to pin a personality disorder on me after only meeting me just once for about fifteen minutes simply because she refused to accept their ADHD team might have got it wrong.

This was in the face of the behavioural therapist I was sent to afterwards for a number of sessions saying 'Hang on, this really does look like ADHD here'. He knew from meeting me several times I don't really fit the criteria for any personality disorder and certainly not borderline which I have extensive knowledge of myself and that's definitely not me. It's insulting as well to others who do genuinely have borderline personality/ emotional dysregulation disorder for the medical profession to lump it around.

Yip the psych said: it seems you have issues regulating your emotions......
I was really angry as i knew she was picking apart prof Fitzgeralds diagnosis and trying to make her own diagnosis. When I told Dr Domhnaill what she said he immediately said "she is trying to diagnose you with BPD".
I knew it and he confirmed it.

No bother about the long posts as we are here to help eachother navigate the minefield that is trying to get our neurodevelopmental disorder recognised and be treated with the right help and be treated with dignitiy. its hard but hopefully it will get easier for more people as the years go on.
It has had a massive impact on my life - being untreated.
That is why I am fighting so hard, because it is so treatable and people come on in leaps and bounds with the right treatment. Its not fair, I want to do a lot with my life.

I have an appointment today with another HSE psych, thank god its with a different one to the last time. i look forward to discussing my recent assessment with them and will let you know how it goes. Not expecting any miracles but two different experts giving relatively the same diagnosis has to have some effect. lets see

Beffs · 27-09-2016 3:21pm

Hey everyone. Great thread. Very informative. I saw a lot of myself in the posts where you were talking about the condition and how it manifests itself.

I am in my mid 40's and I was diagnosed with ADHD a year ago. A clinical psychologist did the diagnosis. (Can I say his name?) I presume he is private. I was given his phone number by HAAD Ireland, rang him and made the appointment my self. I did not get a GP referral. I followed none of his guidelines on learning to manage the condition. That was for a variety of reasons....denial, anger, bitterness at all the time I have lost, anger at parents for how they handled me as a child....all kinds of stupid stuff.

Anyway, I am basically back where I started. I still have the same problems with chronic procrastination (hence not following the psychologists guidelines) getting started on tasks and focus and concentration. I am currently job hunting. My ability to sift thru job listings on websites, submit CV's and cover letters etc etc is non existent. I will be penniless and homeless soon, if I don't acquire some coping skills. I have an appointment to talk to the psychologist in the morning, as I try to start the process of re educating myself on what I need to do. Initially, I was very against the thought of taking medication, but I am now willing to do and try whatever the trained professionals think I should do. From reading the HSE horror stories on here, I am a bit worried I won't have access to medication, if that is what is needed to help me get my life back on track.

At my first meeting with the psychologist, he suggested Ritalin as a possibility down the road. He said that my GP would have to be involved in writing the prescription, as he is not an MD. My GP barely knows me. She has only seen me twice, for very flu minor ailments, so she has not been a part of any of this process. I just rang her there, to see what the protocol is that she has to follow, regarding medication. I am awaiting a call back. From reading the HSE horror stories on here, I am a bit worried I won't have access to medication, if that is what is needed to help me get my life back on track. Fingers crossed that won't be the case. I am in Dublin, if that matters.

I'll post again when I have spoken to the GP and the psychologist. I suppose I should have waited until I had updated info on everything. But just making myself concentrate long enough to write all this, is very therapeutic.

Cheers everyone.

cannex · 27-09-2016 4:14pm

Hi Beffs, welcome.
I can clarify a few things you mentioned about getting back into getting help. If you are going back to your previous psychologist who diagnosed you they can prescribe the medication for you as they are the specialist.

Your GP can print the perscription as long as the psychiatrist has written the prescription, this is then given to your GP and they will usually be fine with printing out a prescription for you once they have the report and the prescription written by the person who diagnosed you, provided they are qualified to do so.

You do not need to deal with the HSE in this regard as long as you are receiving ongoing treatment form the psychiatrist, as they are the only person who can speak to you about your medication.

your GP will not be able to advise you on dosage, side effects, that's the job of the psychiatrsit. Some GP's might have a problem prescribing a controlled medication and this can be at the GP's discretion so make sure your GP knows that you will be recieving ongoing appointments with the psych, that should help.

Dealing with the HSE to receive treatment can be swapped over from private for your ongoing treatment and they can advise you and monitor how you get on with the meds. Only issue is what I've described already in previous posts, waiting and not equipped for ADHD. I'm getting meds on the medical card, on the waiting list to see a hse psychologist but its going on forever.

I'm now on a waiting list to see someone through something called cois cheim, google it, they offer sliding scale psych appointments and they match you with a suitable psych. Only prob of course is the wait............In the process for 2 months and will have to wait another 2 months to see someone, my hse app is some time in December so....

I think taking meds without seeing someone to work on behaviour, thinking, confidence etc feels quite pointless most of the time, I stll have all the same bad habits and thinking patterns. It's also recommended that treatment should not just be meds, it needs to be combined with counselling so that you have the motivation to stick to the therapy and learn new coping skills.

I should mention that if your not on the medical card the medication will be quite expensive. I dont know how much. But if the cost of your meds go over a certain amount every month it's capped. Its still pretty high though. If you dont have a medical card you need to appy for one if your eligible.

One last thing, if you have a choice of drs in the practice, pick a young one!

Shint0 · 28-09-2016 1:28pm

Thanks for letting me know about the update, Beffs. I had already seen you had posted in the Personal Issues forum wondering if there are any ADHD online support forums here.

