ADHD - Adults

[PlywoodPascal]

toohuge said:

Does anyone have any book recommendations they could make to help me educate myself a little more about ADHD and how it impacts on someone's life? A friend of mine (female) is diagnosed with ADHD and I realised I'm none the wiser as to the struggles and perspective it must bring and I'd like to be better informed.

Thanks
Chris

A lot of ADHD literature still suffers from discussing symptoms and experiences from a predominantly male point of view, because historically ADHD has been underdiagnosed in girls and women. It most often presents a bit differently in women than the ‘stereotypical’ set of symptoms (naughty boy, can’t sit still, etc.).

As a general introduction I’d say one of the many books by Russel Barkley might be useful (depending on what perspective you want to take): https://www.russellbarkley.org/books.html

And then a book I’d really recommend anyone/everyone read - this does not focus solely on ADHD though - is “Divergent Mind” - a book about the experiences of neurodivergent women. https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/divergent-mind-thr...

[toohuge]

Awesome ! Thank you

[Job38]

Try the 'I Have ADHD Podcast' by Kristen Carder for a more female perspective.

You'll need to get over her voice first!

[PlywoodPascal]

Although I am male and I have ADHD, I've actually found experiences and perspectives of women with ADHD more often resonate more strongly with me tan those of men with it. I have combined hyperactive/inattentive and (I think) became (unconsciously, pre diagnosis) very good at masking it (probably because I'm fairly capable/intelligent and can 'grind it out' a lot at work, and also that I don't do much other than work (and PH)), which is something that seems to be much more prevalent amongst women than men. Of course I ended up in the same place as most of us eventually - we'll almost all (well, anyone diagnosed as an adult), I think, recognise the experience/situation of an external context change coming along and suddenly making the level or degree of masking impossible/untenable.

[shirt]

i'd go with the last one. ADD has some crossover with autistic traits and women are hard to diagnose as they are a] much better at social masking b] suffer from labels that define these traits [ditzy etc.].

i do think that once you understand and even empathise with neurodivergent traits then your relationships in general will [or can] improve. since my own diagnosis and insights, i tend to react far less when faced with an argumentative OH, electing instead to enquire what's going on in her head.

[toohuge]

shirt]i'd go with the last one. ADD has some crossover with autistic traits and women are hard to diagnose as they are a] much better at social masking b] suffer from labels that define these traits [ditzy etc. said:

.

i do think that once you understand and even empathise with neurodivergent traits then your relationships in general will [or can] improve. since my own diagnosis and insights, i tend to react far less when faced with an argumentative OH, electing instead to enquire what's going on in her head.

Thanks it's on its way.

I agree - I realised over the weekend that I need to understand this area better before I can begin to respond etc.

[sparkyhx]

PlywoodPascal said:

toohuge said:

Does anyone have any book recommendations they could make to help me educate myself a little more about ADHD and how it impacts on someone's life? A friend of mine (female) is diagnosed with ADHD and I realised I'm none the wiser as to the struggles and perspective it must bring and I'd like to be better informed.

Thanks
Chris

A lot of ADHD literature still suffers from discussing symptoms and experiences from a predominantly male point of view, because historically ADHD has been underdiagnosed in girls and women. It most often presents a bit differently in women than the ‘stereotypical’ set of symptoms (naughty boy, can’t sit still, etc.).

As a general introduction I’d say one of the many books by Russel Barkley might be useful (depending on what perspective you want to take): https://www.russellbarkley.org/books.html

And then a book I’d really recommend anyone/everyone read - this does not focus solely on ADHD though - is “Divergent Mind” - a book about the experiences of neurodivergent women. https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/divergent-mind-thr...

This is a nice video - short succinct but quite powerful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwJusJQUSHM
This https://totallyadd.com/
This is a tough read but rewarding https://aspireautismconsultancy.co.uk/adhd-and-me-...
Female ADHD - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiwZQNYlGQI

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 5th December 16:42

[the-norseman]

My missus has been started on ADHD medication this week, 5th day in, 1x tablet a day I think its a 18mg tablet, instantly can see a difference in her. Shes due to up the dose next week think its 2x tablets and then week 3 its down to 1 bigger tablet.

[Motoring12345]

The stigma against ADHD, even from people in the mental health sector is staggering and sad.

I have decided to get some affordable counselling until my assessment which is in 18 months. I discussed my struggles and difficulties and the therapist went on a rant about how everyone she sees thinks they have ADHD and it's just a new fad. Pretty disappointed to say the least.

[KTMsm]

Motoring12345 said:

The stigma against ADHD, even from people in the mental health sector is staggering and sad.

I have decided to get some affordable counselling until my assessment which is in 18 months. I discussed my struggles and difficulties and the therapist went on a rant about how everyone she sees thinks they have ADHD and it's just a new fad. Pretty disappointed to say the least.

When you run through the list of symptoms, it does seem to describe the majority of men I know

But they are mostly self-employed or ride motorcycles both of which would appeal to those with ADHD

[PlywoodPascal]

still can't get no drug-prescription

elvanse still not available - anyone finding any different?

