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Adult ADHD Advice
Comments
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It's a pity that the substance that a lot of ADD/ADHD patients find to be effective where other medications don't work has such stigma attached to it. People have reported that Desoxyn which is pharmaceutical methamphetamine is much more effective than Ritalin, Strattera etc with less side effects.
It is prescribed for narcolepsy also, but I'm not sure if it's even prescribed for that in Ireland.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/5w9m4v/after_one_week_of_desoxyn/
https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/62ia6r/i_was_recently_prescribed_desoxyn/
I think there's a social bias against stimulants and it's totally ridiculous. We keep hearing about all the others Straterra, Intuiv etc and why? Because you're more likely to hear about them if they're NOT working. You never hear about medications when they ARE working... meaning that there the bias against Ritalin and the standard meds continues!0 -
I think there's a social bias against stimulants and it's totally ridiculous. We keep hearing about all the others Straterra, Intuiv etc and why? Because you're more likely to hear about them if they're NOT working. You never hear about medications when they ARE working... meaning that there the bias against Ritalin and the standard meds continues!
I haven't heard anything saying they don't work. They just didn't work for me. What I would say with ADHD meds is that its like science V art. The science says they should work for patients. The art is finding out how/when/if to take them in order for them to be effective for you, and if they are not effective then stop taking them. Don't keep trying to make the drugs work if they aren't. I've heard an anecdotal stat that says 60% of ADHD patients are addicted to a drug so we are hard wired to abuse drugs and need to be fully conscious of that hard wiring. Plenty of other ways to help ourselves if the drugs aren't effective
When i was younger and in my illegal drug taking days i took jabba in Thailand which is effectively methamphetamine, and I took speed here with is amphetamine. in both cases I never felt a 'buzz' like I would have with other things- i just felt more alert ( as opposed to others around me that were enjoying the drug).
anecdotally , based on that, there is a suitability for these drugs for ADHD treatment- it just never worked for me in the long term0 -
OK, I've tried 3 weeks of Strattera and honestly it's not bearable for me. I got as far as the 60mg step and it was ridiculous. I felt like I had been awake for 48 hours. Totally zombified, slight headache, woozy and completely useless.
I'm going to ask my doctor to move me onto Ritalin when I can get an appt. I'd honestly take placebos instead of Strattera right now.0 -
The protocol AFAIK is a low does of Ritalin followed by Conserta (effectively very long release Ritalin) when you're up to a higher dose. I find the affects very subtle but very effective.0
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OK, I've tried 3 weeks of Strattera and honestly it's not bearable for me. I got as far as the 60mg step and it was ridiculous. I felt like I had been awake for 48 hours. Totally zombified, slight headache, woozy and completely useless.
I'm going to ask my doctor to move me onto Ritalin when I can get an appt. I'd honestly take placebos instead of Strattera right now.
I had just gotten back from lunch and was feeling the same as I sat down. I was going to post almost the exact same thing. I've been on 80 mg for four days now since the pharmacy accidentally short changed me on one 40 and 60 mg each.
I'm in bits. Constant pressure behind my eyes that's making me sleepy and dizzy all the time. I went to bed earlier last night in an effort to start this week fresh but it feels like I got no sleep at all. I have a fitbit that tracks sleep and I know I slept a good 9 hours. No medication at all is better than this because at least I got stuff done before.0 -
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I went to get my confirmation diagnosis last week, having known I have ADHD for quite a while and ignoring it... I have to say, it was nothing whatsoever like I expected.
I went to someone mentioned previously on this thread, not sure if I should name, but here goes... He asked me a few questions, didn't want to elaborate on issues etc, basically ticked a few boxes, talked over me, interrupted me to dictate a letter to my GP into his dictaphone and just generally very non-personable experience. He only looked up from the paper when I didn't display signs of other disorders!
Aside from the demeanour, the office was a mess, he was wearing a dirty suit jacket and looked like he just wanted to have a nap the second I was finished! He gave me some badly photocoppied notes on what to do for ADHD in children, with the children part scribbled over...
The whole diagnosis took 20 minutes, cost €350 and to be honest, was a joke. Anyone could go in there and say they had ADHD and he'd write the letter to the GP reccomending a script for Ritalin/ Strattera!0 -
brianblaze wrote: »I went to get my confirmation diagnosis last week, having known I have ADHD for quite a while and ignoring it... I have to say, it was nothing whatsoever like I expected.