In some ways I'm a bit hesitant to keep posting in the thread even though I'm very much up for talking about it with people who are similarly affected. If you're a regular poster across Boards you can leave yourself open and feel a bit exposed and vulnerable by laying yourself bare when you want to discuss personal/health related issues in more detail and how it affects you personally in order to benefit from support here in Ireland as an adult. I know from even searching threads here on Boards on ADHD where Cannex was getting extremely frustrated with some posters' attitudes towards ADHD.

With other online health forums which might focus exclusively on a particular health issue or disorder you feel more of a wall of protection around you because everybody is in the same boat. I am signed up to another ADHD online forum which is great but is international so obviously you don't get to focus as much on the Irish context and issues particularly relevant to getting a diagnosis or treatment and support here.

I'm not sure if anybody would be interested in having a private forum perhaps here on Boards where you can discuss more openly the issues affecting you but I'm not quite sure how that could be set up or if it would involve having a private hosted forum although there might be a charge involved it that.

It could also be extended to to those with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as those with Asperger's/on the autism spectrum and dyspraxia etc. as I know other posters here do refer to those disorders or thinking about seeking a diagnosis for similar as an adult.

There's probably little in the way of online support here in Ireland for those disorders also for people who have been diagnosed as adults or suspect they may have the disorder. It could be a catch-all forum with dedicated threads for each of the disorders as well as a general discussion/chat thread for all but exclusively for those affected by the disorders or who recognise themselves as identifying with similar issues and suffer some impairment in their lives because of it.

It's just an idea so might be good to hear other people's thoughts on it or if you think you would feel this thread is sufficient. As I say I don't feel particularly comfortable posting openly even though I recognise that other's may benefit from my thoughts and experiences on the topic.

cannex · 28-09-2016 1:45pm

Totally understandable. I even feel like I'm revealing too much. What pushes me is the fact that I had no information for the Irish system and I also joined a UK forum. God for moral support but no info on how to get help in Ireland.

I also set up a forum called Adult ADHD Ireland but I couldnt find any Irish people with ADHD until I made this thread.
So....there is a forum already set if up ye want to check it out...its on proboards and it's completely free.
Boards can be made private and only available to members.

It would be great to have ye there

Let me know what ye think.

http://adhdadultireland.boards.net/

Shint0 · 28-09-2016 7:35pm

That sounds good, Cannex. I just opened your link only. Have other people discovered it yet? Would people get automatic access as soon as they register or would their access have to be approved first to avoid any trolls?

cannex · 28-09-2016 7:58pm

One other person has joined. Automatic member once joined up. Settings can be changed to make sure trolls dont ruin it flagging, spotting or if someone trolls, disabling immediate posts and they will have to be checked first.

Shint0 · 28-09-2016 8:08pm

I suppose I'm still thinking about anonymity if anyone can join automatically if the link is followed from here. I think I would be pretty easy to spot. I tend to ramble a lot and write long posts once I get going and you just can't shut me up

On the the international sites it's something you don't really have to worry about too much as you don't have to list what country you're from.

cannex · 28-09-2016 8:15pm

Its up to you but there can be private threads for members only, cant do much more than an anonymous forum that allows private threads only viewed by members. As there is only one member I will have to just keep an eye on who joins and make sure they are bona fida. Anyways, totally understand where you are coming from as IE is such a small place.

Rest assured it will not be a free for all and once a member posts it can still be flagged for spam, abuse and trolling like other forums.
Your decision on how much you want to reveal and how safe you feel to do that would have to be seen by you at some stage if you decide to join the forum - no pressure

Will have to keep the link on here as the adult adhd search for boards.ie comes high up on google and I would like people to find the forum, hope you understand.

edit: just thinking I could set the forum for all members to be approved first, although it may not make much of a difference as I will have no idea if that person clicked the link here or somewhere else, only way really to know is if they post abuse or rubbish and deal with it from there.
SO if you think it would be a safer environment for us to do it that way I'll change it now.

that is done now, all new members will have to be approved.

Shint0 · 28-09-2016 8:22pm

Having some private threads too sounds like a good idea as well as having open threads/discussions with general information. It could probably be a good mix. I will have a think about it anyway.

Edit: Just saw your edit there, Cannex. I suppose that's what I was originally thinking of because I know there are a couple of health-related forums I have signed up to in the past which required approval from the site administrators to join where you had to declare your interest in why you wanted to join. It's useful in that it screens for people who want to become genuine members.

I searched the title on Google but it didn't come up. Does it show up near the top in searches?

Wanderer78 · 28-09-2016 8:44pm

apologies folks, but i havent read through the tread, will do when i can, but what kind of problems do adults with adhd have?

cannex · 28-09-2016 9:36pm

Shint0 wrote: »

Having some private threads too sounds like a good idea as well as having open threads/discussions with general information. It could probably be a good mix. I will have a think about it anyway.

Edit: Just saw your edit there, Cannex. I suppose that's what I was originally thinking of because I know there are a couple of health-related forums I have signed up to in the past which required approval from the site administrators to join where you had to declare your interest in why you wanted to join. It's useful in that it screens for people who want to become genuine members.

I searched the title on Google but it didn't come up. Does it show up near the top in searches?

No worries, it took me a couple of reads to figure out what you were saying, I skim too much and have to read things a few times.
The forum doesnt come up on google unfortunately as I guess there is not enough traffic. The boards.ie threads on adult adhd comes up at the top of a google search though.

cannex · 28-09-2016 9:41pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

apologies folks, but i havent read through the tread, will do when i can, but what kind of problems do adults with adhd have?

