Adult ADHD Advice

PPN2893 · 31-10-2018 9:03pm

Orionis wrote: »

Did your GP give a reason for why he wasn't happy to prescribe it?

Though in fairness to the GP, these medications are supposed to be initiated and titrated by a specialist. A GP is only really meant to be prescribing once them your established on a stable dosage that is working for you without problems.

Other than politely inferring that he wasn't a fan of Dr Fitzgerald, he didn't really give a reason. I'd asked to be referred to local mental health services for follow ups etc. which I was and saw a psychiatrist pretty quickly. She obviously didn't prescribe medication either and fobbed me off with occupational therapy. Dr Fitzgerald's letter did state that if I had any difficulties with medication before I was referred to a psychiatric service that he would do phone consultations so I wouldn't have been totally without supervision.

I'm going to go to a different GP office tomorrow to ask what their policy with first time/once off patients. I want to ask if they'd be willing to prescribe Ritalin if I got another script from Dr Fitzgerald. I've had too many problems with my GP practice over the years anyway so I wouldn't mind switching.

cannex · 01-11-2018 1:23am

PPN2893 wrote: »

Other than politely inferring that he wasn't a fan of Dr Fitzgerald, he didn't really give a reason. I'd asked to be referred to local mental health services for follow ups etc. which I was and saw a psychiatrist pretty quickly. She obviously didn't prescribe medication either and fobbed me off with occupational therapy. Dr Fitzgerald's letter did state that if I had any difficulties with medication before I was referred to a psychiatric service that he would do phone consultations so I wouldn't have been totally without supervision.

I'm going to go to a different GP office tomorrow to ask what their policy with first time/once off patients. I want to ask if they'd be willing to prescribe Ritalin if I got another script from Dr Fitzgerald. I've had too many problems with my GP practice over the years anyway so I wouldn't mind switching.

GP sounds like a dick. I'd be wary asking new doctors over the phone if they'll preccribe ritalin. I did that before when I was getting pissed off with my doctors, and they wouldnt answer me and told me they were suddenly not taking on patients. But seriously, you can use the doctors in your college. DOnt put yourself through the crap of moving GPs if you dont have to, you must have assignments coming up like me. Sorry will stop being bossy now

Ya the lack of supervision sucks, you have to figure it all out yourself.

PPN2893 · 01-11-2018 3:15am

cannex wrote: »

GP sounds like a dick. I'd be wary asking new doctors over the phone if they'll preccribe ritalin. I did that before when I was getting pissed off with my doctors, and they wouldnt answer me and told me they were suddenly not taking on patients. But seriously, you can use the doctors in your college. DOnt put yourself through the crap of moving GPs if you dont have to, you must have assignments coming up like me. Sorry will stop being bossy now

Ya the lack of supervision sucks, you have to figure it all out yourself.

I did some research on the college doctor and there doesn't seem to be one, just a nurse at the moment. This other GP place seems to be linked to the college as it's listed for injuries. It also has a bunch of student services listed online and a discount, so I think it's the best bet to look into for now. I'm not going to tell them what the appointment is for before I book something either. I'm gonna go ask them tomorrow if I can get an appointment and if questioned as to why I'm just gonna give a vague mental health answer. It's only about a 10-15 walk from my house so it's not out of the way to ask.

cannex · 02-11-2018 12:28pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

I did some research on the college doctor and there doesn't seem to be one, just a nurse at the moment. This other GP place seems to be linked to the college as it's listed for injuries. It also has a bunch of student services listed online and a discount, so I think it's the best bet to look into for now. I'm not going to tell them what the appointment is for before I book something either. I'm gonna go ask them tomorrow if I can get an appointment and if questioned as to why I'm just gonna give a vague mental health answer. It's only about a 10-15 walk from my house so it's not out of the way to ask.

Good luck, that's a headwreck to be fair. I hope it works out.

PPN2893 · 02-11-2018 5:32pm

cannex wrote: »

Good luck, that's a headwreck to be fair. I hope it works out.

Thanks. I went to them and filled out a first time patient form. They said they'd get back to me but they have a backlog of new patients for a week or two. Didn't mention about ADHD or anything though. I emailed Dr Fitzgerald about a new script so we'll see how it goes. I'm not banking on anything coming from it but at least I feel like I'm moving ahead with things.

black_sheep96 · 04-11-2018 8:29am

Hi everyone. I'm a 22 year old and up until about 7/8 months ago I didn't even know what ADHD was, but ever since then I've been wandering whether I might have it! An ex-boyfriend of mine who had ADHD was pretty adamant that I had it too and considering his own diagnosis and the fact that we dated for 6/7 months, it got me wondering whether he might be right. (Also the fact that I seem to fit a Lot of the symptoms, relate to about 99% of the things that I've read/ watched online and my problems haven't gone away one bit since I started college and some other people who I'm close with seem to think that I might have it too). I casually asked my doctor about it one day while coming in for something else and she suggested DCU as a good place to be assessed, but then I looked at the pricing and there's just no way I can afford to pay 800- 1000 euros for a consultation! I also don't want to go through a whole rigorous testing process only to be potentially told at the end of it that I don't have it, after wasting all that time and money and mental energy. And I don't have a medical card and won't be able to get one for a little over 2 years, just to make matters worse. All I actually want at this point is to get an idea for whether I might have it or not, from a professional who has some basic training in recognising or diagnosing ADHD, even if it's not actually an official diagnosis, because I'm just so sick of wandering about it; the same question playing over and over in my mind in an obsessive loop; it's getting really old. Anyone have any ideas of places I could try for a diagnosis in Ireland that aren't as dare as 800 euros?