I went to someone mentioned previously on this thread, not sure if I should name, but here goes... He asked me a few questions, didn't want to elaborate on issues etc, basically ticked a few boxes, talked over me, interrupted me to dictate a letter to my GP into his dictaphone and just generally very non-personable experience. He only looked up from the paper when I didn't display signs of other disorders!
Aside from the demeanour, the office was a mess, he was wearing a dirty suit jacket and looked like he just wanted to have a nap the second I was finished! He gave me some badly photocoppied notes on what to do for ADHD in children, with the children part scribbled over...
The whole diagnosis took 20 minutes, cost €350 and to be honest, was a joke. Anyone could go in there and say they had ADHD and he'd write the letter to the GP reccomending a script for Ritalin/ Strattera!
The Depts don't like him as he diagnoses quickly and for kids on the spectrum they're normally procrastinated on for ages before EIT takes them on. His diagnosis was invaluable to getting my kid seen by EIT while another parent I know waited 18 months without doing anything and her kid was only starting to be treated at 4.5 instead of 2.5 or 3.
I doubt he'd diagnose to a non-sufferer (if that's the right phrase) as his license could be in jeopardy. The fact that the place is a tip is also irrelevant IMO. We could go to a pristine shiny office with someone looking like a GQ model and get a misdiagnosis.
All that should matter is "Is the diagnosis correct and is the treatment suitable?"0 -
Yeah the optics are bad all right, but he's on of the top people in the country at this, has probably seen thousands of patients and could probably diagnose the cashier in Tesco while buying his weekly shopping.
The Depts don't like him as he diagnoses quickly and for kids on the spectrum they're normally procrastinated on for ages before EIT takes them on. His diagnosis was invaluable to getting my kid seen by EIT while another parent I know waited 18 months without doing anything and her kid was only starting to be treated at 4.5 instead of 2.5 or 3.
I doubt he'd diagnose to a non-sufferer (if that's the right phrase) as his license could be in jeopardy. The fact that the place is a tip is also irrelevant IMO. We could go to a pristine shiny office with someone looking like a GQ model and get a misdiagnosis.
All that should matter is "Is the diagnosis correct and is the treatment suitable?"
True, however professionalism is very important in healthcare. Handing out pages you've not been bothered to photocopy correctly or for an actual adult, and rushing through an appointment, in my opinion, is unprofessional.0 -
Although I'm not going to question his qualifications, I do have to agree with brianblaze. I was very underwhelmed by the whole experience with the same doctor. On one hand, I was glad to be diagnosed quickly because it was just refreshing to not have to argue my point with a doctor for once in my life. I don't doubt my diagnoses but it did worry me that he didn't seem to be fully engaged in what he was doing. He constantly asked questions and then shout "WHAT?!" over me in his best Father Jack impression before I'd barely gotten a word or two out. I didn't really feel at ease the whole time and it was nothing like any experience I'd had with a psychiatrist before.
His office felt more like I was getting a back alley abortion and not a psychiatric diagnosis. For €350, I expected I'd get the full hour with him but I think I was done in under 20 minutes. I know he didn't have anyone else booked after me because I saw him getting lunch about two minutes after my appointment. I think the unprofessionalism was driven home when I went to my GP. I saw him on a Wednesday around noon and went to my GP on Friday evening. My GP's office had no record of him sending anything on. It wasn't until the following Tuesday that I got an email report from him. It would have taken all of 10 minutes to type up and send but it wasn't done for a full week and my GP made it known how unimpressed he was about that.0 -
Although I'm not going to question his qualifications, I do have to agree with brianblaze. I was very underwhelmed by the whole experience with the same doctor. On one hand, I was glad to be diagnosed quickly because it was just refreshing to not have to argue my point with a doctor for once in my life. I don't doubt my diagnoses but it did worry me that he didn't seem to be fully engaged in what he was doing. He constantly asked questions and then shout "WHAT?!" over me in his best Father Jack impression before I'd barely gotten a word or two out. I didn't really feel at ease the whole time and it was nothing like any experience I'd had with a psychiatrist before.
His office felt more like I was getting a back alley abortion and not a psychiatric diagnosis. For €350, I expected I'd get the full hour with him but I think I was done in under 20 minutes. I know he didn't have anyone else booked after me because I saw him getting lunch about two minutes after my appointment. I think the unprofessionalism was driven home when I went to my GP. I saw him on a Wednesday around noon and went to my GP on Friday evening. My GP's office had no record of him sending anything on. It wasn't until the following Tuesday that I got an email report from him. It would have taken all of 10 minutes to type up and send but it wasn't done for a full week and my GP made it known how unimpressed he was about that.