Hey wanderer78

Generally a lot of the descriptions for children show themsleves differently as adults. Add more responsibilities in general and adults who were never diagnosed or people who were diagnosed when younger find that they struggle to manage daily life - paying bills on time, getting to work on time, managing outbursts, managing frustrations, being flakey, not able to follow conversations, zoning out, unable to prioritize basic and big tasks in life etc etc.
Here is a link that will describe what adults experience:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/dxc-20198866

here is an excerpt from the link:

Complications
ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:

Poor school or work performance
Unemployment
Trouble with the law
Alcohol or other substance abuse
Frequent car accidents or other accidents
Unstable relationships
Poor physical and mental health
Poor self-image
Suicide attempts

The old chestnut of "well everyone experiences those things in life, so everyone has adhd blah blah blah......"

Main reason for diagnosis is if these symptoms have such an impact on your life that they effect your ability to live a normal life and they have a detrimental effect.

Wanderer78 · 28-09-2016 10:36pm

cannex wrote: »

Hey wanderer78

Generally a lot of the descriptions for children show themsleves differently as adults. Add more responsibilities in general and adults who were never diagnosed or people who were diagnosed when younger find that they struggle to manage daily life - paying bills on time, getting to work on time, managing outbursts, managing frustrations, being flakey, not able to follow conversations, zoning out, unable to prioritize basic and big tasks in life etc etc.
Here is a link that will describe what adults experience:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/dxc-20198866

here is an excerpt from the link:

Complications
ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:

Poor school or work performance
Unemployment
Trouble with the law
Alcohol or other substance abuse
Frequent car accidents or other accidents
Unstable relationships
Poor physical and mental health
Poor self-image
Suicide attempts

The old chestnut of "well everyone experiences those things in life, so everyone had adhd blah blah blah......"

Main reason for diagnosis is if all these symptoms have such an impact on your life that they effect your ability to live a normal life and have a detrimental effect.

thank you very much for your response. im coming to some conclusions regarding long term unemployment and adhd is on my list of root causes. sadly im not convinced our politicians truly understand this nor know how to adequately deal with it.

Orionis · 29-09-2016 12:13pm

I've made an account just so I could post here. It's a really great thread and I'm so glad adult ADHD is being discussed here.

Like others, I'm concerned about anonymity but I will say that I'm a young adult recently diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis explained a lifetime of difficulties for me. I've done a lot of research since being diagnosed and I'd consider myself very knowledgable about ADHD and particularly the situation here in Ireland. I'm happy to help here if I can and hope we can all learn from one another. There are excellent international discussion forums for ADHD but as people have pointed out the info isn't Ireland specific.

To be honest, I think the most important thing to understand for anyone diagnosed or going through the process of assessment is that there is huge ignorance regarding adult ADHD within the Irish medical profession. The majority of Irish GP's AND (appallingly) adult psychiatrists either do not believe it exists or that it is an over diagnosed american fad. This ignorance of the condition is really inexcusable in light of the mountain of research that exists confirming ADHD as a very very real condition. Yet sadly, many Irish doctors know nothing or worse are misinformed about the condition.

The above presents a very serious challenge for anyone who suspects they may have ADHD. The standard advice of speak to your GP may not work. You may be fobbed off or wrongly told you don't have it. So it's essential to educate yourself and go prepared. However, even if you are referred to someone within the HSE for assessment, it's unlikely you will see someone knowledgable about ADHD. There's a good chance you will be misdiagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder. [That may also be the case for you but in my experience the ADHD is the underlying problem with eg depression or anxiety very very commonly occuring as a secondary problem due to undiagnosed/untreated ADHD. So the best bet is to get a private assessment as has been discussed here already.

If you can't afford to attend one of the Irish ADHD specialists privately, I honestly don't know what to advise. I would say if at all possible, get a diagnosis privately and then see what services you can access publically.

Well I feel like I could go on forever talking about this. I'd echo what others have written in that I don't even know where to start in talking about ADHD. It's so underdiagnosed in Ireland that it really doesn't bear thinking about the sheer number of people struggling unneccessarily without knowing/understanding/getting the right help.

I really hope the situation changes soon. It is certainly beginning to - Awareness is growing. And in truth, I think those of us with ADHD are the best advocates for that change.

cannex · 29-09-2016 12:25pm

Fantastic that you found this thread Orionis
Its great to meet so many people in the same boat and I agree 100% with everything you say.

My experience with the HSE mental health unit has made my mental health worse to be fair since I was diagnosed. I have had to fight my corner every step of the way and it takes its toll. Its so unfaiir that anyone with mental health problems, or our case neurological disorders have to faight so hard. It really sucks. The absolute lack of help for adults with ADHD makes life very hard.

Would you be interested in joining the ADHD Ireland forum???

I agree that we are the only people who can change this....I have high hopes

Orionis · 29-09-2016 1:12pm

Now that I am clearer on discussing medications I will answer your question a bit better.

There is only one medication that is licensed for adults with adhd in Ireland and it is called Strattera.
It is relatively new and is hailed as a non addictive treatment for adults.

Stimulants are licenced for children and the idea behind this is that parents have control over the dosages and therefore there is little chance of them being abused.

Stimulants are not licenced for adults for a few reasons:
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have abused drugs in the past according to research so prescribing a controlled substance is a big no no in Ireland.
I also think this could be down to a lack of understanding due to Ireland being fairly behind in general regarding this issue.
The reason being is that first of all, there are now slow release stimulants that have a much lower potential for abuse.
Research points to the fact that once adults who are treated with medication, stimulant or not, will in general stop abusing illegal drugs or self medicating with alcohol and other drugs.

I take slow release ritalin and unlicensed medication like this can only be prescribed by the consultant psychologist and secondly the GP must be comfortable writing the prescription.

The GP cannot offer advice and discuss dosage. To do this I must wait for my appointment with the mental health team.
The last time my dosage changed I had an hour long meeting with the head clinical psychologist. I guess because it is a controlled medication.

