Adhd

[Matt-EUC]

So, when I was in primary school I was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed Ritalin.
After a couple of years my GP decided I should have grown put of it by that point so stopped giving me the Ritalin.
I suffered big time at my first secondary school with concentration issues and behavioural problems. I wasn't doing well to put it lightly.
After some serious bullying I moved school to one with better teachers who understood that I had "issues" and pushed me to do what they knew I was capable of and I therefore did well in my exams.
At this point I was thinking the doctor was right. When I went to college however I found myself slacking majorly, I had no motivation and I procrastinated like there was no tomorrow. I missed about half of the year and failed the exams miserably.
I have since been in touch with somebody who has recently been diagnosed at the age of 22. I have been thinking about getting an appointment with a psychiatrist to get assessed and since I've had these thoughts I've been noticing all manner of symptoms of ADHD.
This person put me in touch with a charity that deals with people with ADHD and helps them to get diagnosed and medicated.
Whilst speaking to them I have realised that my life has gone nowhere and I have achieved nothing. All of this because of a condition that my GP decided was a behavioural problem and not an actual disorder.

I'm sharing this with you guys to get your thoughts on the matter and for you to share any experience of ADHD.

[kaivalagi]

Sorry to hear that, moral of the story is to always get a second opinion...people make errors that in this case could have had quite an impact.

You're still young though Matt so there is no reason why you can't achieve what you want now, form a plan and have someone help you achieve it, whether than be through mentoring or just by providing some support.

I am sure all of us here would be willing to help in someway to get you nearer your goals if we can

Not sure on the medication front, I've always been a firm believer of not taking any form of medication if questionable at best but that's not always practical and maybe not here...I had epilepsy when I was young but grew out of it before double digits, however if my folks had followed some of the advise back then I may well still be taking pills and have the illness now.

Definitely get yourself looked at, even if it just gives you some peace of mind and some reassurance...just don't go on any one persons view whether it be the GP from the past or your friend...

Hope that helps

[Red Herring]

Matt, I don't think you would appreciate my views on ADHD. Given what I do for a living I accept that I may have a biased view, but I'm also married to a GP.....

Having met and spent some time with you I don't think you need any diagnosis or medication. We all need help and support at various times in our life and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Self confidence is a powerful motivator and the opposite is equally destructive. Rather than focusing on why you think you may not be getting where you want in life and looking to someone else to resolve that concentrate on something you can do well and develop that. Sometimes we just try to do to much to soon. I just think it's better to do one job well and be proud of it than to do two jobs badly and be frustrated as a result.

[Spank86]

Having met and spent some time with you I don't think you need any diagnosis or medication.

moral of the story is to always get a second opinion...








In case you were wondering, no. I don't plan on posting anything helpful But if I do I'll be sure to put it right at the end of an extremely long post.

[Wideboy]

When I can't stop my fiddlin'
I just takes me Ritalin
I'm poppin' and sailin', man!

[DarrenSV650S]

When I can't stop my fiddlin'
I just takes me Ritalin
I'm poppin' and sailin', man!

Dude, your obsessive, self indulgent, compulsive, disorder is really of no concern to anyone. So please re-direct your extraordinary definition at those who consider your opinion one of value, and take it as such. For I do not, and do not expect to in the near nor far future.

[NTECUK]

Not much for labels, but no man is an island.
If you need help or advice asking in the right places is way forward.
A bikers forum isn't so good for this reason
You are not allone remember that

[Spank86]

Not much for labels, but no man is an island.
I'm an Archipelago.

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Matt, if you feel that you would be helped by having a diagnosis then go ahead and do it. We have founf that our teenagers are much better at coping now they have been diagnosed with autism. They NEVER use it as an excuse, just a way of helping to get clues for how to overcome problems as and when they meet them. Drugs are not necessarily the answer, but an understanding of the problem can help.

[NTECUK]

I'm an Archipelago.

Spank at least your never alone with multiple personality disorder

[Matt-EUC]

Matt, if you feel that you would be helped by having a diagnosis then go ahead and do it. We have founf that our teenagers are much better at coping now they have been diagnosed with autism. They NEVER use it as an excuse, just a way of helping to get clues for how to overcome problems as and when they meet them. Drugs are not necessarily the answer, but an understanding of the problem can help.


Apparently, drugs are in fact the answer. According to psychs and this charity.

I should clarify, drugs are AN answer.

[Bibio]

by the sounds of it you actually have ADD.

if you think that drugs are going to suddenly turn you into an achiever then i think your living in fairy land. it takes a want and a hunger to be an achiever.

how are you going to feel if when you do get the drugs and your life still pans out to how it is going right now?