Feu · 05-11-2018 1:38pm

black_sheep96 wrote: »

Hi everyone. I'm a 22 year old and up until about 7/8 months ago I didn't even know what ADHD was, but ever since then I've been wandering whether I might have it! An ex-boyfriend of mine who had ADHD was pretty adamant that I had it too and considering his own diagnosis and the fact that we dated for 6/7 months, it got me wondering whether he might be right. (Also the fact that I seem to fit a Lot of the symptoms, relate to about 99% of the things that I've read/ watched online and my problems haven't gone away one bit since I started college and some other people who I'm close with seem to think that I might have it too). I casually asked my doctor about it one day while coming in for something else and she suggested DCU as a good place to be assessed, but then I looked at the pricing and there's just no way I can afford to pay 800- 1000 euros for a consultation! I also don't want to go through a whole rigorous testing process only to be potentially told at the end of it that I don't have it, after wasting all that time and money and mental energy. And I don't have a medical card and won't be able to get one for a little over 2 years, just to make matters worse. All I actually want at this point is to get an idea for whether I might have it or not, from a professional who has some basic training in recognising or diagnosing ADHD, even if it's not actually an official diagnosis, because I'm just so sick of wandering about it; the same question playing over and over in my mind in an obsessive loop; it's getting really old. Anyone have any ideas of places I could try for a diagnosis in Ireland that aren't as dare as 800 euros?

Hi Black sheep, please see post here for ways to get assessed. All of these would be in the €800 range, I think apart from Stephanie Bourke. Did someone say that was €400?

Feu wrote: »

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 Romanos/Dr Murtagh team in St John of Gods Private Hospital - wait at least a year

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.

(sorry i'm not sure for outside dublin)

The above all psychiatrist led teams. Dr Romanos is amazing! I have personal experience of working with her, and imho she is one of the best in the country, and i've worked with a lot of psychiatrists.

The benefits of going to a psychiatrist (who knows their stuff) is their deep understanding of the neuroscience of symptoms and medications and interactions with the dopaminergic system. They can assess (with varying levels of detail) and prescribe stimulant medication. However, positive experiences for people with ADHD interacting with any health professionals are thin on this board! As has been mentioned, psychiatrists (like many professionals) can also be biased, slap dash, and cursory, and not listen properly to what you say, making for an unsatisfactory experience, and even a damaging one.

insight centre - clinical psychology
This is less likely to be the case when working with a clinical psychologist, who can also assess and make a diagnosis, but who cannot prescribe medication. A psychological assessment should include the following
Analysis of previous Reports
Self Report Measure
Consultation
Cognitive Assessment
Parent/Guardian/Relative Consultation
Feedback
Report
And should take place over 2-4 sessions, which obviously provides more time to observe and interact with you, but for you to interact with them too, and ask questions.

hope this is clear! a sticky for this info would be helpful!!

like wrote: »

Fastest probably Dr Stephanie Bourke, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin. Maybe 6-10 week wait time. Initial Assessment €300 (or 350 ?), follow on €160. I was diagnosed this year initially by Prof Fitzgerald and separately later by Dr Bourke.

For anyone wondering, the correct medication and the correct dose if they work (and they do in most cases) is life changing. Check out https://www.additudemag.com/ for very good information and articles by Dr William Dodson and Dr Barkley and Dr Hallowell.

Every research paper lately suggests that medication is the first line defence (generally stimulants - methylphenidate or amphetamine, non stimulant strattera after this), see MTA study - one of the biggest - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research/practical/mta/the-multimodal-treatment-of-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-study-mta-questions-and-answers.shtml

and (be careful with dose, some people's therapeutic dose is under the general minimum or starting dose so start off at minimum or even under the minimum)

The only place that i know of that does it for about €350 is Fitzgerald, if you have the time, read about peoples opinions of that above. Otherwise, the more thorough assessments are the only way to really know!

A good place to start is looking at an ADHD type symptom checklist, which abound online, here's a couple of examples: https://www.caddra.ca/pdfs/caddraGuidelines2011ADHDChecklist.pdf

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-checklist/?tos=accepted

Alfred Harold · 06-11-2018 4:44pm

Hi All,

I’m a 40 year old father of 2 boys and yesterday I finally got my diagnosis yesterday of ADHD, I went to see Dr. Stephanie Bourke. I'm a regular user of boards but for fear of losing anonymity I set up this account to post on this thread. Part of me want to tell the world and not be in fear of it but I’m just not ready yet, I mostly fear for the professional ramifications. My head is still a bit all over the place from the process of the diagnosis as in just getting my head around it and the fact what it is I am affected by has a name and it is real. I actually started the meds today, a low dose of Ritalin 10mg. Can’t say now if I notice any difference, I’m sure it’s way too early to tell.

My big issues are forgetfulness, distractions, mind racing, time keeping, multi-tasking losing my cool. Can’t sit still. I had a history of underperforming in school and college. I drank to deal with the stress caused my ADHD symptoms and anxiety it created and that became a big problem until I stopped drinking nearly 10 years ago. Professionally I am actually doing very well but I always but undue pressure on myself through procrastination.

My 2 boys were recently diagnosed and that is what started me off on this journey. Apparently its quite common for parents to realise they have an issue by looking into it for their kids.

Wait time for appointment was about 10 weeks. I say finally as true to my form I procrastinated on this process probably by 6 months and I was convinced there was quicker way I could be seen and I wanted to be seen by the best ( in my own head). I for my own personal reasons did not want to use another Psychiatrist who would have seen me sooner. To be honest I felt she was the only viable option I had left in this country to get a diagnosis going the Psychiatric v Physiological route. I actually did consider going to London or up north but I thought follow up treatment and consultations would be a big problem. I found this process very frustrating, I am fortunate that I could afford to pay for the private diagnosis but even going private I felt like I was road blocked, hearing wait times of a year, we don’t take new patients etc.

Anyway now that I have the diagnosis I would like to know is there any routes or ways to get into the public system? Is it worth pursuing?