The reason stimulants are not licenced for adults in Ireland is because there is concern for abuse.

Methylphenidate - ritalin, adderall, concerta and vyanse are all versions of methylphenidate.

Cannex, you have provided fantastic info so far in this thread. I know this post above was while a go but there's a few things in that post relating to medication that I don't think are quite correct and might be worth clarifying for anyone reading. I'm open to correction of course but the below is my understanding of the situation...

1. Strattera isn't the only medication licensed for adult ADHD in Ireland. Long acting Ritalin is licensed for adults too.

2. ritalin, adderall, concerta and vyanse are NOT all versions of methylphenidate. Only Ritalin and Concerta contain methylphenidate. Concerta is a long acting formulation licensed only for children. And then ritalin comes in an immediate release form and a long acting form. The long acting form is licensed for adults.

Adderall and Vyvanse are different medications altogether. Vyvanse (licensed only for children in Ireland but for adults too in the UK for example) is the drug Lisdexamfetamine. [It's branded as Tyvense instead of Vyvanse in Ireland just to complicate things!!]

Adderall is a mixture of two different amphetamine salts. To my knowledge, it is not licensed at all in Ireland and though it could in theory be prescribed, would be difficult to obtain.

Like you say, whether these medicines are licensed or not has as much to do with economics, concerns regarding substance abuse and general lack of knowledge regarding the condition in Ireland. Just because a medication isn't specifically licensed for adult ADHD in ireland doesn't mean it isn't effective or isn't used routinely in other countries.

Anyway, it goes without saying that the person to discuss medication with (once diagnosed) is a psychiatrist. If at all possible one specialising in ADHD or at least familiar with the condition and it's treatment. I've kept this post factual so hopefully it's not problematic in terms of the rules. But I think it's really worthwhile to be informed and familiar with the medications that are available here.

Orionis · 29-09-2016 1:21pm

Fantastic that you found this thread Orionis
Its great to meet so many people in the same boat and I agree 100% with everything you say.

My experience with the HSE mental health unit has made my mental health worse to be fair since I was diagnosed. I have had to fight my corner every step of the way and it takes its toll. Its so unfaiir that anyone with mental health problems, or our case neurological disorders have to faight so hard. It really sucks. The absolute lack of help for adults with ADHD makes life very hard.

Would you be interested in joining the ADHD Ireland forum???

I agree that we are the only people who can change this....I have high hopes

Sorry to hear you have had such trouble with the HSE team. I couldn't agree more regarding how exhausting it is fighting a constant battle to get the right services/treatment. I feel like I've had to do everything myself every step of the way. I'll join the forum for sure.

There are excellent supports and professionals that can help with adult ADHD in Ireland but unfortunately they all seem to be private. If you can't afford to access those, it's very challenging. Medication is the most effective treatment in most cases so getting on that and finding the right med and dose that works for you seems to be half the battle.

From what I've read, all the strategies and psychological treatments only really work or at least work best in addition to medication rather then in isolation. That's where I'm at now - trying to implement all those strategies.

You have probably already come across it but the lectures by Russell Barkley on youtube are fantastic. For anyone newly diagnosed or looking to learn more, they are a excellent starting point. There's one very long one over an hour and then several shorter ones. I don't think I can link but the one titled "Dr Barkley About Adults with ADHD" on youtube is an incrediblly accurate description of the sense of anger most of us experience from not being diagnosed earlier. Also the youtube video "This is how you treat ADHD based off science....".

cannex · 29-09-2016 1:36pm

Thanks, I absolutely appreciate any clarifcation or corrections. No bruised egos here

That makes sense as I was prescribed Ritalin LA.
Hopefully we will all be informed properly, knowledge is power!

Thanks for joining the forum too

Wierd I always thought Barkely was someone else lol - just watching the video you mentioned.

I'll link it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B66nengrhZo

goldtop57 · 09-10-2016 5:29pm

Hi all !
I was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago in Beaumont under Professor David Cotter , I was being tested for something else but they picked up on this and was referred to Cotters Dept.
Although they diagnosed ADD I also feel there is a certain amount of hyperactivity as well.

The day I was diagnosed I went home and started reading up on it and everything started to make sense ,then thinking to myself why did I not see this years ago as it was so blatantly obvious

I am now 48 and started meds last Thursday , It took over a year because I also have had heart problems in the past .
I started on the lowest dose of Concerta Xl . I was quite nervous taking it on Thursday morning before I set off for work but at the same time not expecting much because of the small dose and the fact that I'm a fairly well built man.

Normally Im slightly hyper with a nervous tension in work but felt very relaxed as if my brain had slowed down from the usual ten thoughts going on at the same time , I also did my tasks a lot easier than normal .

I've always been a bit on the quiet side and not much of a conversationalist as I lose track of the conversation but was happy to chat away with no bothers without any problems

Home from work and had a long conversation with the other half about the day etc. and still very relaxed . Normally I come home from work and crash for an hour as my head is completely fried from the days work
I went to bed and slept like a baby , normally Im tossing ,turning and thinking about work etc half the night .
Friday was pretty much the same .

Yesterday and today I have spent doing bits and pieces around the house of my own accord that normally I would say aaah I,ll do that later on and usually only do them when my wife throws a complete strop.

The side effects, About four hours in I get the hair standing on the back of my neck for an hour or two and a few mild headaches along the way but nothing too severe.

I dont think its done too much for my concentration , maybe a slight improvement as I still struggle to digest what I read and struggled to read this thread but all in all its been a pretty good experience so far.

