ADHD - Adults

[sparkyhx]

Woodrow Wilson said:

sparkyhx said:

Ok, so why not persevere with the medcication so you can cope with the job? Medication is successful for 80%. who take it. ........80% why deny yourself that opportunity
Seeking a diagnosis makes perfert sense given your travails.... but surely finding the right dosethat works for you seems a sensible 'payoff' vs 'taking stuff long term'. Assuming of course a dosage can be found that doesnt cause more problems than it solves.

Equally some of the behavioural techniques can address those things you describe.

It's priorities and at the end of the day you have to decide what is best for you. I maybe misreading, and apologies if I am, but you dont sound too happy at the moment maybe time to change things up.

Frustrated is probably a better term, along with disappointment in my experiences of working.

The difference between my cognitive/communication abilities and my executive functioning is what appears to be the problem (although I shouldn't complain too much)

I would prefer to find more suitable work than to rely on taking stimulants or anti-depressants.

I have long passed caring about being wealthy, climbing the corporate ladder or even having a job with status. Comfortable and a sense of some achievement, usefulness and learning things will do.

NP, as long as you are content it doesnt matter, hope you find something. try this, its quite affirming https://youtu.be/JiwZQNYlGQI

Edited by sparkyhx on Friday 27th November 09:31

[Woodrow Wilson]

sparkyhx said:

NP, as long as you are content it doesnt matter, hope you find something. try this, its quite affirming https://youtu.be/JiwZQNYlGQI

Thanks.

Her early and college experiences were very similar to my own.

I can related to many of the comments underneath too.

The thought of revising for university exams makes me feel nauseous even now.

As I sit here struggling/failing to focus on my totally unsuitable work....

Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Friday 27th November 11:16

[cashmax]

Just wanted to come back to this thread. I have been helping my parents move house and clear out 35 years of crap. Found a folder with my old School reports and various letters.

Almost every single one has me at bottom of the class (this was when they still ranked each pupil) and is full of comments like -

“He just can’t pay attention for any length of time”
“Never seems to be able to concentrate”
“Disorganised and lack of focus”
“Constantly distracted”
“I shudder to imagine how he will sit still long enough to complete an exam paper”

Various letters about damage, losing things, making wrong choices etc.

All elements that reminded me of my own kids school reports before they were diagnosed.

I went to our local state secondary, but got expelled after 18 months, forcing my parents to send me to a boarding School. Strangely, I still view my School days with fondness, but it was clear that my parents & teachers were at their wits end. My Mother told me she used to cry everytime she got my report and when I failed all my O’Levels she cried for a week.

In the 80’s ADHD wasn’t a thing and anyone suffering was just marked out as lazy & naughty. Makes me wonder how many people left School under a cloud as a result.

[sparkyhx]

My son was similar, he was on the verge of being temporary excluded. He was under Cahms for mental health issues and it was them that spotted his ADHD and as soon as he was on medication it was like night and day. from being a failing student he became accomplished and got good GCSE's, He was laer diagnosed with Aspergers, but too late to help thru GCSEs

[dirky dirk]

Weve merged departments and we are located in another part of the building at work,


everyones great and we love it, but one of the gaffers has it nailed on,
throwing biscuit lids about as frisbees and is very easily distracted,

top bloke though,

[Hugo Stiglitz]

From the Gov website on Covid guidance:

If you (or a person in your care) have a health condition that routinely requires you to leave home to maintain your health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area or exercising several times a day - then you can do so.

Its specially in exercise, not in travel for medical treatment.


I read this for neurological as well.

[Woodrow Wilson]

The increased restrictions since new year have resulted in an increased sense of restlessness for me.

I need to find alternative work..... somehow

[Teddy Lop]

Of you who've been diagnosed as adults after living through varying degrees of masked symptoms, what was the process, how much help did you receive, how beneficial was it? Is it worth fighting the nhs for help, if I go private will the help be superior and what kinds of costs am I looking at?

I posted about "lethargy" a few weeks ago and there's some useful other suggestions I'm looking into, but I've been told I have AD by a couple of people qualified to say so and as others say, reading general symptoms lists, and some of the posts on here, is like someone's sitting in my head taking notes. I think other factors like depression are factoring in (although that's chicken and egg) but that AD could be at least an aggravator, if not pivotal. Specifically I struggle with motivation to do certain tasks, and focus to complete them on time. For example, yesterday I start collating invoices (tax return, so rather pressing right now), going through emails (for invoices) I sidetrack into replying to several, then I'm buying materials for jobs, but as the site I'm on for a particular item has a £100 free shipping limit I'm looking at other forthcoming jobs to bulk it up, which then sidetracks me again. I just find it impossible to set and complete one task, but what's insane is I have no ability to multitask either...