Same experience, except I got a copy of the letter (which he dictated mid sentence to me) this morning.
With all the co-morbidity that he talks about, I was left feeling that maybe he himself had a few social issues to be honest, which is totally cool and amazing that he's gotten this far, but a bedside manner is a very important characteristic to have in this role.0 -
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brianblaze wrote: »Same experience, except I got a copy of the letter (which he dictated mid sentence to me) this morning.
With all the co-morbidity that he talks about, I was left feeling that maybe he himself had a few social issues to be honest, which is totally cool and amazing that he's gotten this far, but a bedside manner is a very important characteristic to have in this role.
I'm of the same opinion. I think he may have a touch of what he often diagnoses but then again, I'm not the psychiatrist!
He did the same dictating thing with me. He told me to read the photocopies while he dictated the letter. He also chose to reveal that he was diagnosing me with Asperger's and Generalised Anxiety Disorder whilst dictating. I honestly found it funny that he tried to have someone he was diagnosing with ADHD read while he loudly talked right next to them. I even thought it was a test for a minute. And the other diagnoses didn't bother me. It just made me think "wait, what?" for a moment but other people might not take it very well. A bit more tact might be helpful before blindsiding someone with a disorder.
All in all, it was worth the money and I didn't have a massive issue with the way he acted. It was all just very weird.0 -
I'm of the same opinion. I think he may have a touch of what he often diagnoses but then again, I'm not the psychiatrist!
He did the same dictating thing with me. He told me to read the photocopies while he dictated the letter. He also chose to reveal that he was diagnosing me with Asperger's and Generalised Anxiety Disorder whilst dictating. I honestly found it funny that he tried to have someone he was diagnosing with ADHD read while he loudly talked right next to them. I even thought it was a test for a minute. And the other diagnoses didn't bother me. It just made me think "wait, what?" for a moment but other people might not take it very well. A bit more tact might be helpful before blindsiding someone with a disorder.
All in all, it was worth the money and I didn't have a massive issue with the way he acted. It was all just very weird.
Him: Do you suffer from anxiety?
Me: Not really, I mean I'm not really the anxious t...
Him: *Actually looks up* You don't?!
Me: Em... No?
*Starts dictating while handing me shoddy photocopies
Him; (After dictating letter0 How does that all sound to you?
Me: (Thinking this is a test to see if I listened on the dictation or read the paper...) Ehhh, was I supposed to listen to you there? I thought you had to make a call or something....
Him: No, that's your diagnosis.....
Me: Right.....
*Awkward Silence* So I har CBT is good...
Him: Yes it can be.
*Awkward silence*
Do you accept cards?0 -
I am very concerned about this gentlemen and his diagnoses. As a psychologist and ADHDer myself I know how difficult it is to diagnose ADHD. Please, please, please people get a thorough assessment. This means Weschler tests, cognitive tests, reports from school, spouses, partners etc. A wrong diagnosis means living a lie. Be diligent.0
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I am very concerned about this gentlemen and his diagnoses. As a psychologist and ADHDer myself I know how difficult it is to diagnose ADHD. Please, please, please people get a thorough assessment. This means Weschler tests, cognitive tests, reports from school, spouses, partners etc. A wrong diagnosis means living a lie. Be diligent.
Very true.
My diagnosis took a half a day in St Pats hospital. Psychiatrist, neuropsychologist and team. Loads of tests and background information requested and other possibilities ruled out. Waited around 8 months for the appointment i think. Well worth the wait.
This guy is misdiagnosing children and they are stuck with 'living the lie'0 -
Hi all,
I'm sure I'm not asking anything that hasn't been asked before but I've been through about five pages on this thread and getting a bit overwhelmed but not found the info I'm looking for.
I'm 26 and have suspected for a while now that I have add/ADHD. I was a bright "problem child" growing up, and my childhood issues (that I went to therapy for) morphed into depression and anxiety as a teenager (that I've only been in treatment for for a couple of years). However, while the anti anxiety meds I take help a bit, the antidepressants I try only ever seem to make me spiral into a worse state.
Everything I've ever read about add/ADHD rings bells for me and after years of being too embarrassed to get help, I'd like to seek a diagnosis to maybe finally get some peace of mind.
My main question is: HOW.