I'm really surprised with just how calm I am, I feel as if im on the last few days of a two week vacation.
I hope this vacation lasts !

cannex · 11-10-2016 10:21am

The difference for me on meds is huge. I can hold a conversation, I can get housework done. Like you said instead of 10 different thought at once now I have one or two. Its much easier to focus because of that.

The come down on the meds can be very noticeable for me, I feel brain dead, cant get my words out, get a slight headache. In the mornings when I take them I can feel a bit like I've had too much coffee but that wears off after about half an hour.

After taking the meds for a while now I barely notice it. At the beginning I had no appetite and would only eat after the meds wore off but now I get hungry at the usual times and I can eat no bother.

Being diagnosed also made a lot of sense for me and I being educated on the areas I struggle with, the effects of dopamine on the brain and how it effects daily activities like planning ahead and controlling frustration have helped me to realise what the meds are actually doing.

I am interacting with my family a lot more. I was always quiet in certain situations, like family gatherings because I would blurt out nonsense and get strange looks so I learnt to be quiet so as not to make a fool of myself. Now I am more confident to interact and actually pay attention to what is being said and to be able to respond properly.

The hyperactivity doesnt really disappear in adults, it just comes out in a different way. For me, for example I always sit at the edge of my chair, I wriggle around a lot. I get up and down while eating dinner as I will have forgotten my fork, a napkin, some salt etc etc.
I will fiddle with my hair, my hands, tap my fingers, loads of examples. As adults we learn to not to the things that children would do as we have a bit more control over our need to move as we know how socially inappropriate it is.

As adults we may feel the need for constant entertainment, constant need for information, for learning about a random subject, flicking between web pages, reading articles (well thats me anyway

)

Thanks for joining the forum folks whoever you are on here. Now all you need to do is say hello, introduce yourself, post anything at all

Shint0 · 11-10-2016 2:42pm

cannex wrote: »

As adults we may feel the need for constant entertainment, constant need for information, for learning about a random subject, flicking between web pages, reading articles (well thats me anyway )

Definitely not just you

It's like anything you're passionate about you can't enough of but then it reaches a plateau and you get so f*cking overwhelmed and that's when you get hyperactive, can't even stand still, can't sit down, just endless circling round and round. You just can't get your brain to shut up, can't channel the energy into anything productive. It's a double edged sword. A complete curse. And then according to one assessment I absolutely, definitely don't have it :rolleyes:

cannex · 12-10-2016 12:17pm

Very descriptive indeed! From waking to the the last minute before sleep usually. Thats where the meds help me. I can get things done in the right sequence and not just jump from one thing to another, well less anyway.

Sorry now gonna do some shameless promotion....
This is a thread I made on Russell Barkley, thanks orion for introducing him to me. I had him mixed up with Hallowell who goes on about the gift of adhd, that pisses me off as I am struggling with the crappy bits a lot too. There are good times to be a quick thinker and think in a different way obviously.

Anyway here is the link from the new forum, a thread for Russell Barkley videos.

http://adhdadultireland.boards.net/thread/6/dr-russell-barkley

This video blew me away

Noodleworm · 17-10-2016 1:52pm

I'm going mad dealing with doctors and ADHD,
I've been on concerta since I was diagnosed at 14. I'm now 25.

Today my doctor is calling me up when I just wanted some test results to have another 'talk about my adhd' this happens almost everytime I see a GP. They always want to take me off the medication for no reason other than its easier for them. Because I am happy with my medication and dosage. and I find it hugely beneficial, and really required for me to work.

My old GP in my home town used to just give me repeat prescriptions after I finished with my child psychiatrist at 18. When I moves to Dublin for good I eventually needed to find a local GP. and from there, they rang around every psychiatrist they could find and none will take me on. They can only advise I go private. My options are to get re-assessed at the Dean's clinic privately. Which I am seeing here, has about a year long waiting list - also cost of private.

They are currently once again sending my to Prof Michael Fitzgerald.
Who I already met about 5 years ago - when I couldn't find a single GP to treat my depression, because I was on ADHD medication. So they sent me to an expert in child adhd, and asd - just to diagnose me with depression and prescribed me prozac (and charge me about 300 for the honour) .

He's a nice enough man but it is ridiculous that I will be forking out another 20, and taking a day off work to go all the way to Blanchardstown to have him yet again read a checklist of ADHD symptoms to me.

Why can't a single HSE psychiatrist in this country take the time to study adult ADHD and provide this service?!
I am so sick and tired of this.
If anyone else knows of a regular mental health clinic in the Dublin area, that can provide the same twice-yearly checkups I received with no problem in my teens (height, weight, blood pressure, "how are you feeling?"), I would very much appreciate a push in the right direction.

cannex · 17-10-2016 7:01pm

You just need to have a good GP.
You should be referred by your GP as an adult asap to the mental health unit in your area. Your GP does not have the expertise to tell you whether or not you have adhd, you were already tested and diagnosed so all your GP is required to do is to refer you. The reason to be refered to this unit is to be able to keep an eye on stuff that is supposed to be checked for the "how are you feeling?" part etc. While you are on the waiting list to see someone there, there is absolutely no reason your GP cannot prescribe you with the needed medication, you have already a specialist prescribe you and it is up to the gp to decide if they want to print that prescription for you or not.

In the meantime while seeing your GP, provided they are happy to print the prescription for you, you can ask to have you weight checked, your blood pressure checked anyway because you are on a medication that need these things checked.
Looking for a GP, if your one doesnt want to listen to you and has an ill informed reaction........painful. It might be worth looking for a young doctor, or a gp practice that has lots of drs, I rang a few gps at one point and asked certain questions and one never rang me back! So dont talk about adhd over the phone before you meet the gp, find a young, modern practice, go on the website and check out what they specialise in, some gps get extra triaining in mental health for example and it will say it on their website, these are all private and medical card gps by the way. then I guess just hope for a GP that gets it. Bring your papers and diagnosis letters. Hope it works out for you.