Feu · 09-11-2018 10:00am

Alfred Harold wrote: »

Hi All,

I’m a 40 year old father of 2 boys and yesterday I finally got my diagnosis yesterday of ADHD, I went to see Dr. Stephanie Bourke. I'm a regular user of boards but for fear of losing anonymity I set up this account to post on this thread. Part of me want to tell the world and not be in fear of it but I’m just not ready yet, I mostly fear for the professional ramifications. My head is still a bit all over the place from the process of the diagnosis as in just getting my head around it and the fact what it is I am affected by has a name and it is real. I actually started the meds today, a low dose of Ritalin 10mg. Can’t say now if I notice any difference, I’m sure it’s way too early to tell.

My big issues are forgetfulness, distractions, mind racing, time keeping, multi-tasking losing my cool. Can’t sit still. I had a history of underperforming in school and college. I drank to deal with the stress caused my ADHD symptoms and anxiety it created and that became a big problem until I stopped drinking nearly 10 years ago. Professionally I am actually doing very well but I always but undue pressure on myself through procrastination.

My 2 boys were recently diagnosed and that is what started me off on this journey. Apparently its quite common for parents to realise they have an issue by looking into it for their kids.

Wait time for appointment was about 10 weeks. I say finally as true to my form I procrastinated on this process probably by 6 months and I was convinced there was quicker way I could be seen and I wanted to be seen by the best ( in my own head). I for my own personal reasons did not want to use another Psychiatrist who would have seen me sooner. To be honest I felt she was the only viable option I had left in this country to get a diagnosis going the Psychiatric v Physiological route. I actually did consider going to London or up north but I thought follow up treatment and consultations would be a big problem. I found this process very frustrating, I am fortunate that I could afford to pay for the private diagnosis but even going private I felt like I was road blocked, hearing wait times of a year, we don’t take new patients etc.

Anyway now that I have the diagnosis I would like to know is there any routes or ways to get into the public system? Is it worth pursuing?

Hi Alfred, sorry to hear you struggled for so long, but great that you have a diagnosis now, and started on medication, we'd all love to hear how you get on with it!!

When you say go public, what do you mean? If you mean see a psychiatrist for ADHD, well, you will be waiting a while if at all. As far as i know you cannot be referred (or the referral would certainly be put on an extremely long finger) in the public system. Now, taking the anxiety and historical addiction issues into account, then your GP could send the referral and it might evenetually go somewhere. HOWEVER, Dr Bourke could have also done this for you, and might still if you ask her. A referral from a psychiatrist might carry more weight, but the wait will still be possibly years.

all that being said, there is essentially no public adult service for people with ADHD (where there is no significant mental health issue*). There is supposed to be one piloted - i think some people on the board here went to a public meeting in Trinity in April where they announced this. However, I can confirm that in the pilot areas, zero has been rolled out, and when I've emailed the central office about it, emails remain unanswered. https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/mental-health/adhd/

More about the project linked here, from an RTE piece in January, couple of interesting interviews too: http://www.hadd.ie/article/adult-adhd As you can see, you can also ring HADD anytime for more information.

Ken Kilbright mentions that 1 in 4 calls to them is an adult looking to get a diagnosis, yet they still have very little on the website relating to adults! (not knocking HADD, they're great!)

PPN i think mentioned being referred to OT i think through the public system (which is great! except if the ot doesn't have expertise in adhd, and why would they). But that is a long time coming

I think it would be good to think about what issue most impacts on your life - forgetfulness, losing your cool etc? and try to work on that - yourself, and possibly with a psychologist or OT. Please see my previous comments

Feu wrote: »

If you are trying to improve quality of life/function in relation to reducing fallout from ADHD symptoms i.e. trying to be less chaotic, less impulsive, trying to get more done, when you’re supposed to, trying to finish things, and seeing a counsellor/coach/guru who doesn’t understand ADHD well for help with this, I think it might not be straight forward. If you are trying to help someone change their habits, behaviour and thinking, but ignore (or don’t take into account) that their brain is wired a bit differently, it will be frustrating for both parties!

TLDR
Honestly, what I find helpful is just trying to change one thing. It is lovely to work with people with ADHD as you all can be real enthusiastic  and what Ive heard time and time again is “I’m going to prep all my meals, I’m going to go to the gym everyday, I’m going to be on time everyday, I’m going to go to sleep every night at 10” etc. Just aim to do one of those things, and make it part of the routine (change your thinking), then when that’s done, take on another one. And so on. In the case of study, aim to do 25 minutes 5 days a week for 2 weeks, then build up from there.

ON a side note: The how to adhd channel on Youtube is pretty good (imho). Take this one here, whatever you think about pomodoro ( I happen to think it’s brilliant!) it’s the way she explains why its helpful, from her own point of view and research. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLkOZhROvA4 Here vids are short too, she knows her audience!

Her Ted Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiwZQNYlGQI I think it describes well a situation a lot of people have been in

it would be beneficial if the professional has experience with ADHD, and that perhaps you try to focus on improving one aspect, and getting a good handle on that, before trying to improve other things. Being on medication should help

And you can read the self help books for ADHD, and watch the videos yourself too

*if you have a significant mental health issues they will more than likely ignore the fact that you have ADHD due to prioritisation or poorly knowledge around ADHD. If you had autism, they would not ignore that, and really its similarly a neurodevelopmental condition that affects your processing, thinking, and behaviour. So they're missing out on the best ways to help you there.

cannex · 11-11-2018 5:30pm

Alfred Harold wrote: »

Hi All,

I’m a 40 year old father of 2 boys and yesterday I finally got my diagnosis yesterday of ADHD, I went to see Dr. Stephanie Bourke. I'm a regular user of boards but for fear of losing anonymity I set up this account to post on this thread. Part of me want to tell the world and not be in fear of it but I’m just not ready yet, I mostly fear for the professional ramifications. My head is still a bit all over the place from the process of the diagnosis as in just getting my head around it and the fact what it is I am affected by has a name and it is real. I actually started the meds today, a low dose of Ritalin 10mg. Can’t say now if I notice any difference, I’m sure it’s way too early to tell.