I've struggled with the HSE mental health services for the last two years and absolutely refuse to go down that route. So how do I go about seeing someone privately? I'm keen to see someone who will spend some time with me to work out a diagnosis, rather than just tick some boxes to get paid.
No amount of searching online has helped me figure this out. My GP is always reluctant to refer me anywhere and I'm also reluctant to share my suspicions with her as she sees me as a bit of hypochondriac (although I don't hold that against her as it's not really wrong, but in this case I'm 100% certain I'm right).
Is there any way to get a referral without going through my GP, and if not, how should I go about asking my GP for a private referral without having her dismiss me as a crazy person?0 -
Hi Billian,
I found when getting my Son assessed we used The Lucena Clinics in
Tallaght - tel :(01) 452 6333.
They might not suit you, but they could point you in the right direction.
Hope that helps.0 -
Hi Billin,
HADD have a list of practitioners who assess and diagnose adult ADHD. Make sure your assessment in thorough (in your case you should insist on a Weschler test as part of your assessment) and that there is aftercare. Good luck with it but watch your depression/anxiety afterwards. I was relieved after my diagnosis but then went into a spiral of depression. Mind yourself.0 -
Hi. Phone the stress clinic in St. John of Gods Hospital Stillorgan and they have a great specialist there.
Diagnosis will be thorough. It also needs to be backed up by school reports and/or someone that knew you well as a child plus perhaps someone who lives with you now.
You will need to get your doctor to refer you and the waiting list is long. Phone them firstly to get the details as I don’t want to name people here.
Please know that medication is rarely a quick fix. It takes time to get the right medication and dosage plus a lot of work is required on yourself with occupational therapy too.
If you have come this far just get the appointment and keep researching. Eat healthy and take the right supplements while you wait.
Best of luck to you.0 -
Hi all, im undiagnosed but have suspected for years that I have ADD and its really causing me some issues lately in my new job. Im a teacher, terrible career choice for someone with attention deficit. I arrived on the first day and was given a very brief rundown of whats expected, paper work that has to be done every day, classes I take, lessons I give etc. Another teacher who started on the same day said she felt overwhelmed with the info and needed time to process everything but we wearnt given that time. So I know im not the only one which is making me feel slightly better but I feel its taking me longer to get it together.
Its a few days in and im really struggling to keep up, Im filling out wrong forms, bringing lesson plans into wrong classes, photocopying wrong handouts for wrong lessons. Ive to do correcting, feedback report was meant to be submitted at 6pm today latest. Im still working on it and just realised that some of the kids didnt give me their work. I also have so many classes in one day I lose track of which class I had when and what students are in each class. The staff and principle are beginning to notice and I caught a member of staff standing outside my class watching me teach. - very uncomfortable. Im only in the school 3 days and its a temp position. I keep making stupid mistakes, forgetting things, missing important details and its messing everything up. Does anyone know of anything that can help with attention, memory and organisation? they think im incompetent.0 -
emilymemily wrote: »Hi all, im undiagnosed but have suspected for years that I have ADD and its really causing me some issues lately in my new job. Im a teacher, terrible career choice for someone with attention deficit. I arrived on the first day and was given a very brief rundown of whats expected, paper work that has to be done every day, classes I take, lessons I give etc. Another teacher who started on the same day said she felt overwhelmed with the info and needed time to process everything but we wearnt given that time. So I know im not the only one which is making me feel slightly better but I feel its taking me longer to get it together.
Its a few days in and im really struggling to keep up, Im filling out wrong forms, bringing lesson plans into wrong classes, photocopying wrong handouts for wrong lessons. Ive to do correcting, feedback report was meant to be submitted at 6pm today latest. Im still working on it and just realised that some of the kids didnt give me their work. I also have so many classes in one day I lose track of which class I had when and what students are in each class. The staff and principle are beginning to notice and I caught a member of staff standing outside my class watching me teach. - very uncomfortable. Im only in the school 3 days and its a temp position. I keep making stupid mistakes, forgetting things, missing important details and its messing everything up. Does anyone know of anything that can help with attention, memory and organisation? they think im incompetent.
The only thing that's ever helped me is daily lists. I have a whiteboard in my bedroom that I write down everything I need to do for that day the night before. I'm always afraid someone will see it because I genuinely need to write down stuff like "brush teeth" and "eat breakfast" on it so I can cross them off or I will forget. I keep a small notebook with me for out and about reminders but vibrating phone alarms can also do the trick.