[Matt-EUC]

I don't know what the drugs will do. And I'm hoping the psychiatrist will know whether it's ADD or ADHD.
I'm suspecting the latter considering my own observations of my behaviour and that I do feel, more often than not, hyperactive.

[Matt-EUC]

As far as magical drugs go, I know full well they aren't going to make me instantly successful. I know I have to work for it but the hope is, that they'll help me to achieve what I set out to do by allowing me to apply myself and to concentrate on what's important instead of procrastinating and losing interest.

[kaivalagi]

I think what is the most important is having clear goals, if you've had well known goals already and not gone anywhere then fair enough, but if not these need firmly establishing regardless of how capable you think you are of getting the job done

What goals do you have Matt?

[Matt-EUC]

Well that's it really. Instead of thinking what I should be doing I generally mope around feeling miserable because I feel I can't achieve anything.

[dizzyblonde]

Well that's it really. Instead of thinking what I should be doing I generally mope around feeling miserable because I feel I can't achieve anything.

Perhaps.... That's a possible form of depression, not ADHD. In my unprofessional opinion.
From reading the information you give, you are focusing and obsessing over this 'label', and therefore feeling rather negative about yourself. It's a barrier you have put on yourself because it has been applied to you for many years. This needs redressing.

The problem possibly lies in filling your head with self diagnosis via information given on the Internet. Ticking off symptoms as you go, and before you know it, you have all of the above.

Go and seek professional advice. Talk to them about your concerns, your low self esteem and self doubts. They will send you to someone who deals with cognitive behaviour.
This forum can't give you the answers, you need to seek those yourself with somebody who is trained to do so.


Bearing in mind, that my brother was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was five, and later diagnosed with a series of conditions after he went for an internal job within his profession, I can feel a sort of sympathy. His self esteem has been an issue all his life, and occasionally he needs a stern talk with big sis.
He battled for many years in his education, gained a degree the long way round and has worked in mental health for donkeys years. He has been a member of the crisis team for several years. Being correctly diagnosed with 'conditions' he gained knowledge of how to work with it, overcome and get over it.

[NTECUK]

Well that's it really. Instead of thinking what I should be doing I generally mope around feeling miserable because I feel I can't achieve anything.

Actually you have achieved things.
You did well on school exams.
Passed a driving test
Swopped an engine etc
You can go through life living by other peoples standards and never be happy in your self.
And you might be able to do those things others ask of you , but would it make sense. You need to follow your heart.

[ClunkintheUK]

I agree with Dizzy Blonde and Mrs DJF. Ask someone who knows about this sort of thing and tell them only the symptoms and as much as you can only what you know concretely rather then matching the symptoms to what you konw of ADHD. Diagnosing yourself from google (googlecondriac) is a very dangerous thing. I did something similar when I was ill once, turned out I was pregnant, apparently.

From my small bit of knowledge, ADHD usually manifests in acting out at school because you can't do that thing that you love, can actually focus on, to a greater or lesser extent. If you don't know what it is you obsess over, I'd suggest finding out.

[Spank86]

If you don't know what it is you obsess over, I'd suggest finding out.
http://i38.tinypic.com/2uhlhxt.jpg

[Matt-EUC]

I haven't looked at symptoms online. I have spoken to people who have been diagnosed.

I was diagnosed with it as a child, but reasons unknown to me at the time, the medication stopped coming. When I spoke to my GP, he told me that I would have grown out if it so that's why the medication stopped and refused to refer me to a psych to get assessed.

Through either respect or naivety I believed him and carried on as normal, I have since been noticing symptoms I associate with ADHD. A lack of concentration, an excess of energy, the inability to sit still, constantly shaking my leg when sat down, staring into space when someone is talking to me and phasing in and out of conversations. I also get extremely bored very quickly. When I'm bored I really try hard to find something to do but mostly when I do find something I think to myself "no, can't be bothered. What else is there?" It's an endless loop ending with frustration and anger at myself.





Also, yes. Boobs.

[Entropy]

GPs and all medical professionals have a duty of care. If the GP refused to refer you to see a psychiatrist when that was what you wanted, that was plain wrong. There is a reason that medical professionals are taught the mantra "no decision about me, without me" and doctors "first, do no harm". If what you want is a psychological assessment, you have the right to one. Go for it.

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[Red Herring]

GPs and all medical professionals have a duty of care. If the GP refused to refer you to see a psychiatrist when that was what you NEEDED, that was plain wrong........