My big issues are forgetfulness, distractions, mind racing, time keeping, multi-tasking losing my cool. Can’t sit still. I had a history of underperforming in school and college. I drank to deal with the stress caused my ADHD symptoms and anxiety it created and that became a big problem until I stopped drinking nearly 10 years ago. Professionally I am actually doing very well but I always but undue pressure on myself through procrastination.

My 2 boys were recently diagnosed and that is what started me off on this journey. Apparently its quite common for parents to realise they have an issue by looking into it for their kids.

Wait time for appointment was about 10 weeks. I say finally as true to my form I procrastinated on this process probably by 6 months and I was convinced there was quicker way I could be seen and I wanted to be seen by the best ( in my own head). I for my own personal reasons did not want to use another Psychiatrist who would have seen me sooner. To be honest I felt she was the only viable option I had left in this country to get a diagnosis going the Psychiatric v Physiological route. I actually did consider going to London or up north but I thought follow up treatment and consultations would be a big problem. I found this process very frustrating, I am fortunate that I could afford to pay for the private diagnosis but even going private I felt like I was road blocked, hearing wait times of a year, we don’t take new patients etc.

Anyway now that I have the diagnosis I would like to know is there any routes or ways to get into the public system? Is it worth pursuing?

The short answer is no, its not worth pursuing going through the public system. My best advice to you is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and take the meds every day, on weekends too.

Over time, the good decisions made while medicated daily add up and make for a calmer life in general.

But - I still had all my old coping mechanisms and bad habits - so working on those while medicated - things like time managment, routine, good habits etc. They can be done with a knowledgeable Occupational therapist, and CBT works on these things too.

PPN2893 · 21-11-2018 12:15am

cannex wrote: »

Good luck, that's a headwreck to be fair. I hope it works out.

Just an update. Changed my GP and had no trouble getting a prescription for Ritalin LA sorted last week. Started on 20 mg last Thursday and I'll be changing to 30 mg in a couple of days. Have to go back and get a prescription for 40 mg after that.

I'm giving it a bit of time before I give a final verdict on if I'll continue with Ritalin but I have seen some improvements. I'm much better able to concentrate when people are talking to me and it's helped with paying attention in classes. I also don't have that horrible dread when I know I have to start an assignment. I used to constantly bargain with myself to not do work. I'd nearly throw myself down the stairs in the hopes that a concussion or a broken leg would get me out of writing a lab report.

It's not a miracle worker (and I wasn't expecting it to be) but I was hoping that it would help with procrastination more. I still have that as bad as ever. My brain still would rather work on anything else except for the thing I'm supposed to be doing. I've had a very busy and stressful week though so I'm hoping once I settle down for the next few weeks before exams and get into a good pattern I'll get more out of the medication.

So far I'd give it a B-.

cannex · 21-11-2018 5:38pm

PPN2893 wrote: »

Just an update. Changed my GP and had no trouble getting a prescription for Ritalin LA sorted last week. Started on 20 mg last Thursday and I'll be changing to 30 mg in a couple of days. Have to go back and get a prescription for 40 mg after that.

I'm giving it a bit of time before I give a final verdict on if I'll continue with Ritalin but I have seen some improvements. I'm much better able to concentrate when people are talking to me and it's helped with paying attention in classes. I also don't have that horrible dread when I know I have to start an assignment. I used to constantly bargain with myself to not do work. I'd nearly throw myself down the stairs in the hopes that a concussion or a broken leg would get me out of writing a lab report.

It's not a miracle worker (and I wasn't expecting it to be) but I was hoping that it would help with procrastination more. I still have that as bad as ever. My brain still would rather work on anything else except for the thing I'm supposed to be doing. I've had a very busy and stressful week though so I'm hoping once I settle down for the next few weeks before exams and get into a good pattern I'll get more out of the medication.

So far I'd give it a B-.

That is amazing news. I'm really happy for you, fair dues!

yeah procrastination is still there for me too and meds wear off at the end of the day. Being calm and able to listen feels amazing though and not over-reacting to little things.

Most people find that putting your meds next to your bed so you can take it first thing is easier with getting the day started easier.

Use DSS disability suppport services in college too - extra time on exams and a smaller quieter exam hall, a the little things add up to help.

WooHoo!!!

550sheep · 06-12-2018 4:16pm

For the last 10 years I’ve suspected I have ADHD. I was just getting extra tired of the daily struggle with just being me (despite cutting out as much distraction in my life as possible...e.g. friends and any plans really) so I contacted HADD Ireland and it was obvious I needed a referral letter. So I’m just back from I’m my college GP. They were nice enough in fairness but I knew pretty soon I wasn’t going to get far. Main outcomes:

- I needed to go home and book an appointment with my own family GP....which is a bit of bother for me; I can’t understand why the college GP won’t refer me on.
- (when I said I don’t think I have what’s needed to hold down a job) I’d be alright in the long run as I had a long-term boyfriend who would look after me financially....
- (with regards to finishing my PhD..don’t know why I did this to myself...”maybe I just needed someone to give me a kick up the arse”.

There’s no question here, I just wanted to share my experience. I’m a bit upset by it.

PPN2893 · 06-12-2018 6:52pm

550sheep wrote: »

For the last 10 years I’ve suspected I have ADHD. I was just getting extra tired of the daily struggle with just being me (despite cutting out as much distraction in my life as possible...e.g. friends and any plans really) so I contacted HADD Ireland and it was obvious I needed a referral letter. So I’m just back from I’m my college GP. They were nice enough in fairness but I knew pretty soon I wasn’t going to get far. Main outcomes:

- I needed to go home and book an appointment with my own family GP....which is a bit of bother for me; I can’t understand why the college GP won’t refer me on.
- (when I said I don’t think I have what’s needed to hold down a job) I’d be alright in the long run as I had a long-term boyfriend who would look after me financially....
- (with regards to finishing my PhD..don’t know why I did this to myself...”maybe I just needed someone to give me a kick up the arse”.