It might be worthwhile taking half an hour in the evenings to organise what you need for the next day. Figure out what photocopying you need done a couple days in advance so you can have it ready the night before. Don't fret though. It's still early days for you. It's not an easy job and you just started.0 -
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The only thing that's ever helped me is daily lists. I have a whiteboard in my bedroom that I write down everything I need to do for that day the night before. I'm always afraid someone will see it because I genuinely need to write down stuff like "brush teeth" and "eat breakfast" on it so I can cross them off or I will forget. I keep a small notebook with me for out and about reminders but vibrating phone alarms can also do the trick.
It might be worthwhile taking half an hour in the evenings to organise what you need for the next day. Figure out what photocopying you need done a couple days in advance so you can have it ready the night before. Don't fret though. It's still early days for you. It's not an easy job and you just started.
Yep, lists and whiteboards are great!
Also, the Kanban method is great, if not the most important system I use. (I'm self employed so I need to be pretty on the ball or I could really make problems for myself!!)
Also, if you look up jobs for ADHD people, teacher is one of the frequently reccomended ones, so go you!0 -
brianblaze wrote: »Yep, lists and whiteboards are great!
Also, the Kanban method is great, if not the most important system I use. (I'm self employed so I need to be pretty on the ball or I could really make problems for myself!!)
Also, if you look up jobs for ADHD people, teacher is one of the frequently reccomended ones, so go you!
ADHD coaching is supposed to be really good for organisational difficulties you're talking about. If your memory is the biggest issue though, it may be that meds are the way to go.0 -
Hi Billin, welcome!
I am just quoting a couple of posts here for simplicity, hopefully some of it is relevant to you. In relation to GP, it is his responsibility to send you to a specialist. It is that specialist's responsibility to assess whether you have a particular condition. Firm but persistentand if no joy, then a new GP.
Many people on this thread have been diagnosed by Dr Michael Fitzgerald, see discussion in last few posts, regarding pros and cons. I used to Recommend Dr David Carey, but he's no longer with us. He used to do a very thorough assessment.
Dr Stephanie Bourke in Blackrock Clinic also assesses, ~4 month waiting list.
Dr Romanos/Dr Murtagh team in John of Gods ~12 month waiting list.
ST Pats not taking any ADHD assessments at the moment, though there may be some flexibility where other conditions prominent (anxiety depression etc)
PLease do ask any other specific questions if you have them!
Quote:[/QUOTE]Hi all,
I'm sure I'm not asking anything that hasn't been asked before but I've been through about five pages on this thread and getting a bit overwhelmed but not found the info I'm looking for.
I'm 26 and have suspected for a while now that I have add/ADHD. I was a bright "problem child" growing up, and my childhood issues (that I went to therapy for) morphed into depression and anxiety as a teenager (that I've only been in treatment for for a couple of years). However, while the anti anxiety meds I take help a bit, the antidepressants I try only ever seem to make me spiral into a worse state.
Everything I've ever read about add/ADHD rings bells for me and after years of being too embarrassed to get help, I'd like to seek a diagnosis to maybe finally get some peace of mind.
My main question is: HOW.
I've struggled with the HSE mental health services for the last two years and absolutely refuse to go down that route. So how do I go about seeing someone privately? I'm keen to see someone who will spend some time with me to work out a diagnosis, rather than just tick some boxes to get paid.
No amount of searching online has helped me figure this out. My GP is always reluctant to refer me anywhere and I'm also reluctant to share my suspicions with her as she sees me as a bit of hypochondriac (although I don't hold that against her as it's not really wrong, but in this case I'm 100% certain I'm right).
Is there any way to get a referral without going through my GP, and if not, how should I go about asking my GP for a private referral without having her dismiss me as a crazy person?
Hi PPn, welcome!
I am just quoting a couple of posts here for simplicity, hopefully some of it is relevant to you. and will post again belowOriginally Posted by cannex
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Feu
A psychiatrist may diagnose you in the one visit, depending who it is. This is a relatively painless process ( ) just asking questions about your history and behaviour. Again it is worth having a think about this before you go along (although attending unprepared could be seen as symptomatic in itself ]), like what are the functional difficulties you are having, what impacts your day to day life. While many adults will not have "documentation" from when they were at school, it is actually worth bringing along a school report or something if you have one, they are often illuminating! Frequent comments along the lines of "X won't stay in their seat" or "X daydreams through class" can speak to history of these difficulties. If a clinical psychologist does the diagnosing, you will still need to see a psychiatrist or GP before medication is prescribed. Liz i think you said you were going to a psychiatrist, but if being diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, this can take up to 3-4 visits depending on the psychologist. You shouldn't have too many appointments if being diagnosed by a psychiatrist, but there will be follow up if medication is commenced.