Just that your GP cant discuss dosage.

Calibos · 20-10-2016 3:46am

Been following this thread for the last few days and watching lots of YT video's. I recognise 9 out of every ten things I've read about it. I am in no doubt whatsoever that I have Adult ADHD. I am now already in the grieving process that Dr Barkley describes in that video. I am also despondent that by the sounds of it as someone who can't afford to go private but neither am I eligible for a medical card that I would would be going up against a mostly non supportive Irish medical establishment wrt to Adult ADHD anyway.

At least I now know why Speed never did anything for me ....or so I thought

cannex · 20-10-2016 9:46am

I'm fu&^king despondent too but Nobody else is gonna fight as hard for you as you. Remember you can get referred by your GP. If your not entitled to the medical card and you are diagnosed, you could still be eligible for a gp visit card at least and there is a cap on how much an individual must pay for medication themselves so you could also avail of this scheme.
Work with your GP from the start. Write down everything you remember from childhood that you think is related to undiagnosed ADHD. Come to your GP with a list of difficulties and try to explain how that are related to adhd.

Remember you are paying the GP to treat you and need to get the most efficient - time saving - and benificial appointment for you and the GP.

It can be done, I was diagnosed privately, my GP prescribes my meds, the hse psych department asks me about med dosage(but you dont need to see a psych every time you have issues with meds - there can be phone calls too. It wont always be seeing a really expensive specialist all the time, generally you can get on with things yourself once you work together with your GP and they are confident with the specialists report.
You do not need to be referred to see someone privately but it is better to include you GP and show that you are deadly serious.

Try no to say - well i was online and I discovered ADHD, they hate it when we self diagnose. So just say you think something is up, you give your list of issues and stand your ground with the print outs you think are relevant and you list of symptoms to show the doctor, try to show where they link up.

Dont give up because the outcome of treatment for adults can be life-changing for us and for all our long suffereing families and loved ones.

MrSzyslak · 12-12-2016 6:49pm

Hey hows everyone doing??

I am going for a private diagnoses next Monday the 19th at the NASS clinic it’s quite expensive at €420 but not sure where else to turn now at this stage. Not sure what I have to be honest. It took 10 years to get through college after dropping out three times and have failed professional exams recently and my performance in work is simply terrible.
I have been diagnosed with anxiety for years and more recently depression (eventhough I never really think I felt depressed just down when I cant function) and I am on a ssri , anytime I brought up adhd to my doctor mental health professional it was shot down straight away and told it was all anxiety. I know after researching they often present together.

I am wondering is this specialist going to put everything down to other mental health issues aswel. I also have never been assessed for adhd and have no old school reports etc to bring. eventhough I know I struggled throughout school. My parents are split and not sure where my old school reports etc are. I am 30 now.

Feel like I could be throwing cash down the drain, but like always, I will procrastinate until the last minute turn up next Monday evening for the appointment completely unprepared ha.

God it would be great to just be a normal functioning member of society :-) haha

cannex · 13-12-2016 12:32pm

Yup, I've tried college 3 times and left every time, managed to finish two courses I was really in to and did fairly well, but if I had been diagnosed and treated at the time I have no doubt I would have done a hell of a lot better.

Applying for college again for 2017 - its a bit like a running joke with myself, constantly telling people about the next course I'm gonna do. But this time, I'm medicated and I'm getting CBT(something I will write about later).
I'm determined to get a degree in what I love to do as are a lot of people with adhd because we constantly get overwhelmed and have to fail, brush ourselves off and try again, we become resilient and determined little buggers.

Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to having the tools we need to help ouselves.

I replied to your message but I deleted it so I have no idea if you got it? Did you?
Let me know and I can send it again.....

I sent you a PM to describe the process.

MrSzyslak · 13-12-2016 1:15pm

cannex wrote: »

I replied to your message but I deleted it so I have no idea if you got it? Did you?
Let me know and I can send it again.....

This guy is an expert in developmental and behavioural issues so no, you wont come out of there being even more confused, I can assure you that, everything will be explained to you.

Please make sure you know exactly when you will get your report. Still waiting for mine!

I said more in the PM.

Hey

No never got your PM would be great if you could send on again :-). You gave me the lead on the NAAS clinic so thanks for that. Place in Dublin had a one year waiting list. It was DR. ALAN MURTAGH working from Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan.

Yeah I sent you a message a few weeks ago after I got the appointment. Your waiting a long time on the report then is that slowing things down for you? regarding HSE, obtaining medications etc...

Have found this thread helpful, thanks for all your input

cannex · 13-12-2016 1:16pm

writing it now

secman · 13-12-2016 7:09pm

Just looking for a bit of advice from people who have been diagnosed with adhd. My son who is almost 35, I suspect has adhd.

Definitely has problem with authority
Definitely has had problems in relationships
Definitely has had and has problems holding on to a job, currently working but the signs are there after 4 weeks, so don't know how long more it will last.;(
Has always had problems managing money, and still does,
Definitely dabbled in hash in his late teens and early 20th.
He is currently very down in himself, and is not really looking after himself, needs a good haircut, his diet is terrible. His bedroom is like a squat.

How do we get him to recognise that he is in need of help, just don't know how to approach the topic with him without him storming out and swearing obscenities at me.

Really would love to get him the help he desperately deserves.