[pherlopolus]

KTMsm said:

When you run through the list of symptoms, it does seem to describe the majority of men I know

But they are mostly self-employed or ride motorcycles both of which would appeal to those with ADHD

I tick both those boxes, also used to paraglide 😂

People with ADHD naturally clump together, so it’s entirely likely that the majority of people you choose to spend time with have some form of ND if you do.

[Teddy Lop]

PlywoodPascal said:

toohuge said:

Does anyone have any book recommendations they could make to help me educate myself a little more about ADHD and how it impacts on someone's life? A friend of mine (female) is diagnosed with ADHD and I realised I'm none the wiser as to the struggles and perspective it must bring and I'd like to be better informed.

Thanks
Chris

A lot of ADHD literature still suffers from discussing symptoms and experiences from a predominantly male point of view, because historically ADHD has been underdiagnosed in girls and women. It most often presents a bit differently in women than the ‘stereotypical’ set of symptoms (naughty boy, can’t sit still, etc.).

As a general introduction I’d say one of the many books by Russel Barkley might be useful (depending on what perspective you want to take): https://www.russellbarkley.org/books.html

And then a book I’d really recommend anyone/everyone read - this does not focus solely on ADHD though - is “Divergent Mind” - a book about the experiences of neurodivergent women. https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/divergent-mind-thr...

I found temple grandins books very interesting (more the autism side of things but it's differing aspects of the same something)

[Teddy Lop]

PlywoodPascal said:

still can't get no drug-prescription

elvanse still not available - anyone finding any different?

Nobody, at least the pharmacys that bother to occasionally answer their phone - has anything.

GPs given me affenid XL/methylphenidate hydrochloride instead of elvanse which seems to work, but you do need to ring them and baby talk them through the issue every month. Like they wouldn't know there's a problem.

[PlywoodPascal]

Teddy Lop said:

Nobody, at least the pharmacys that bother to occasionally answer their phone - has anything.

GPs given me affenid XL/methylphenidate hydrochloride instead of elvanse which seems to work, but you do need to ring them and baby talk them through the issue every month. Like they wouldn't know there's a problem.

interesting, mine have been really good - they have a pharmacist in practice who's been really on the ball and tried to work out a stopgap. but they can't/won\t prescribe anything different from the existing treatment plan without me going back to the consultant.

[Kermit power]

PlywoodPascal said:

Teddy Lop said:

Nobody, at least the pharmacys that bother to occasionally answer their phone - has anything.

GPs given me affenid XL/methylphenidate hydrochloride instead of elvanse which seems to work, but you do need to ring them and baby talk them through the issue every month. Like they wouldn't know there's a problem.

interesting, mine have been really good - they have a pharmacist in practice who's been really on the ball and tried to work out a stopgap. but they can't/won\t prescribe anything different from the existing treatment plan without me going back to the consultant.

I think I've been fortunate in that my Elvanse prescription is for 70mg, which is the strongest dose available, so whilst I do need to get a new prescription for lower dosages, at least the GP has no qualms about doing it without having to check back with the mental health team.

I did have about 6 weeks where I couldn't get anything at all, but did then at least manage a month's worth of 50mg, and have now just secured a month of 60mg. Still no sign of any 70s though!

[Woodrow Wilson]

Motoring12345 said:

The stigma against ADHD, even from people in the mental health sector is staggering and sad.

I have decided to get some affordable counselling until my assessment which is in 18 months. I discussed my struggles and difficulties and the therapist went on a rant about how everyone she sees thinks they have ADHD and it's just a new fad. Pretty disappointed to say the least.

People who seek counselling from her are a self-selecting group.

I'd be more surprised if the people she sees were coping well and didn't have any worries.....

[Woodrow Wilson]

pherlopolus said:

KTMsm said:

When you run through the list of symptoms, it does seem to describe the majority of men I know

But they are mostly self-employed or ride motorcycles both of which would appeal to those with ADHD

I tick both those boxes, also used to paraglide ??

People with ADHD naturally clump together, so it’s entirely likely that the majority of people you choose to spend time with have some form of ND if you do.

It is certainly true for me.

I find a lot of people a bit dull and "safe".

I like the sort of resourceful, inquisitive people who will have a go at things, seek out "adventure", are energetic and get excited about about all kinds of interests, even if they are a bit chaotic and disorganised at times.

[PlywoodPascal]

Oh i agree.
The problem with a plan is that I know i will find it hard to stick to.
Instead just jump in and see where the wind, waves, and currents take me.
Unfortunately this only really works for one area of my professional career (and for that, it works really really well) and not all the ‘meta-work’ around it.
And some people are really focused on that meta-work as an indicator of ability/success.
Probably because they have tiny minds,

[Animal]

PlywoodPascal said:

still can't get no drug-prescription

elvanse still not available - anyone finding any different?

I've made myself a complete nuisance to my GP over the last couple of months to try and get my prescription (50mg) and last month got given 60 as a substitute. This month, I started a bit earlier and pestered my GP and he agreed to prescribe me 50mg Elvanse (my normal) and 50mg Elvanse Adult. Different product, but in name only. The result is that I've got 2 months' worth so that I don't run out over Christmas. Gotten friendly with a pharmacist too in a small town near home, so less local demand.