Corrected for you. GP's are considered the gatekeepers of the NHS. If they gave everybody what they wanted those that actually needed anything wouldn't get a look in. We do of course live in a world of free choice, so feel free to change your GP.

[allantheboss]

So, when I was in primary school I was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed Ritalin.
After a couple of years my GP decided I should have grown put of it by that point so stopped giving me the Ritalin.
I suffered big time at my first secondary school with concentration issues and behavioural problems. I wasn't doing well to put it lightly.
After some serious bullying I moved school to one with better teachers who understood that I had "issues" and pushed me to do what they knew I was capable of and I therefore did well in my exams.
At this point I was thinking the doctor was right. When I went to college however I found myself slacking majorly, I had no motivation and I procrastinated like there was no tomorrow. I missed about half of the year and failed the exams miserably.
I have since been in touch with somebody who has recently been diagnosed at the age of 22. I have been thinking about getting an appointment with a psychiatrist to get assessed and since I've had these thoughts I've been noticing all manner of symptoms of ADHD.
This person put me in touch with a charity that deals with people with ADHD and helps them to get diagnosed and medicated.
Whilst speaking to them I have realised that my life has gone nowhere and I have achieved nothing. All of this because of a condition that my GP decided was a behavioural problem and not an actual disorder.

I'm sharing this with you guys to get your thoughts on the matter and for you to share any experience of ADHD.

This is really interesting. I was diagnosed with ADD just about a year and a half ago, when I was also 22! It changed my life, really. Effects of my current drug are starting to wear off now but at least I can read or pay "more" attention to things than I used to be able to.

[ClunkintheUK]

I haven't looked at symptoms online. I have spoken to people who have been diagnosed.

I was diagnosed with it as a child, but reasons unknown to me at the time, the medication stopped coming. When I spoke to my GP, he told me that I would have grown out if it so that's why the medication stopped and refused to refer me to a psych to get assessed.

Through either respect or naivety I believed him and carried on as normal, I have since been noticing symptoms I associate with ADHD. A lack of concentration, an excess of energy, the inability to sit still, constantly shaking my leg when sat down, staring into space when someone is talking to me and phasing in and out of conversations. I also get extremely bored very quickly. When I'm bored I really try hard to find something to do but mostly when I do find something I think to myself "no, can't be bothered. What else is there?" It's an endless loop ending with frustration and anger at myself.





Also, yes. Boobs.

Fair enough.

I understand the situation with the GP. I learnt from experience that some GP's (and I stress some, many do a truely excellent job) either have an agenda or very fixed ideas about mental conditions, or in some rare cases haven't got the foggiest clue about the conditions and are unwilling to take the information from patient.

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Keep going back to the GPs, try and get a locum, or a young doctor they are often more open to suggestions for tests and help.

[Red Herring]

Keep going back to the GPs, try and get a locum, or a young doctor they are often more open to suggestions for tests and help.


Yeah, nothing like a doctor with either a lack of commitment to your ongoing care or a lack of experience to give you what you want.....

[Matt-EUC]

Thinking I may go to a private psych.

[DJ123]

Drugs will never do much for a mental condition (except put you to sleep & make you brain dead if you are a mental killer). Training yourself to cope with it and adapt is what is needed. No one else knows what is going on but you, no one can generally understand it unless they have been exposed to it or have their own insight.

[thulfi]

Drugs will never do much for a mental condition (except put you to sleep & make you brain dead if you are a mental killer).

I strongly disagree. They can't cure the condition, that is for sure, but likewise diabetic medication and insulin is not a cure for diabetes. Antiplatelets/blood thinners are not a cure for heart disease and so on.

For mental conditions, it all depends on the drugs, the nature and severity of the condition, and the non-drug therapies being used in tandem. Just how lifestyle change is key to diabetics and heart patients, the same is true for mentally ill people. This is usually tackled by cognitive/behavioural approaches, but the drugs are still crucial in modifying complex chemical imbalances in the brain that make people more prone to psychotic or severe depressive episodes. Many years of research have shown that patients compliance to their medication can make a huge difference to their outcome and prognosis. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the USA, and their is no doubt that good compliance with prescribed anti-depressants makes a huge difference.

Psychiatry will always be a controversial specialty of medicine for many people, but I think a lot don't appreciate how many lives mental conditions take prematurely, and just how much research and statistical analysis has been carried out in developing drugs and assessing their long term efficacy.

[dizzyblonde]

To help in the mean time

Look up MOOD GYM online.
It's a self help, cognitive behavioural therapy programme. I've used it upon GP recommendation.

[Entropy]

Mood Gym is great. Have family who have used it before to help with anxiety and stress. Highly recommended.