I had a dyslexia test quite some years ago (after reading Jackie Stewart's book which was another lightbulb moment) which confirmed it, but in practical terms it's just an expensive but worthless bit of paper, as I've developed coping strategies to get this far while masking it that there's nothing on offer to supplant.

[Woodrow Wilson]

I probably didn't pursue it enough. If you can afford it, speaking to suitable therapist(s) privately might help.

I'm just struggling on, working badly from home. Prioritising, planning and clearing(and updating) the tedious to-do list is very difficult.

I'm inclined to think that it is better to find something suitable (if possible) than dosing yourself up with pharmaceuticals in order to knock the edges off your personality in a futile attempt to conform with a modern-day norm that values sedentary regulation, bureaucracy, administration, predictability, repetition and tedium in order to be able to buy more stuff.

Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Monday 25th January 09:45

[Heartworm]

Teddy Lop said:

Of you who've been diagnosed as adults after living through varying degrees of masked symptoms, what was the process, how much help did you receive, how beneficial was it? Is it worth fighting the nhs for help, if I go private will the help be superior and what kinds of costs am I looking at?

I posted about "lethargy" a few weeks ago and there's some useful other suggestions I'm looking into, but I've been told I have AD by a couple of people qualified to say so and as others say, reading general symptoms lists, and some of the posts on here, is like someone's sitting in my head taking notes. I think other factors like depression are factoring in (although that's chicken and egg) but that AD could be at least an aggravator, if not pivotal. Specifically I struggle with motivation to do certain tasks, and focus to complete them on time. For example, yesterday I start collating invoices (tax return, so rather pressing right now), going through emails (for invoices) I sidetrack into replying to several, then I'm buying materials for jobs, but as the site I'm on for a particular item has a £100 free shipping limit I'm looking at other forthcoming jobs to bulk it up, which then sidetracks me again. I just find it impossible to set and complete one task, but what's insane is I have no ability to multitask either...

I had a dyslexia test quite some years ago (after reading Jackie Stewart's book which was another lightbulb moment) which confirmed it, but in practical terms it's just an expensive but worthless bit of paper, as I've developed coping strategies to get this far while masking it that there's nothing on offer to supplant.

There is a process called right to choose in England where you can ask to be referred if there are long waiting lists to get diagnosed, alternatively you can go direct with a private supplier have a diagnosis carried out.

I have heard very good things about these people, https://www.psychiatry-uk.com/adhd/, and they will liaise with your GP if you want to go through them, otherwise I think the private diagnosis is £375 or similar. I haven't used these people but have spoken to those diagnosed who have.

I got diagnosed privately in October in Scotland I believe it was , and started medication in early November the same week I started a new job and it had transformed the way I work. I have been diagnosed with combined type so both inattentive and hyperactive, though I only expected it to the the inattentive. It hasn't changed my personality as I have spoken about this with my wife, although she does find it strange that I will pay attention to everything she says rather than drift on to something else half way though a conversation. My boss used to say that if I was working on a problem and a new email came in I would jump straight onto it and not complete my current task, I'm much better at reading the email, finishing what I am doing, then doing whatever is required from the latest. I get more done around the house, and have finished off some long standing jobs that I had never finished, can concentrate on a whole TV programme without wandering off all the time and then having to ask who's that etc.

[TameRacingDriver]

Woodrow Wilson said:

I probably didn't pursue it enough. If you can afford it, speaking to suitable therapist(s) privately might help.

I'm just struggling on, working badly from home. Prioritising, planning and clearing(and updating) the tedious to-do list is very difficult.

I'm inclined to think that it is better to find something suitable (if possible) than dosing yourself up with pharmaceuticals in order to knock the edges off your personality in a futile attempt to conform with a modern-day norm that values sedentary regulation, bureaucracy, administration, predictability, repetition and tedium in order to be able to buy more stuff.

Underrated post this.

I've read this thread with interest.

I've always known I wasn't normal and reading this thread I see myself in many of the responses.

And you know what? I couldn't care less. I am the way I am, a deeply flawed individual, but it's what makes me, me.

[sparkyhx]

Heartworm said:

Teddy Lop said:

Of you who've been diagnosed as adults after living through varying degrees of masked symptoms, what was the process, how much help did you receive, how beneficial was it? Is it worth fighting the nhs for help, if I go private will the help be superior and what kinds of costs am I looking at?