There’s no question here, I just wanted to share my experience. I’m a bit upset by it.

You're totally right to be upset. I can understand why a college doctor might be a bit hesitant to refer if they don't have your complete history from your main GP but the other stuff said is totally out of order.

First off, who in this day and age expects a woman to be a housewife? This ain't the '50s. I don't know any couple who could live off one wage these days. Telling you to find a sugar daddy isn't medical advice, ffs. And finding "someone to give you a kick up the arse"? This doctor sounds like a naggy mother that wants you to settle down and find a man.

It's definitely time to go to a different doctor. Even if you can't get back to your GP (I assume you're not at college in your home county) you could try a different GP in the area, if it's within your means. Could you also try to get to your family GP around Christmas time? The sad truth of the Irish mental health system is that even discussing the idea of getting assessed for ADHD (or any mental health issue that isn't depression) is like pulling teeth.

I've been in a similar place not too long ago and it's understandable being down or that you might want to give up but I promise that if you fight the issue it will be worth it in the end. I was diagnosed in May but didn't start on medication until three weeks ago. It doesn't fix every problem but the turn around on my life has been incredible. For the first time in ages, I don't feel like my attempts at college education are ridiculous. Like you, I used to think I'd never be able to work a "real" job. Now I finally feel like a functioning human being.

Sorry for blathering on but my point is that most of us here have been dismissed by a doctor at some point. It's a crappy part of the process but don't let it stop you from pursuing what could be a life changing diagnosis.

550sheep · 06-12-2018 7:30pm

Thanks PPN2893
I've already booked an appointment with my GP at home. This will be my second attempt at getting a diagnosis. The first time (in 2009) was through the public system and I had to jump through so many hoops that when I had a cancellation I just let it go. I haven't really worked since and just flit from job to course to job to course. Im in my early 30's now and I really want to be normal whatever that is. I've developed coping strategies (lists and calendars) but they're just not good enough for overall and I can't say I can function in a workplace..and definitely not on a team.

Recently I'm just getting very down by the constant frustration of never meeting my own (reasonable) expectations regarding low-level every day type of stuff. I finally decided to go to a doctor because I'm starting to feel the physical effects of lack of sleep (I stay up as late as I can because I hate being left alone with my racing mind for 1-2 hours after turning off the light), and then when I wake up 4-6 hours later sure I'm up and switch in my mind is flicked back on. So being tired makes focussing on my thesis just impossible....but for some reason I can still spend hours reading about lots of other cool things totally unrelated to my area of study!!!
Most of all I hate that I have to put myself under extreme pressure all the time so that I can focus on getting small easy/boring things done- the anxiety can get so painful I can feel it in my stomach.
My supervisors are so confused by me. They have one-on-one meetings and they delight in my ideas, enthusiasm and plan of action....but can I follow through? Nope...I've to potter round a bit more.

I have to do something about this because I can't do another 10 years. I predict I'll be addicted to something just to escape my own messy mind. If I could just improve my function by 20% it would be something. HADD were great and I'm going to attend a support group in Sligo (the closest option) soon.

p.s. the GP was a man and I might have misunderstood him...he was talking vey fast but he meant that I shouldn't let it cause me anxiety (I'm like, well I would like to find a job so I could be fulfilled you know?)..But he actually said the kick up the arse bit. I was so shocked...Maybe he gets a plethora of procrastinators in on a daily basis and he didn't realize the severity of impacts I have on my own life.

This is a great thread - it's so nice to send a message and get a response. I don't feel as alone.

cannex · 07-12-2018 11:40am

Glad you found us 550sheep
It was a lonely few years when I thought I was the Only adult with adhd in Ireland!!!

I'm on my 3rd try of college at age 39 - with the disability support in college and medication I know I can do it now. I'm in second year, still ****ing up with time management - but there are people in Disability Support Office who get it - I'm getting 1st in 1st year and 2nd year so far!!!!

Keep fighting - it may take us way longer to get there, because we have this condition - no point in being referred by your GP anyway it makes no difference - go private - you can self-refer.

PPN2893 · 08-12-2018 10:09pm

550sheep wrote: »

Thanks PPN2893
I've already booked an appointment with my GP at home. This will be my second attempt at getting a diagnosis. The first time (in 2009) was through the public system and I had to jump through so many hoops that when I had a cancellation I just let it go. I haven't really worked since and just flit from job to course to job to course. Im in my early 30's now and I really want to be normal whatever that is. I've developed coping strategies (lists and calendars) but they're just not good enough for overall and I can't say I can function in a workplace..and definitely not on a team.

Recently I'm just getting very down by the constant frustration of never meeting my own (reasonable) expectations regarding low-level every day type of stuff. I finally decided to go to a doctor because I'm starting to feel the physical effects of lack of sleep (I stay up as late as I can because I hate being left alone with my racing mind for 1-2 hours after turning off the light), and then when I wake up 4-6 hours later sure I'm up and switch in my mind is flicked back on. So being tired makes focussing on my thesis just impossible....but for some reason I can still spend hours reading about lots of other cool things totally unrelated to my area of study!!!
Most of all I hate that I have to put myself under extreme pressure all the time so that I can focus on getting small easy/boring things done- the anxiety can get so painful I can feel it in my stomach.
My supervisors are so confused by me. They have one-on-one meetings and they delight in my ideas, enthusiasm and plan of action....but can I follow through? Nope...I've to potter round a bit more.

I have to do something about this because I can't do another 10 years. I predict I'll be addicted to something just to escape my own messy mind. If I could just improve my function by 20% it would be something. HADD were great and I'm going to attend a support group in Sligo (the closest option) soon.

p.s. the GP was a man and I might have misunderstood him...he was talking vey fast but he meant that I shouldn't let it cause me anxiety (I'm like, well I would like to find a job so I could be fulfilled you know?)..But he actually said the kick up the arse bit. I was so shocked...Maybe he gets a plethora of procrastinators in on a daily basis and he didn't realize the severity of impacts I have on my own life.