If you have not already had your appointment, it is worth thinking ahead of time about whether you want to try medication or not, and discussing any concerns re: medication with the psychiatrist when you meet them. There's lots of research out there on the efficacy, side effects, long term outcomes of medication, mostly on children (i.e. started when kids, followed through to their late 20s/30's). Laurence Greenhill is one of the experts on this, he actually spoke here a couple of years ago, and he really knows his stuff: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18573923.
This is also a nice article on the European situation for adult treatment, although 6 years old: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral....471-244X-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.Quote:
Poolshapedmoon
Well you sound exactly like me when I was coming to the realisation that I migt have adhd.
I had all the same worries.
Yes you can do all of the above: bypass the Gp nd make a private appointment for a private assessment and not go through the public health system but as far as I know the GP needs to write the prescription for the pharmacy to dispense. I could be wrong here but I cant think of any other way, unless, I think, you would have to pay privately or full price for the meds.
You mentioned you were a student, is ti possible to speak the the GP in your area who deals with student patients?
You could just turn up at your GP with the diagnosis letter and a prescription and say nothing more. This is my experience, my GP practice/GP is fine with writing the prescription but I dont discuss the meds with them really. If your GP is not, change GP.
In regards to follow - up: there is none really, it is up to you to follow-up, oh the irony, I get it
I learned that the hse is too bogged down in "real" mental health issues and adult adhd isnt top of the priority list.
I followed up by emailing to discuss some medication issues with the Prof and he responded promptly.
Other than that I strongly suggest you look for adhd focused therapy and/or CBT for adhd.
Its a long journey but reaching goals and staying on track feels really good0 -
emilymemily wrote: »Hi all, im undiagnosed but have suspected for years that I have ADD and its really causing me some issues lately in my new job. Im a teacher, terrible career choice for someone with attention deficit. I arrived on the first day and was given a very brief rundown of whats expected, paper work that has to be done every day, classes I take, lessons I give etc. Another teacher who started on the same day said she felt overwhelmed with the info and needed time to process everything but we wearnt given that time. So I know im not the only one which is making me feel slightly better but I feel its taking me longer to get it together.
Its a few days in and im really struggling to keep up, Im filling out wrong forms, bringing lesson plans into wrong classes, photocopying wrong handouts for wrong lessons. Ive to do correcting, feedback report was meant to be submitted at 6pm today latest. Im still working on it and just realised that some of the kids didnt give me their work. I also have so many classes in one day I lose track of which class I had when and what students are in each class. The staff and principle are beginning to notice and I caught a member of staff standing outside my class watching me teach. - very uncomfortable. Im only in the school 3 days and its a temp position. I keep making stupid mistakes, forgetting things, missing important details and its messing everything up. Does anyone know of anything that can help with attention, memory and organisation? they think im incompetent.
Hi Emily, I am so sorry to hear you have been having such a tough time. Has it improved at all since you posted? Any new job for any person is tough, and can take getting used to, but teaching, in particular requires a lot of executive functioning skills, especially in the beginning, which is unfortunate. I think PPNs and other suggestions are excellent, are you a secret occupational therapist PPN??!These are environmental behavioural prompts, and work very well!!
In your case Emily i might even suggest using free time at the weekend, not ideal I know, but using free time on your weekend to get organised, may reduce anxiety, stress and worry, and make things feel less pressurised during the week. Are you primary or secondary? this impacts tasks a lot, and the demands in terms of lesson planning
With some teachers I've worked with, we looked at the structure of their day, and not always being prepared the day before, and needing some time in the morning to get organised. this can cause conflict too when you are settling in at a new school i.e. there can be pressure to go to staff room, but a quiet half hour before classes can leave you time to put correct lesson plans with correct handouts etc, and any last minute photocopying that needs to be done. I think less is more too i.e. while you have to keep classroom management in mind, try to just have the basics covered and don't worry too much about planning the most interactive amazing class ever.