I posted about "lethargy" a few weeks ago and there's some useful other suggestions I'm looking into, but I've been told I have AD by a couple of people qualified to say so and as others say, reading general symptoms lists, and some of the posts on here, is like someone's sitting in my head taking notes. I think other factors like depression are factoring in (although that's chicken and egg) but that AD could be at least an aggravator, if not pivotal. Specifically I struggle with motivation to do certain tasks, and focus to complete them on time. For example, yesterday I start collating invoices (tax return, so rather pressing right now), going through emails (for invoices) I sidetrack into replying to several, then I'm buying materials for jobs, but as the site I'm on for a particular item has a £100 free shipping limit I'm looking at other forthcoming jobs to bulk it up, which then sidetracks me again. I just find it impossible to set and complete one task, but what's insane is I have no ability to multitask either...

I had a dyslexia test quite some years ago (after reading Jackie Stewart's book which was another lightbulb moment) which confirmed it, but in practical terms it's just an expensive but worthless bit of paper, as I've developed coping strategies to get this far while masking it that there's nothing on offer to supplant.

There is a process called right to choose in England where you can ask to be referred if there are long waiting lists to get diagnosed, alternatively you can go direct with a private supplier have a diagnosis carried out.

I have heard very good things about these people, https://www.psychiatry-uk.com/adhd/, and they will liaise with your GP if you want to go through them, otherwise I think the private diagnosis is £375 or similar. I haven't used these people but have spoken to those diagnosed who have.

I got diagnosed privately in October in Scotland I believe it was , and started medication in early November the same week I started a new job and it had transformed the way I work. I have been diagnosed with combined type so both inattentive and hyperactive, though I only expected it to the the inattentive. It hasn't changed my personality as I have spoken about this with my wife, although she does find it strange that I will pay attention to everything she says rather than drift on to something else half way though a conversation. My boss used to say that if I was working on a problem and a new email came in I would jump straight onto it and not complete my current task, I'm much better at reading the email, finishing what I am doing, then doing whatever is required from the latest. I get more done around the house, and have finished off some long standing jobs that I had never finished, can concentrate on a whole TV programme without wandering off all the time and then having to ask who's that etc.

Absolutely go to GP and if your local referral is too long (almost certainly will be) ask for the right to choose and go 'privately'. Psychiatry Uk as above can do it (other suppliers are also available) but they will liaise with and do the battling with the GP/Local Health authority on your behalf if needed. My wife uses and advises people to go this route and all have been successful.

Privately direct is an option for an assessment and is relatively cheap. HOWEVER, after diagnosis the titration process is usually several times more costly than the diagnosis......be warned.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Has anyone had experience of more than one type of medication? Pros, cons.

[tapandunwrap]

Does anyone have experience sharing their diagnosis with their employer or HR? Pros? Cons? Advice?

[sbarclay62]

Teddy Lop said:

Of you who've been diagnosed as adults after living through varying degrees of masked symptoms, what was the process, how much help did you receive, how beneficial was it? Is it worth fighting the nhs for help, if I go private will the help be superior and what kinds of costs am I looking at?

I posted about "lethargy" a few weeks ago and there's some useful other suggestions I'm looking into, but I've been told I have AD by a couple of people qualified to say so and as others say, reading general symptoms lists, and some of the posts on here, is like someone's sitting in my head taking notes. I think other factors like depression are factoring in (although that's chicken and egg) but that AD could be at least an aggravator, if not pivotal. Specifically I struggle with motivation to do certain tasks, and focus to complete them on time. For example, yesterday I start collating invoices (tax return, so rather pressing right now), going through emails (for invoices) I sidetrack into replying to several, then I'm buying materials for jobs, but as the site I'm on for a particular item has a £100 free shipping limit I'm looking at other forthcoming jobs to bulk it up, which then sidetracks me again. I just find it impossible to set and complete one task, but what's insane is I have no ability to multitask either...

I had a dyslexia test quite some years ago (after reading Jackie Stewart's book which was another lightbulb moment) which confirmed it, but in practical terms it's just an expensive but worthless bit of paper, as I've developed coping strategies to get this far while masking it that there's nothing on offer to supplant.

Still waiting on my formal diagnosis, almost a year ago I attended the doctor, referred to psychiatrist middle of August and still waiting. I'll give them 6 months from the letterheaded date then chase them aswell as my GP for an update.

I did tell the Uni about it and they were absolutely fantastic. Just mentioned it in a casual conservation and the tutor said drop student support services an email to give them a heads up, you can get an extra 15 minutes for exams or 1 day extension on deadlines etc. Turns out there is alot more support available than that. Fantastic stuff.