This is a great thread - it's so nice to send a message and get a response. I don't feel as alone.

I really wanted to reply to do this sooner but I was so swamped with college stuff (still am!) that if I let myself get distracted, I would have been stuck on boards for hours. The unfortunate side of medication is that it improves focus but directing that focus is still all up to you.

Anyway, I wanted to say that everything you wrote above is pretty much my exact experience in life. I turned 30 this year and have had very little long term success. I'm in my final year of a Bachelors degree which I've spent most of my 20s on. I've dropped out and changed colleges so many times that it's honestly hard to keep track of what classes I've done and in what college. And employment? Jesus, I don't think I've worked since 2010 and I'm honestly ashamed of myself because of that. If it weren't for social welfare payments and a partial inheritance of the home I live in, I'd be destitute. There are only a handful of jobs I could feasibly hold down long term and that's only if I were able to stay organised enough to be awake and ready to be there on time. And like you, couldn't work on a team. I'm mostly either incredibly stoic/ emotionally detached or in an absolute rage, and neither of these are great to be around for other people.

Similarly, I decided to go to a doctor after I started feeling really down because I couldn't seem to get things done. I'd only gotten so far with the degree at all because I'd burn the candle at both ends. Pulling all-nighters to get things done was my only setting and my mental and physical help was really suffering because I wasn't able to do these things like I could for LC or early college. My old brain couldn't handle it anymore and my sleep was already poor in general anyway because, like you mentioned, shutting down my constant racing/branching thoughts at night was like fighting the wind. Having constant access to the internet hasn't helped either. I don't play video games or use social media but I'm just as addicted as someone who spends every minute of their free time playing World of Warcraft or replying to people on twitter. Easy access to interesting topics and answers is my downfall but at least I'd be decent at pub quizzes. That is, if I'd ever socialise enough to do that sort of thing!

Part of the push for me getting a diagnosis was that turning 30 made me realise how much of a failure I was. I spent my 20s saying "I'm only twenty-something, if I graduate and get a job at 25 (or 26, 27 etc.), it still means that I'm a successful person that had a few false starts". When my 30th birthday started approaching, I knew I couldn't pretend "success" would happen for me without some sort of external intervention. I knew if I didn't seek help I'd be in the same position at 40 except with fewer options and more problems. I'd been down the recreational drug use path in my early 20s. I never became addicted in the way that I'd do anything to get another fix but it was becoming a problem and much like yourself, I was afraid that I would resort to extreme measures to shut my thoughts down. I didn't want to regress to that 20 year old who did nothing but smoke weed to get through the day, or worse, end up resorting to harder stuff. I only broke that pattern because I moved back to my home county where the only people I kept in contact with here were my parents.

Even though it's horrible to be dismissed by a doctor, I would try not let it discourage you. A lot of GPs are extremely poor with anything relating to mental health from my experience, particularly older male doctors. There's a trend in the GPs I've seen where they want to reassure us that our feelings and experiences are "normal" or are easily solvable by trying x,y and z. I don't think it comes from a bad place but it's really annoying. Like Cannex said, there are doctors out there that will see you without referral letters. I saw the doctor that diagnoses me without a referral. I'm not sure how common this is though and I wouldn't really suggest the doctor that diagnosed me if you were able to find other psychiatrists with shorter waiting lists. It's always a good policy to see a GP that isn't dismissive of ADHD before you go for assessment though. A lot of doctors in Ireland are still very sceptical of ADHD in general and even more so for people diagnosed in adulthood. The important thing is to keep at it. I gave up on moving forward with a diagnosis a few times because of doctors because I though it was impossible. I wish I had that time back!

550sheep · 10-12-2018 2:48pm

Thanks again - I’ll see how Friday’s appointment goes with my own GP.

In addition to focus and attention, Does anyone here struggle with being very sensitive to rejection?
I try to make sure everyone likes me and try my best to fit into whatever I think they need me to be....just so I won’t be rejected. And if I am “rejected” (i.e. teased, ignored or criticized) I feel massive emotions almost instantly and i’ll ruminate over the details for hours, days, weeks, YEARS.

Seanachai · 11-12-2018 12:48pm

550sheep wrote: »

Thanks again - I’ll see how Friday’s appointment goes with my own GP.

In addition to focus and attention, Does anyone here struggle with being very sensitive to rejection?
I try to make sure everyone likes me and try my best to fit into whatever I think they need me to be....just so I won’t be rejected. And if I am “rejected” (i.e. teased, ignored or criticized) I feel massive emotions almost instantly and i’ll ruminate over the details for hours, days, weeks, YEARS.

I think it's part of the condition tbh, I ruminate over events or things that were said a lot. Over-sensitivity is tied in with ADD, too many signals are hard to process. If I'm faced with multiple choices, eg job offers, invites, I can go into a tailspin.

Feu · 11-12-2018 4:05pm

550sheep wrote: »

Thanks again - I’ll see how Friday’s appointment goes with my own GP.

In addition to focus and attention, Does anyone here struggle with being very sensitive to rejection?
I try to make sure everyone likes me and try my best to fit into whatever I think they need me to be....just so I won’t be rejected. And if I am “rejected” (i.e. teased, ignored or criticized) I feel massive emotions almost instantly and i’ll ruminate over the details for hours, days, weeks, YEARS.

Saw this a while ago on Additude:
https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-how-to-treat-it-alongside-adhd/

Feu · 01-02-2019 4:42pm

I can confirm that they have begun to recruit staff to populate the multi disciplinary teams for the pilot of the National Clinical Programme. I think a few people on here were at the talk in Trinity about a year ago at which it was discussed. There are three locations for the three new teams - Galway, midlands (sorry not sure where!), and Dublin. It will still be 3-6 months before they are up and running but it's amazing news, brilliant to see some movement on this.