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[DJ123]

I strongly disagree. They can't cure the condition, that is for sure, but likewise diabetic medication and insulin is not a cure for diabetes. Antiplatelets/blood thinners are not a cure for heart disease and so on.

For mental conditions, it all depends on the drugs, the nature and severity of the condition, and the non-drug therapies being used in tandem. Just how lifestyle change is key to diabetics and heart patients, the same is true for mentally ill people. This is usually tackled by cognitive/behavioural approaches, but the drugs are still crucial in modifying complex chemical imbalances in the brain that make people more prone to psychotic or severe depressive episodes. Many years of research have shown that patients compliance to their medication can make a huge difference to their outcome and prognosis. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the USA, and their is no doubt that good compliance with prescribed anti-depressants makes a huge difference.

Psychiatry will always be a controversial specialty of medicine for many people, but I think a lot don't appreciate how many lives mental conditions take prematurely, and just how much research and statistical analysis has been carried out in developing drugs and assessing their long term efficacy.



The way you have quoted my post makes you misinterpret what I was saying. Drugs on their own will not do much at all. Having a positive attitude to go with them is a much bigger part of the cycle to getting a healthy mind. People relying on them to create a magical fix and make everything better are mislead.
1 person taking anti depressants, staying in all day watching crap on TV is not going to benefit as much as someone on the same medication who is active, out & about and cracking on with life.

[Spank86]

The way you have quoted my post makes you misinterpret what I was saying. Drugs on their own will not do much at all. Having a positive attitude to go with them is a much bigger part of the cycle to getting a healthy mind. People relying on them to create a magical fix and make everything better are mislead.
1 person taking anti depressants, staying in all day watching crap on TV is not going to benefit as much as someone on the same medication who is active, out & about and cracking on with life.

Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain (or admittedly environmental factors), if that's the case then drugs are more or less the only thing that will resolve it. Yes sitting around on the sofa isn't going to help but with the right drugs you'd be no different to any other non-depressed person sitting on the sofa. In contrast it's very rare for physical activity to fix that type of depression in the absence of drugs and more damage is done by people who stop taking the drugs because they think they can cope than anything else.

You wouldn't tell someone with liver failure to not take drugs but go run a marathon instead.

[Entropy]

Sooo..... Matt-EUC. How you doing? Made any progress?

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[Matt-EUC]

Am awaiting a reply from my GP. They're slammed because everyone's back from holiday and have post holiday sickness.

I'm also making further inquiries into these people, www.studioadhdcentre.org.uk

[Entropy]

Least you are taking positive steps which is important. High five.

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[Matt-EUC]

Is it weird that I actually raised my hand to receive the high five?

[Entropy]

I don't think so. Something I would do.

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Me too

[Red Herring]

Is it weird that I actually raised my hand to receive the high five?

Yes, I've changed my mind, you definitely need help...:)

[Matt-EUC]

I don't suppose your wife knows any psychs that'll work on the cheap cash in hand?

[Entropy]

Lol cash in hand. Illicit drug prescribing combined with illegal counselling and psychotherapy.

Sent using a device that allows me to coalesce my thoughts with radio frequency waves and transmit them over long distances.

[Matt-EUC]

Sounds like a good idea to me :D

[Red Herring]

I don't suppose your wife knows any psychs that'll work on the cheap cash in hand?

Yup, me, and I told you right at the beginning you wouldn't appreciate my view!

[Matt-EUC]

Feel free to express your feelings in a pm. I promise not to be offended too much.

[Matt-EUC]

Updates!!

I have now been given a referral by my GP to a psychiatrist in Oxford. I am very hopeful.

Woohoo class A drugs!

[Heorot]

It took a year???

[Matt-EUC]

Yes. Yes it did.

[Thunderace]

Well all medical waffle aside, some people make little success in life, don't try and label it, if everyone was a professor/neuro surgeon/pop star, who I ask who is gonna empty the bins and serve the rest of us at McDonalds?


Embrace the failure, play the hand your dealt, you own a motorcycle! Smile! ;)

[Red Herring]

It took a year???


Yup, even the best of doctors can be beaten into submission eventually......

[Spank86]

Yup, even the best of doctors can be beaten into submission eventually......
"I see here you've spent a whole year single mindedly trying to convince your doctor you have an attention deficit... I'm thinking maybe you don't."

[TamSV]

Self confidence is a powerful motivator and the opposite is equally destructive. Rather than focusing on why you think you may not be getting where you want in life and looking to someone else to resolve that concentrate on something you can do well and develop that. Sometimes we just try to do to much to soon. I just think it's better to do one job well and be proud of it than to do two jobs badly and be frustrated as a result.