Heartworm said:

There is a process called right to choose in England where you can ask to be referred if there are long waiting lists to get diagnosed, alternatively you can go direct with a private supplier have a diagnosis carried out.

I have heard very good things about these people, https://www.psychiatry-uk.com/adhd/, and they will liaise with your GP if you want to go through them, otherwise I think the private diagnosis is £375 or similar. I haven't used these people but have spoken to those diagnosed who have.

I got diagnosed privately in October in Scotland I believe it was , and started medication in early November the same week I started a new job and it had transformed the way I work. I have been diagnosed with combined type so both inattentive and hyperactive, though I only expected it to the the inattentive. It hasn't changed my personality as I have spoken about this with my wife, although she does find it strange that I will pay attention to everything she says rather than drift on to something else half way though a conversation. My boss used to say that if I was working on a problem and a new email came in I would jump straight onto it and not complete my current task, I'm much better at reading the email, finishing what I am doing, then doing whatever is required from the latest. I get more done around the house, and have finished off some long standing jobs that I had never finished, can concentrate on a whole TV programme without wandering off all the time and then having to ask who's that etc.

Who did you use in Scotland? I've been waiting with NHS Lothian now for almost a year as per above...

[Woodrow Wilson]

tapandunwrap said:

Does anyone have experience sharing their diagnosis with their employer or HR? Pros? Cons? Advice?

I'm not sure how formal a "diagnosis" is, espeically for adults in the UK. Depending upon your job, declaring it could be tantamount to admitting that you can't do the job you are employed to do.... I can't see it being great for career advancement, unless you have a useful specialism that is in demand -I don't, I'm a scatter-shot generalist, jack of all trades with the ability to sound as if I know what I'm doing.

In some creative jobs it may not be an issue, and if not, then why mention it?

I tend to just tell people informally that I'm not good at fine detail or long, repetitive tasks. I'm hopeless with lists of details, planning, work flows, estimating of time, prioritising, budgets focus, WFH etc. but those are the basis of many desk jobs these days

[bobbysmithy]

Woodrow Wilson said:

I'm not sure how formal a "diagnosis" is, espeically for adults in the UK. Depending upon your job, declaring it could be tantamount to admitting that you can't do the job you are employed to do.... I can't see it being great for career advancement, unless you have a useful specialism that is in demand -I don't, I'm a scatter-shot generalist, jack of all trades with the ability to sound as if I know what I'm doing.

In some creative jobs it may not be an issue, and if not, then why mention it?

I tend to just tell people informally that I'm not good at fine detail or long, repetitive tasks. I'm hopeless with lists of details, planning, work flows, estimating of time, prioritising, budgets focus, WFH etc. but those are the basis of many desk jobs these days

Feel like I could have typed the same....

[Woodrow Wilson]

bobbysmithy said:

Woodrow Wilson said:

I'm not sure how formal a "diagnosis" is, espeically for adults in the UK. Depending upon your job, declaring it could be tantamount to admitting that you can't do the job you are employed to do.... I can't see it being great for career advancement, unless you have a useful specialism that is in demand -I don't, I'm a scatter-shot generalist, jack of all trades with the ability to sound as if I know what I'm doing.

In some creative jobs it may not be an issue, and if not, then why mention it?

I tend to just tell people informally that I'm not good at fine detail or long, repetitive tasks. I'm hopeless with lists of details, planning, work flows, estimating of time, prioritising, budgets focus, WFH etc. but those are the basis of many desk jobs these days

Feel like I could have typed the same....

I wrote it, but I'm frustrated and don't know what to do about it..... Those who don't struggle with such ordinary tasks and daily life really can't appreciate what it is like to do so. It must appear just like apathy/laziness in an apparently intelligent person.

[anonymous-user]

I also have ADHD, on the spectrum, dyslexia but finally managed to have a bipolar diagnosis challenged. Getting a proper diagnosis is tricky and often the experts cant agree. Best thing I have found is once you realise you have an issue its work exploring yourself how best to manage and develop coping mechanisms. A diagnosis is only a label and often makes things more difficult, especially if the diagnosis isn't quite right.

[sparkyhx]

MonkeyMatt said:

I also have ADHD, on the spectrum, dyslexia but finally managed to have a bipolar diagnosis challenged. Getting a proper diagnosis is tricky and often the experts cant agree. Best thing I have found is once you realise you have an issue its work exploring yourself how best to manage and develop coping mechanisms. A diagnosis is only a label and often makes things more difficult, especially if the diagnosis isn't quite right.

misdiagnosis with bipolar and also Borderline is a common thing with autistic people.