I hope the outcome will be that someone can go to their GP who suspects they have ADHD, and be referred directly into the ADHD clinic for assessment and intervention. OR someone who goes to their GP and describes ADHD like symptoms will be caught by the GP and referred.

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/mental-health/adhd/

CMR23 · 10-03-2019 2:34pm

Hey all just spent an hour reading the thread... i was diagnosed with ADD at 8 and again at 18 in america where i grew up. In Ireland 10 years now .. im 33.

I know i have adhd inactive type. I was on concerta in my teens it was a god send. Went to HSE public twice around births of my children and told ADHD is not real and i wasnt suicidal so they wouldn't help me. At my wits end now as my son been diagnosed with a rare disorder and at war with HSE over that.

Really need to be medicated to function properly at this point in my life.

Dr Bourke 1 year wait list in black rock
St John of God 2 years and wait list closed
Prof Fitz hasn't seen adults for a while and suddenly retired on Friday

Have read about Belfast adult adhd clinic .. 600 pound for 2 appointments

Wondering has anyone been privately assessed recently?

Dublin preferred but will travel anywhere.

Does a full medical card ever cover cost of concerta or like prescriptions... i hated stratera as a teen but concerta xl was a gods send ..

Thanks in advance!

Pique · 10-03-2019 2:53pm

If you were officially diagnosed in the US, then get that documentation and bring it to your GP. If they don't help, try another GP. My diagnosis from Prof Fitz was immediately accepted by my (modern, open-minded, Lebanese doc).

No idea about the Medical Card covering it.

CMR23 · 10-03-2019 2:59pm

Pique wrote: »

If you were officially diagnosed in the US, then get that documentation and bring it to your GP. If they don't help, try another GP. My diagnosis from Prof Fitz was immediately accepted by my (modern, open-minded, Lebanese doc).

No idea about the Medical Card covering it.

Thanks! Yeah my psychiatrist died about 3 years ago and I didn't attend her post 21, her estate probably wouldn't have my records anyway this was in 2005/2006 .

Feu · 11-03-2019 12:59pm

Hi CMReilly,

in theory a GP could prescribe if you had evidence of the previous prescription from a psychiatrist. That is essentially the criteria for a GP to safely prescribe stimulants. However, you would need the evidence of prescription (not necessarily the assessment), which you may not have.

I am so sorry to hear about your treatment under the HSE regime. As i mentioned above, they have started recruiting for the 3 pilot ADHD teams, so it goes without saying that whoever said that to you was not only wrong, unethical and insensitive, they are way behind in their literature and best practice. You already had a diagnosis, but we now know that it is common for adults to come forward when their children are diagnosed with autism/adhd/dyspraxia, in fact i think there should be a referral path just for this group!

I am surprise the wait is so long for Dr Stephanie Bourke, it was 2-3 months just a short while ago. You could check with https://www.theinsightcentre.ie/ they were to get a psychiatrist after Christmas, i've not been on to them since though so i don't know. They might even be able to recommend an alternative psychiatrist.*

Alternatively, you might decide that a trip up the north is actually worth it, remember to tell them on the phone you were diagnosed and previously took medication, so any documentation to support this, would speed up and make the process easier for you.

Any other questions let us know CM!
* a different one, not an "alternative" one

Orionis · 11-03-2019 10:23pm

CMReilly wrote: »

I know i have adhd inactive type. I was on concerta in my teens it was a god send. Went to HSE public twice around births of my children and told ADHD is not real and i wasnt suicidal so they wouldn't help me. At my wits end now as my son been diagnosed with a rare disorder and at war with HSE over that.

I'm really sorry this happened to you. Can I ask was this recently you went and were told ADHD is not real? If it was a doctor/psychiatrist who said it to you, you should consider making a complaint to the medical council. Seriously, think about it. It would draw a lot of awareness to it. This sort of ignorance/arrogance/stupidity really has to be challenged.

Whatever about if this happened 20 or more years ago when admittedly we didn't know as much, the NICE guidelines in the UK for adult adhd came out in 2008, over a decade ago, when most of the psychiatrists you will see in the public system were still in secondary school!! There's just no excuse.

cannex · 18-05-2019 11:40am

These graphics made me smile....

ADHD: ‘The web comics that show what my life is like’

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48146166

leinsterdude · 15-08-2019 6:26am

Hi all, first post...
I am 43, and have been all over the place all of my life, from school and not being able to concentrate, leaving school, and changing jobs way more than anyone else I know......I finally ended up in sales At aged 24, which suited me in terms of doing different things every day, but have moved so much within sales, that my cv looks a bit crazy.....I can be very intelligent, but get confused easily, get wires crossed so much.....someone can say something to me, and I hear it my own way, often wrong....I can read an email, see it one way, then read it again a week later and see it clearly then, after I already actioned it......I’m ok when not stressed or questioned, but if put under pressure I can fall down like a pack of cards, I recently took a promotion, which left me moving from sales into management, all numbers and excel sheets, I was under so much pressure, that in meetings I could not even see the numbers on the computer from feeling so swamped.......I quit that job, and was out of work for a month......have two kids, wife mortgage, so not ideal.....I see my younger son very like me, and Ai want to change, I have a referral for next week with a HSE psychiatrist, and don’t know if I am adhd, add, or not......what do you guys think ? My close family think I might be.......is diagnosis easy, I would be happy but not delighted to take meds if it helped me focus on life......I thought at 43 I would be clearly minded.....but I feel worse than ever.
Thanks.

lucat · 15-08-2019 10:40am

Yeah that sounds like ADHD alright (they got rid of the add/adhd distinction a few years ago. It’s an artificial distinction because your brain is hyperactive either way.) It’s great that you’re open to considering anything that might help, including meds. I take meds and I find them great, and the stigma against them is ridiculous.
If yoursooking for other ways to help yourself, you should contact HADD. they run support groups and you might also benefit from a Adhd life coach, they’re supposed to be really helpful for improving organizational skills. A friend of my friend went to one, and she has benefited hugely. HADD would be able to give you some names.