This thread was resolved some time ago IMO.


It must be better to be happy with who you are than to take drugs that stop you being who you are and then hope you'll be happy with that?

[kaivalagi]

"I see here you've spent a whole year single mindedly trying to convince your doctor you have an attention deficit... I'm thinking maybe you don't."

Haha

The point though he is doubted his doctor and pushed for further consultation and now has an appointment with a specialist, that may result in any diagnosis....Hopefully it's resolved for Matt one way or another...and fingers crossed with no drugs in sight...

[Red Herring]

Haha

The point though he is doubted his doctor and pushed for further consultation and now has an appointment with a specialist, that may result in any diagnosis....Hopefully it's resolved for Matt one way or another...and fingers crossed with no drugs in sight...

The doctor is often in a difficult position. Speaking generally, and not specifically about the OP, the doctor has to consider the wellbeing of the patient above all else and if it is clear to them that the patients desire to get what they want is so powerful that in itself it is contrary to their good health, then sometimes it is "better" to give in with the hope that it will help them move on.

Unfortunately we have a society now that has little respect for an individuals experience and knowledge and doctors frequently find themselves being "challenged" by patients who believe they know better. Mental Health is a very challenging area to work in and it's not helped when we insist on diverting the patient away from the very person who can help them......themselves.

ADHD is such a diversion. It's a recent label for a personality trait that has been around for years and it came about by the individual and society need to pass the responsibility for the condition. The "It's not my fault he/she behaves like that, they have ADHD" is such a common excuse put forward by parents of unruly children these days that it unfortunately now actually overwhelms and masks the few individuals who do actually have genuine mental health issues meaning they can easily be missed.

Like I said, this is my view on ADHD and not on any specific individual.

[kaivalagi]

Yeah, I've got to agree that societies need these days to label personality traits with things like ADHD is getting a bit much, and the chances are GPs are right 9 times out of 10. I certainly wouldn't go down that road to explain any behaviour my kids might display until there was no other avenue to go down, having them taking medication is not something I'd want to entertain unless it's absolutely necessary. It's an easy option and not all that probable to resolve things IMHO....but it does depend on the circumstances.

For Matt I don't know how difficult his life has been generally and whether that's just down to his take on things versus societies norms, rather than a mental imbalance, but if he's struggling with his "condition" and has already tried all else then maybe a specialist is the only way for him to make sense of it all. I would hope that any specialist wouldn't just label him with ADHD just because he thinks that's his issue and that they take a proper look into his mental state and make the right call...

You don't really want to spend the rest of your life popping pills though, changing your brain chemistry, unless that's the only course left for you, and I hope Matt's comments on taking class A's is a joke and that he sincerely isn't thinking that's his next step!

[Spank86]

Haha

The point though he is doubted his doctor and pushed for further consultation and now has an appointment with a specialist, that may result in any diagnosis....Hopefully it's resolved for Matt one way or another...and fingers crossed with no drugs in sight...

Give it long enough and a lot of doctors will give you what you want. That's why there's loads of people who get antibiotics when they get a virus.#-o


For Matt I don't know how difficult his life has been generally and whether that's just down to his take on things versus societies norms, rather than a mental imbalance, but if he's struggling with his "condition" and has already tried all else then maybe a specialist is the only way for him to make sense of it all.
I've met matt on many GM rides and whilst I'm not a psychiatrist and couldn't say what they'd do to his personality, I'm sure liberal use of powerful ADD drugs would improve his riding :smt044

[kaivalagi]

LOL

[Matt-EUC]

I think it may be prudent, for those who think ADHD isn't real, to do a little more research into it.

I also feel some have gotten the wrong end of the stick. I did not harass my GP into referring me to a specialist. I have recently changed GP and he suggested a referral himself.


I would happily do anything the specialist recommends. Drugs aren't the only way and as others have stated, it's a last resort. That is assuming she diagnoses me at all. I may just be an irritating cnut.

[Red Herring]

I think it may be prudent, for those who think ADHD isn't real, to do a little more research into it.


Has anybody suggested that? I must have missed that bit.

[Spank86]

That is assuming she diagnoses me at all. I may just be an irritating cnut.
you could be both?

I think it may be prudent, for those who think ADHD isn't real, to do a little more research into it.
It's definitely a real thing, no doubt about that, the question as to whether it's a disorder that needs treatment is another matter of course.

[Matt-EUC]

Do you by any chance have a similar view on dyslexia?

I'm sure if there was a pill they could take that instantly diminishes the symptoms, they'd all take it.