For the poor working memory inclined, i think it's a good idea to keep a notebook, or post its at teachers desk to quickly jot down any thing you think of during the day that needs to be done that evening or before class tomorrow. If possible, then, stay and complete these tasks at school in the classroom before you go home, as they can easily get forgotten when you go home. In relation to memory, again post its, phone reminders, even a note on the hand, whatever helps you remember what needs to be done, but it is good to get in the habit of using one thing, e.g. a diary, and then keep using this. the more you use it, the more habitual it will be, the more automatic, the less likely you will be to forget to write in it or check it.
In relation to which classes had what, again either using a paper or soft copy, have a daily schedule of what you did with who, like a daily planner. And even take 1 minute to jot down what (if anything!) worked well with this class group.
I think it's ok to seek advice from other staff too, if you feel comfortable to do that. Everyone had to start somewhere, and you don't have to tell people that you are struggling, you could say something like "i'm really enjoying teaching x, but have you any ideas how to manage y?". Also consult with your college colleagues, they will have ideas, and probably be struggling too!
http://www.hadd.ie/adhd-adults recommend a range of treatment approaches, including relaxation and stress management, and I really agree with this. For many of the people i work with, although not all, worry about poor performance really affects their mood, and their sense of self efficacy, and so i really don't think that the mood side of things can be underestimated. And of course, when mood is affected, it can be hard to perform how you'd like, so it is a vicious circle.
If you are Dublin based, you might also consider attending the HADD support group, which i know some people have found helpful for support, and also suggestions and tips!
If you any specific questions Emily, just throw them out there!The only thing that's ever helped me is daily lists. I have a whiteboard in my bedroom that I write down everything I need to do for that day the night before. I'm always afraid someone will see it because I genuinely need to write down stuff like "brush teeth" and "eat breakfast" on it so I can cross them off or I will forget. I keep a small notebook with me for out and about reminders but vibrating phone alarms can also do the trick.
It might be worthwhile taking half an hour in the evenings to organise what you need for the next day. Figure out what photocopying you need done a couple days in advance so you can have it ready the night before. Don't fret though. It's still early days for you. It's not an easy job and you just started.brianblaze wrote: »Yep, lists and whiteboards are great!
Also, the Kanban method is great, if not the most important system I use. (I'm self employed so I need to be pretty on the ball or I could really make problems for myself!!)
Also, if you look up jobs for ADHD people, teacher is one of the frequently reccomended ones, so go you!
I have seen Kanban work miracles when people take it on, https://www.digite.com/kanban/what-is-kanban/ and it also featured in Silicone ValleyADHD coaching is supposed to be really good for organisational difficulties you're talking about. If your memory is the biggest issue though, it may be that meds are the way to go.
http://adhdcoach.ie/ is the only ADHD coach I am aware of in Ireland. I do not have any first hand accounts of people that have worked with her, so i can't speak to the efficacy, but may be helpful for some people. I have heard of people here skyping with ADHD coaches in UK/US.0 -
Have a look at these
https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-add-hyperarousal-rejection-sensitivity/
http://www.help4adhd.org/Portals/0/Users/195/27/63427/Secrets%20Of%20The%20ADHD%20Brain.long.pdf
https://www.additudemag.com/secrets-of-the-adhd-brain/
https://www.additudemag.com/emotional-hyperarousal-adhd-self-test/?src=embed_link
https://www.additudemag.com/intuniv-adhd-nonstimulant-medication/
Hello all :-), I'm up there somewhere in these pages... I've deen diagnosed by Prof Michael Fitzgerald last Feb (ADHD, well I guess ADD as an adult and a few more thrown in but ADD the most important as it's very treatable), and again by Dr stephanie Bourke in June at the Blackrock Clinic Dublin.
I've tried a few medications, one works great on some symptoms, one on more - it's a long term trial and error - maybe a combination of medications is the answer, give it a year and learn what works.
Most of the symptoms of ADHD textbooks and most GP / Psychiatrist knowledge relate to symptoms in young boys - hyperactivity / impulsiveness etc - these often do not present in girls/ adults and often not in boys... )
But these symptoms do .....Hyperarousal does, emotional hyperarousal does, inconsistent attention does (not attention deficit ! - we can hyperfocus, we can focus and pay attention to whatever interests us, to whatever is a deadline or an emergency, to novelty... just not things which neurotypical people find important - what the teacher / boss / parent wants just now), RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) often does
What I've found is that most of the info out there is out of date, it refers to symptoms of young males (like my son who was diagnosed also recently).... it is often written by people who do not suffer from ADD / ADHD, it is written by researchers who need data from symptoms which are measurable and observable.
my 2p worth for now, Dave :-)0 -
So I went to my doctor and since I fit the criteria for referral to St Pat's for depression and anxiety, I'm getting assessed through them. Hopefully. I have a phone appointment with a nurse tonight - anyone know what that's about??Hi Billin,
HADD have a list of practitioners who assess and diagnose adult ADHD. Make sure your assessment in thorough (in your case you should insist on a Weschler test as part of your assessment) and that there is aftercare. Good luck with it but watch your depression/anxiety afterwards. I was relieved after my diagnosis but then went into a spiral of depression. Mind yourself.