If you’re like me and you hate getting interrupted and you hate being in a noisy environment you might also have a sensory processing disorder. Something to bear in mind when you see the psych. Good luck!

Feu · 15-08-2019 12:47pm

Hi Leinster Dude, thanks for posting - honestly what you are describing could be a number of diverse conditions - it sounds a bit like me (feeling overwhelmed a lot) and i have dyspraxia. So see my post below for some stuff do before you meet the psychiatrist - really try to think about functional difficulties: is it memory/forgetfulness? disorganisation? zoning out? emotional regulation? adverse reaction to poor feedback/rejection? And specific examples where you set out to do small or large things and failed due to poor executive functioning.

Whatever the outcome, i would encourage you to have a discussion with your family about getting an assessment for your child - think about how difficult things are for you, and how you could prevent that for him

best of luck with the meeting, do let us know how you get on, there's loads of experience and support here for you!

Feu wrote: »

A psychiatrist may diagnose you in the one visit, depending who it is. This is a relatively painless process (:pac:) just asking questions about your history and behaviour. Again it is worth having a think about this before you go along (although attending unprepared could be seen as symptomatic in itself ]), like what are the functional difficulties you are having, what impacts your day to day life. While many adults will not have "documentation" from when they were at school, it is actually worth bringing along a school report or something if you have one, they are often illuminating! Frequent comments along the lines of "X won't stay in their seat" or "X daydreams through class" can speak to history of these difficulties. If a clinical psychologist does the diagnosing, you will still need to see a psychiatrist or GP before medication is prescribed. Liz i think you said you were going to a psychiatrist, but if being diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, this can take up to 3-4 visits depending on the psychologist. You shouldn't have too many appointments if being diagnosed by a psychiatrist, but there will be follow up if medication is commenced.

If you have not already had your appointment, it is worth thinking ahead of time about whether you want to try medication or not, and discussing any concerns re: medication with the psychiatrist when you meet them. There's lots of research out there on the efficacy, side effects, long term outcomes of medication, mostly on children (i.e. started when kids, followed through to their late 20s/30's). Laurence Greenhill is one of the experts on this, he actually spoke here a couple of years ago, and he really knows his stuff: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18573923.
This is also a nice article on the European situation for adult treatment, although 6 years old: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-10-67 That article states that stimulant medication is effective for about 70% of people with ADHD.

Most people say that stimulant medication is very effective in increasing focus, and decreasing distractability. Therefore doing what they want it to do. Some people express side effects such as reduced appetite (and when prescribed to children and adults they will monitor their weight), weight loss, nausea, sleep difficulties, and one of the reasons some people dislike it is a feeling of "not myself", which could be described as being less emotional, feeling "robotic", or even devoid of emotion. There is lots about this online, obviously. Cost really varies, I've seen from €65 a month to over €100, so definitely shop around.

There are lots of behavioural and environmental modifications that you can make apart from or in conjunction with medication. I have a lot to say about this, depending on the difficulties you are having, so maybe I'll hold off unless people are interested
In a nutshell, routine routine routine! Routine will help prevent/improve some of the functional difficulties associated with add/adhd e.g. losing things as mentioned by numerous posters above. I think it was also Cannex that mentioned having a little chest of drawers for like bills and things like that, that can so easily be lost or misplaced, and leaves people with ADHD tearing their hair out. Having a set place for things, and then developing the habit of always putting things there, can really work over time. Some people i work with have a literal checklist for when they come in the door, and for when they are leaving the house, to reduce stress and anxiety.

I think as well for people with a recent diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, considering seeing a counsellor, with experience/knowledge of the difficulties associated with ADHD would be beneficial. There is a high incidence of other difficulties correlated with ADD/ADHD particularly depression, anxiety, substance abuse and sleep disturbances. Some people are interested in ADHD coaches which is more of a thing in america

You could also consider seeing a life coach or OT on a regular basis, who may focus on the more practical side of things then therapy, like helping you set and achieve goals to reach a particular milestone in your life

Disclosing to your workplace can be a really good idea depending on the setting. Sometimes employers can be really supportive, and really open to modifying your role etc, and sometimes it is hard for them to understand the condition. Their attitude can depend on how much "this will affect the business", i.e. if it is quite easy to move you to a slightly different role, that's handy. Having a good idea of how things could be improved for you is helpful when thinking about having this discussion i.e. if i could change x and y, I will be able to work mostly independently, that kind of thing.

leinsterdude wrote: »

Hi all, first post...
I am 43, and have been all over the place all of my life, from school and not being able to concentrate, leaving school, and changing jobs way more than anyone else I know......I finally ended up in sales At aged 24, which suited me in terms of doing different things every day, but have moved so much within sales, that my cv looks a bit crazy.....I can be very intelligent, but get confused easily, get wires crossed so much.....someone can say something to me, and I hear it my own way, often wrong....I can read an email, see it one way, then read it again a week later and see it clearly then, after I already actioned it......I’m ok when not stressed or questioned, but if put under pressure I can fall down like a pack of cards, I recently took a promotion, which left me moving from sales into management, all numbers and excel sheets, I was under so much pressure, that in meetings I could not even see the numbers on the computer from feeling so swamped.......I quit that job, and was out of work for a month......have two kids, wife mortgage, so not ideal.....I see my younger son very like me, and Ai want to change, I have a referral for next week with a HSE psychiatrist, and don’t know if I am adhd, add, or not......what do you guys think ? My close family think I might be.......is diagnosis easy, I would be happy but not delighted to take meds if it helped me focus on life......I thought at 43 I would be clearly minded.....but I feel worse than ever.
Thanks.

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