[carelesschucca]

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

I read this today with a bit of interest. Dunno if it s been posted before.

[Red Herring]

Matt, ADHD and dyslexia are two completely different things so lets not go off on to much of a tangent. All we have said is that ADHD as a diagnosis is in our opinion offered up far to often to justify behaviour than in itself is not actually a mental illness, which ADHD is. This has come about because it is sometimes easier for doctors to make this diagnosis than to face the consequences of not doing so.

Why doctors do so is another very long story, some of which I have hinted at. If you want to go into why I think that I'm quite happy to do so but this is a thread started by you about your personal difficulties and I'm mindful that you, and others, may think such a discussion may have some inference towards those rather than ADHD and doctors, which wouldn't be very fair to you.

[Matt-EUC]

You pretty much just said what I was going to say.

The French/US thing is talking about children. Last time I looked, I was far too big to be a child.

[Matt-EUC]

The appointment with the shrink is tomorrow.

I will update after I'm drugged up to the eyeballs or have undergone whatever therapy the psychiatrist suggests.

[kaivalagi]

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

I read this today with a bit of interest. Dunno if it s been posted before.

Interesting....especially this bit which could be argued is not age restrictive:

"The French holistic, psychosocial approach also allows for considering nutritional causes for ADHD-type symptoms—specifically the fact that the behavior of some children is worsened after eating foods with artificial colors, certain preservatives, and/or allergens. Clinicians who work with troubled children in this country—not to mention parents of many ADHD kids—are well aware that dietary interventions can sometimes help a child's problem. In the U.S., the strict focus on pharmaceutical treatment of ADHD, however, encourages clinicians to ignore the influence of dietary factors on children's behavior."

Have you been down the nutritional route Matt? I would push for help to start there before contemplating drugs...has you're GP been down this path with you? For all you know a particular food stuff causes you difficulty...I remember having issues with hyper activity from certain additives in orange squash as a kid, as did other kids I knew...

[Red Herring]

The French/US thing is talking about children. Last time I looked, I was far too big to be a child.

Matt, can I refer you to your original post, the first line will do........

[Matt-EUC]

Matt, can I refer you to your original post, the first line will do........


Child then, adult now.

Originally diagnosed with symptoms as a child. Still experiencing symptoms as an adult.

[Matt-EUC]

Have you been down the nutritional route Matt? I would push for help to start there before contemplating drugs...has you're GP been down this path with you? For all you know a particular food stuff causes you difficulty...I remember having issues with hyper activity from certain additives in orange squash as a kid, as did other kids I knew...


Multiple times with help from old GP and the internet to minimal effects. I felt an improvement in motivation and energy but not overly significant.

[Red Herring]

Matt, internet forums can be cruel places at the best of times as it's very easy for people to offer fairly cutting opinions with little thought for the person on the receiving end of them. I've met you on more than one occasion, I quite like you, and I don't want to upset or offend you, but equally I'm an opinionated individual with quite strong views on things, some of which I actually know something about given my experiences and company I keep.....

You came on here asking what people thought about ADHD, got a pretty clear steer from some of us and have come back asking for more so it would be pretty easy for me to give you both barrels warts and all, but I don't think that is what you want or need to hear.

True ADHD is a mental condition and it is normally diagnosed in children because that is generally when the symptoms present. Sometimes individuals "get better", sometimes it stays with them for life in various forms and is managed with treatment, including medication.

Then there are children who for various reasons have difficulty in their early life. These children don't have a mental condition, even if society has for some reason decided to label them with one. They just maybe didn't get the start in life they could have had and are still playing catch up into their adulthood. They are quite capable of leading wholesome and successful lives with a little help and support both professionally and from their friends (or even well meaning strangers) and hopefully that is all we are trying to do for you on here.

I really wish you the very best of luck.

[kaivalagi]

Yeah, only hoping for the best result for you Matt, here's hoping you get to where you need to be.

I hard learning difficulties as a kid, always still in the classroom catching up whilst my friends were in the playground, no labels back then. It all started changing 3 years into high school, once I truly understood what I needed too. I was and still am to a greater extent someone who needs to know all the details before I feel confident in anything. An engineering degree helped build confidence though and now I chuckle seeing all those in my IT field that are blagging far too much and consider themselves experts when they are far from it....maybe I'm a little iddy biddy bit Autistic lol

[Matt-EUC]

Thank you.

[Bibio]

Yeah, only hoping for the best result for you Matt, here's hoping you get to where you need to be.