Thanks

cannex · 14-12-2016 2:31pm

To be honest with you he probably is already well aware that he has problems in all the areas you described.
The thing is, with going throughout life with undiagnosed adhd can cause a lot of shame, a lot of trying to hide thoses deficits from the world - that is a full-tilme occupation I tell you. Then there is the defensiveness if somebody tries to point out that your not quite living up to your potential.

Your son might be feeling like he cant get along in life like his peers and this can make someone feel like a failure and he may feel like he needs to hide and cover up his issues.

Part of having adhd is sometimes not being able to control reactions, over-reacting and losing the temper quite easily too.

So what you are describing is trying to broach the subject with your son.
You seem worried that he will explode and curse and blind.
A lot of the times someone with adhd will react like this because they can be extremely defensive and ashamed and dont want anyone to find out how much they are struggling, because most people undiagnosed see their issues as a moral failing, being stupid, useless and lazy. Also adhd means it can be very difficult to control emotional outburts, anger and reactions to situations and people.

For his family to pick up on the over-reaction judgements (in his eyes) may confirm everything he is feeling about himself.

So you have to remember that these defensive outbursts may be coming from a place of hurt and denial of something being wrong.

If you are able to discuss anything with him I probably would not go straight into adhd, as you know, most people see it as a childhood disorder and he probably does too.

All I can say is try to have a chat with him about something he is willing to discuss and about the difficulties he might be experiencing in that one area, even if he doesnt want to discuss adhd there are still tools and books that you can buy for yourself and for him so he can learn a bit more.

SOftly, softly and see what he is willing to discuss because you cant force him to listen to you and if you push it he may push back even harder.
Talk to him about how he feels about certain llife situations and see how can they be tackled, he may eventually come around to the idea of adhd if he understands that he is not a failure or lazy or stupid.

Once you have some kind of dialogue you may be able to show him this thread for example, look for descriptions of "Adult ADHD" online and print them out.
I think the main thing to get across to him is that he is not a disapointment, that he is a good person who is struggling and there could be a reason for it.
Make sure that he knows that you doont see him as a bad person.

Hope this helps, ask anything else if you need to.

secman · 18-12-2016 6:32pm

cannex wrote: »

To be honest with you he probably is already well aware that he has problems in all the areas you described.
The thing is, with going throughout life with undiagnosed adhd can cause a lot of shame, a lot of trying to hide thoses deficits from the world - that is a full-tilme occupation I tell you. Then there is the defensiveness if somebody tries to point out that your not quite living up to your potential.

Your son might be feeling like he cant get along in life like his peers and this can make someone feel like a failure and he may feel like he needs to hide and cover up his issues.

Part of having adhd is sometimes not being able to control reactions, over-reacting and losing the temper quite easily too.

So what you are describing is trying to broach the subject with your son.
You seem worried that he will explode and curse and blind.
A lot of the times someone with adhd will react like this because they can be extremely defensive and ashamed and dont want anyone to find out how much they are struggling, because most people undiagnosed see their issues as a moral failing, being stupid, useless and lazy. Also adhd means it can be very difficult to control emotional outburts, anger and reactions to situations and people.

For his family to pick up on the over-reaction judgements (in his eyes) may confirm everything he is feeling about himself.

So you have to remember that these defensive outbursts may be coming from a place of hurt and denial of something being wrong.

If you are able to discuss anything with him I probably would not go straight into adhd, as you know, most people see it as a childhood disorder and he probably does too.

All I can say is try to have a chat with him about something he is willing to discuss and about the difficulties he might be experiencing in that one area, even if he doesnt want to discuss adhd there are still tools and books that you can buy for yourself and for him so he can learn a bit more.

SOftly, softly and see what he is willing to discuss because you cant force him to listen to you and if you push it he may push back even harder.
Talk to him about how he feels about certain llife situations and see how can they be tackled, he may eventually come around to the idea of adhd if he understands that he is not a failure or lazy or stupid.

Once you have some kind of dialogue you may be able to show him this thread for example, look for descriptions of "Adult ADHD" online and print them out.
I think the main thing to get across to him is that he is not a disapointment, that he is a good person who is struggling and there could be a reason for it.
Make sure that he knows that you doont see him as a bad person.

Hope this helps, ask anything else if you need to.

Unfortunately he is in a bad place at the moment, has taken to the bed for literally the whole weekend. Tried to speak to him but is having none of it. But has said he does need help.

cannex · 19-12-2016 1:14am

Have you heard of MyMind?
https://mymind.org/
They are a counselling service in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and possibly Galway.
They offer sliding scale counselling and you can get an appointment quickly, within a week.

I use them now doing CBT.

Give them a ring. They're really helpful.
Its informal and there are different therapists dealing with different issues.

cannex · 21-12-2016 2:14pm

By the way, heads up. I had my appointment with Dr O Domhnaill in August. Paid 420 euros and I 'm still waiting for my report.

Messyhead · 24-12-2016 9:09pm

Hi,
Not sure if anyone will ever look at this thread again but just in case. I am an adult female and I strongly suspect I have inattentive ADD. I went to the GP - he was nice but I didn't feel taken seriously really. Also I don't think there was much he could do anyway. He gave me the phone numbers of a couple of educational psychologists in Galway but when I phoned them the price was beyond my reach so I went to the GP again to see if there was anything else I could try. While I was waiting for him I saw on his computer screen that he had written 'no sign of hyperactivity' about me - so I guess he is one of those doctors who doesn't know about /believe in ADHD without hyperactivity.

Anyway he said he'd talk to the other GPs in the practice to see if they had any ideas about accessing affordable assessment and phone me on the Monday...but he didn't phone...and never phoned (this is a couple of weeks ago.) I've been phoning around all over the country looking for help - the prices are so high for assessment. It's a pain as some of the things I'm struggling with, whether it turns out to be ADHD related or not, have directly impacted my ability to earn and manage money. Some clinics I've written to to see if a payment plan is possible but haven't heard back.