Thanks for the warning and the advice, I've been on an emotional rollercoaster the last three months since deciding to seek a diagnosis - not helped by my aspie other half and emotional rock going through his own issues at the moment, bad timing lol!
Hope I'm not sounding stupid, but by aftercare do you mean like counselling?0 -
So I went to my doctor and since I fit the criteria for referral to St Pat's for depression and anxiety, I'm getting assessed through them. Hopefully. I have a phone appointment with a nurse tonight - anyone know what that's about??
Thanks for the warning and the advice, I've been on an emotional rollercoaster the last three months since deciding to seek a diagnosis - not helped by my aspie other half and emotional rock going through his own issues at the moment, bad timing lol!
Hope I'm not sounding stupid, but by aftercare do you mean like counselling?
Yep. I was really surprised how much the diagnosis affected me. I was elated initially and then went into a deep, deep depression. Practitioners should ensure that counselling is offered to the client post-diagnosis but this is rarely the case. So, have a counsellor (who knows about ADHD) lined up before you receive your diagnosis.
Please be careful of counsellors on one major counselling website who claim to "specialize" in ADHD. I phoned two of them out of curiosity and neither one had even the most basic understanding of the condition.0 -
Has anyone here tried occupational therapy in regards to ADHD and planning?
I have my fourth appointment with a therapist tomorrow and I'm honestly thinking about cancelling after that.
Background: After being told by my GP that Dr Fitzgerald's diagnosis wasn't going to be upheld by most HSE doctors, I got appointment with one of the local HSE psychiatrist. To the best of my knowledge, I'm on the waiting list to see a consultant psychologist about being assessed again. In the interim they pushed for occupational therapy since I'm in my final year of college and freaking out because I can't seem to sit down and do anything college related for more than 10 minutes.
The woman I'm seeing is lovely. The problem is that she's not giving any advice I haven't tried dozens of times. Daily lists, timetables, memos, alarms.... these are all things I've tried before. I was even using these systems for months before seeing her and they just don't work for anything academic (just small daily physical tasks like doing the washing up or cutting the grass etc.) As soon as I sit down to read something, I've got twenty other thoughts screaming to get attention. I just feel like it's not working. This would be fine on it's own but she's just adding more stress to me right now. It's just another thing I'm failing at getting done.
Has anyone else tried this? And did you feel anything like this?0 -
Has anyone here tried occupational therapy in regards to ADHD and planning
I started following Kanban recently and it's changed my life for the better!After being told by my GP that Dr Fitzgerald's diagnosis wasn't going to be upheld by most HSE doctors
That's new! I totally agree with that decision and actually made a call myself about the process to a few different people in HSE and with HADD. Still must be frustrating for you, sorry to hear about the trouble!
Kanban though, changed my life!0 -
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brianblaze wrote: »That's new! I totally agree with that decision and actually made a call myself about the process to a few different people in HSE and with HADD. Still must be frustrating for you, sorry to hear about the trouble!!
Yeah, as much as it sucks for me, I do agree that they shouldn't be taking Dr Fitzgerald's diagnoses seriously. The day of the appointment I was glad to not have to fight tooth and nail to get my point across to a doctor but in retrospect I know no reputable doctor would diagnose someone with not one, but two separate developmental disorders in the space of 20 minutes, not to mention he also said I had GAD.
It's annoying since I paid to avoid being stuck on a HSE waiting list and I'm now currently on a HSE waiting list. The GP didn't outright say "Fitzgerald is a charlatan" but it was implied and the psychiatrist just said his methods are not how diagnoses are done.
Aside from that, I've tried Kanban. Like most other systems I've tried, I can organise what I need to do but doing them just doesn't work until the last few minutes of panic. Kanban just meant I was haunted daily by post it notes instead of phone reminders or the To-Do list on the whiteboard in my bedroom that mocks me every morning and night.0
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