I hard learning difficulties as a kid, always still in the classroom catching up whilst my friends were in the playground, no labels back then. It all started changing 3 years into high school, once I truly understood what I needed too. I was and still am to a greater extent someone who needs to know all the details before I feel confident in anything. An engineering degree helped build confidence though and now I chuckle seeing all those in my IT field that are blagging far too much and consider themselves experts when they are far from it....maybe I'm a little iddy biddy bit Autistic lol

yup, school was a disaster for me and as such i was frustrated and this turned into trouble causing, i also started a year after everyone else due to returning from South Africa at 6. i was labelled as stupid. roll on a few decades and i ended back in learning doing an fast track HNC in computer networks (i gained an HND within 1.5 years) which eventually led to me almost finishing a degree at uni. at collage it transpired that i had comprehension dyslexia and once given the proper tools (coloured gel overlays) my learning ability was changed. also transpired that i have a way above average IQ and very very high problem solving skills. even just discovering that i was not as stupid as i was always told gave me more well being as i always thought that there was something wrong.

so how does this help Matt? being diagnosed as having dyslexia gave me a new outlook to which i was able then to learn new skills to combat it so all it might take is for Matt to be diagnosed as having something wrong might just help him.

i have met Matt and he is a good lad so being diagnosed might, with the right help be able to work through his troubles.

[Matt-EUC]

It's certainly encouraging bib, but only time will tell.

[Geodude]

Wasn't going to post as i like to keep my private stuff private but just wanted to wish you good luck Matt and keep going until you get an answer as for me it took over 10 years of trying to get an answer from doctors etc. I did type alot more but deleted it as i felt i didnt need to share my stuff as i just wanted to say keep trying for the help you feel you need. :)

[Matt-EUC]

Feel free to pm me if you still feel it's important.

[Geodude]

Briefly, i eventually was given a brain spect scan which showed up a neurological problem not what they had treated me for for over ten years.

My pm box is full of messages from reader and i dont want to delete them :(

[Bibio]

My pm box is full of messages from reader and i dont want to delete them :(

download them ;)

[Geodude]

download them ;)

You can do that! where, how, etc

Ps sorry for de-rail Matt

[Bibio]

go to your inbox the tick all the messages and at the bottom change the box that says 'move to folder...' to 'download as ???' where ??? is the type of format you would like then press go. TXT is usually the best.

[Geodude]

Oooo i didnt know that ta chuck :)

Edit: yay it worked

[maviczap]

In your pm inbox, bottom right hand coner is the option to download them, drop down tab

[Geodude]

Done it whoop it worked ta :)

[Spank86]

Do you by any chance have a similar view on dyslexia?

I'm sure if there was a pill they could take that instantly diminishes the symptoms, they'd all take it.

Yes.

Dyslexia is a handy label for the way certain peoples brains work slightly differently to what we consider the norm. It's not a mental illness and doesn't require curing and If there was a pill that changed my brain so I wasn't dyslexic I wouldn't take it.

[kaivalagi]

Yep, we are what we are, this bloody norm we should all be is tosh...I bet most biker's feel the same way.

[Littlepeahead]

I'm an absolute demon at Scrabble, but ask me to add up the scores and I really struggle. I honestly can't add up three lots of double figure numbers. My brain just won't do it. I've learned to ask someone to double check my budgets at work and in return I proof read everything for my department as spotting typos and editing I find easy. Apparently you can label my problem as dyscalculia but I prefer just to say I'm rubbish at maths. Giving something a label really doesn't help, you just have to find the best way to cope with your problem.

[littleoldman2]

I'm exactly the opposite. Maths good, words rubbish. Bet there's a special word for that as well. Labels who needs or wants them ?.

[Bibio]

so what some of you are saying is that you would rather put up with a problem than try to find a solution?

[Red Herring]

No, we are saying that you shouldn't need to be put into a particular category just in order to get on with your life. Just about everybody who has said they have a particular trait have also told you their solution.

[Bibio]

i agree RH but when you dont know the problem should you just carry on and be ignorant of it for fear of being put into a category. some traits are more serious than others and diagnosing the trait could lead to managing to cope and work with it.

knowing there is a problem is the fist step in helping find solutions.

sometimes its funny when i read things as its like being on hallucinogens but at the same time its bloody annoying, this is a form of dyslexia... news flash i have dyslexia but at one time i thought that it was normal to see things like that. so am i categorising myself by saying i have dyslexia which is also like saying i'm a Scottish, caucasian with brown eyes. i cant help being Scottish but i am and if someone asks my nationality what do i say? earthling? same goes for having learning difficulties that i'm now aware of if someone picks up on it. i cant help not being able to read properly but i'm no longer embarrassed about it.