I've really been struggling, and felt completely hopeless coming out from the GP both times having taken ages to work up the courage to go. And then the non existent phonecall - aargghh. I've got a bit of fight back now though.

Anyway, sorry I'm rambling. Just want to put it out there in case anyone has any nuggets of info on getting assessed. RazzaR I like your approach, I might try the same thing. And I think I might change GP anyway.

I haven't read all the posts here properly so apologies if I've asked something that's been covered already.

manonboard · 24-12-2016 9:14pm

Messyhead wrote: »

...

I don't have any advice MessyHead. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the difficulty you've encountered with the professional medical practitioner so far. It was, was you said, courageous to go in the first place, and the second place!
I hope you keep following your understanding to whatever help you need. I hope you get a better practitioner that takes you more seriously.
Thanks for sharing your story so far.

Messyhead · 24-12-2016 9:17pm

Thank you manonboard - wow I don't think I've ever been replied to so quickly on a forum before!! Thanks for your support and empathy - it helps.

Messyhead · 24-12-2016 9:24pm

P.S. If anyone went somewhere for assessment (even if it was really expensive) and would recommend it (or not) that would actually be really helpful.

cannex · 26-12-2016 11:51am

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.

cannex · 26-12-2016 12:11pm

cannex wrote: »

By the way, heads up. I had my appointment with Dr O Domhnaill in August. Paid 420 euros and I 'm still waiting for my report.

I should also say the appointment was excellent and he took the time nescessary to come to the right conclusion.

A very busy person, trying to help adults in ireland with adhd be taken seriously and he understands how pervasive and debilitating it can be.

Just to be fair.

Messyhead · 26-12-2016 3:38pm

Hi cannex,
Thanks, hope you had a good xmas too!

Thanks, that's all really helpful. If I was to go to either Michael Fitzgerald or Dr O'Domhnaill which do you think would be the better one to go to? (In terms of whose assessment would be more listened to afterwards, by GPs etc.)

Is it possible to circumvent the public mental health services altogether? For example if a private specialist diagnosed you would a GP be able to prescribe meds? I've been through the public mental health service before for other issues (which I now begin to suspect might be ADHD related) and it was a completely devastating, life-endangering experience. I know that sounds melodramatic but it's really true! I really can't face going near them again. My GP also told me they can only deal with depression and psychosis, and I suspect he's right. I have been seriously considering changing GP but at least this one recognises that referring me into the public system won't be helpful and so won't push me to go down that road for the sake of protocol.

I don't suppose you remember the name of the tests you filled in or the website you found them on?

Did you get your report in the end?

Hope everything is going well anyway and that if you are getting treatment it's helping.

I really appreciate the help - it's hard to navigate all this, and probably the people who are kindly sharing information now had even less to go on when they started on this journey. And yes the aha moment of not feeling like the only one is a huge relief.

Messyhead · 26-12-2016 3:46pm

Oh I just saw you didn't have the report yet on the 21st so I'm guessing you still didn't get it - hope it arrives soon!

cannex · 26-12-2016 5:09pm

Hey, glad to help. I had no info at all and swore that others wouldnt have to go through that too.
I also had a terrible time dealing with public health system and it ended up me feeling a lot worse too. Now I want to run a mile.

SO, yes, after 2 years of horrible stress trying to get treatment I have managed to not have to deal with them. I told my occupational therapist that I was not willing to continue the treatment she was offering, meeting for 40 mins once a month and getting hand-outs designed for children. I also found out that I was being treated with an entry level behavioural intervention therapy by someone who was still in college studying occupational therapy! The treatment I was getting was for low motivation and depression. Anyway, not the right treatment, not enough time spent one on one, meetings too infrequent. They are not equipped to deal with adult adhd full stop. All the money and expertise going to childrens services.

ANyway to circumvent having to be further traumatized by the mental health services in Ireland I would suggest you get your diagnosis, spend some time getting used to meds and then get CBT for ADHD.

If you want to go through the HSE its the NAAS Clinic as the report will be more detailed. Prof Fitz will be less detailed but they will both be giving you the same/similiar/less or more detailed diagnosis report. So, its up to you. I found both of them to b very nice, professional and understanding.

It is by far the most helpful thing for someone who has gone through life undiagnosed but it is recommended to be on the right medication dose before starting CBT.

I gave a link to mymind ina previous post, hopefully you are near cork, limerick or dublin. They will more than likely have a therapist who will be able to offer you CBT for ADHD on a sliding scale.

Messyhead · 27-12-2016 10:49am

Thank you cannex - sorry to hear you had horrible experiences with the public mental health system too. I can't believe they gave you a handout for children...no wait...I can totally believe it! It's scary, I hear/read so many stories of people being made so much worse by their dealings with them. Maybe lots of people are helped or at least have a neutral experience but then they just go on with life and don't have a reason to tell their story, but still, so many people get really damaged who were hoping to get help.

Anyway...off topic...sorry! Thank you so much - all your info really helps with feeling less bemused and more confident going forward with this. I'm going to see if I can do some kind of payment plan with Dr. O'Domhnaill, otherwise save for a while, it will be worth it.

I am in Galway but I think MyMind do online stuff as well, so that might be an option.

Wow it took you 2 years to get treatment - I'm so glad you stuck with it, I know that must have taken a lot of strength.

Messyhead · 28-12-2016 8:22pm

One more question - just wondering if health insurance would cover a visit to a private psychiatrist? I was wondering if it would be worth getting it for this purpose. I'm guessing not or it would have come up before, but just in case...

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