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Matt,
I truly wish you all the best with your specialist, both of our children are on the autistic spectrum, this is very manageable for us as parents, but we truly worry how they will survive in the big bad world as adults. Mental problems are a part of life, they are invisible to the rest of the world, they are real, never forget who and what you are, if I sound a tiny bit sentimental tonight I feel that I have a reason to be, a lovely boy that we know has just committed suicide in his early 20s. Remember people DO love you whatever happens, if we were all the same it would be a desperately sad world, embrace your difference, never be a drone and remember that there are always people who support you. In your case a lot of them are right here.

[Matt-EUC]

Thank you, all of you.


Symptoms of inattention – Matthew met 8 out of a possible 9 symptoms of inattention in adulthood. Symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity - He met 8 out of a possible 9 symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity in adulthood




Diagnosis:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



Management plan: prescribe a months supply of methylphenidate

[Matt-EUC]

I'm very much looking forward to the rest of my life, functioning as a normal human being.


But, this is me I'm taking about, so don't hold your breath.

[kaivalagi]

Keep us posted on how you get on with the meds, I do hope it works out well. Good luck mate.

[Littlepeahead]

The positives have to be offset by the side effects, no alcohol, a warning not to drive/ride, stomach upset, thinning hair among others. Hope it's worth it.

[Matt-EUC]

80% tee total anyway so that's not an issue, and I'll just take them after I get to work.

I wouldn't have known that had you not told me though, so thank you.

[Red Herring]

From Dr. Cubbins own website.......


Treatment is focused on six areas:

Education
Psychological support and skills training
Changes in lifestyle
Sign posting to other forms of support
Medication


I'm hoping Matt's quote of her management plan was heavily edited, but her inability to count doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

[Matt-EUC]

There were about 12 things in the "management plan".


Edit: 6 things.


Edit: Edit: I was right the first time there are 11.


1. Could you kindly ensure that Matthew has a baseline BP and pulse and if this is within normal limits prescribe a months supply of methylphenidate10mg TDS ie ninety tablets (90). It was not possible to take this at assessment as Matthew needed a larger cuff than the one available.


2. I would like to review Matthew’s initial response to methylphenidate by telephone on the 3rd July and will let you know the appropriate ongoing dosage and I would be grateful if you can then prescribe.


3. NICE guidelines recommend BP and pulse is taken at baseline after dose increases and then three monthly and weight six monthly.


4. It is strongly recommended that Matthew eliminate [REDACTED] and reduce his high calorie and high caffeine intake to maximize his chances for improvement and to prevent additional problems.


5. As well as psychopharmacological measures, best practice treatment of ADHD in adults includes psychological interventions and this includes psycho-education. I suggest that Matthew learn more about ADHD and its treatments and I have signposted him in the direction of further information below.


6. I recommend that Matthew increases his awareness and knowledge of Adult ADHD. A Popular book is “Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with AttentionDeficit Disorder” by John J Ratey.


7. Additional online sources of information can be found at www.aadduk.org, http://rcpsych.ac.uk/expertadvice/problems/adhdinadults.aspx or www.mkadhd.org.uk . In addition Matthew may wish to contact the National Attention Deficit Disorder Information Support Service (ADDISS) at www.addiss.org.uk or 0208 9522800. ADDISS is a national charity for individuals with ADHD and their families and offers educational resources and information regarding local groups.


8. One of our research colleagues at the Institute of Psychiatry has developing a fascinating video on ADHD which is a good resources for individuals with ADHD and their families: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r3XWj269_g


9. With all individuals with ADHD, we would stress the value of a balanced diet, good nutrition and regular exercise. Matthew should aim to lose weight as he is obese. A good source of information about healthy living can be found at: http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/Pages/Livewellhub.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/healthy-eating/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx


10. I have enclosed an information leaflet for Matthew on ADHD as well as information on behavioural strategies which may help him better cope with these symptoms.


11. I am not able to provide crisis follow up although will do my best to offer urgent appointments if requested. Possible sources of help if Matthew feels in crisis could include
• going to local A&E department
• attending your GP practice and consideration for referral to secondary services or contacting
myself if related to his ADHD treatment.
• contacting the Samaritans who provide a 24hr a day phone support service for individuals. They can be contacted on 0845 7909090
• Contacting NHS, NHS Choices (website: www.nhs.uk), or NHS 111 service (phone number: 111) who may have up to date information about resources in the local area

[Red Herring]

Hi Matt,

I was playing a little bit with that reference to her website, I thought the typo amusing.....

On a more serious note it's a little worrying she didn't warn you about the side effects of the drug. You are aware you need to notify the DVLA aren't you?