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What is the treatment for adult ADD?

10 replies

whataboutus7 · 12/01/2019 00:00

I know for a fact I would ‘qualify’ for this diagnosis but I would like to know what actual effect a diagnosis has on your life. I don’t want a label that means nothing. Does the label unlock any specific support hat you couldn’t get otherwise?

OP posts:
UterusUterusGhali · 12/01/2019 00:02

Following with interest.

I'm pretty sure if I had had a diagnosis as a child my life would be so much better. :(

Not sure if it's worth it now or if I'd just feel even more angry that it didn't have to be this way.

Birdsgottafly · 12/01/2019 00:05

My DD was diagnosed from a child.

Unless it's impacting on your life, the service is crap. Areas do vary though.

My DD has worked her way up in the company that she works for and they will make allowances for her and accommodate her needs.

That what a diagnosis gives you, sometimes, leaway at work.

purpleme12 · 12/01/2019 00:07

Depends on your area totally. In mine there is no therapy but I know it's different in others

Birdsgottafly · 12/01/2019 00:09

How old are you UterusUterusGhali?

My youngest (21) was in a SEN school and things wasn't great for children with ADHD and I know a few Mums who've had to opt for private education, so it could be wishful thinking.

My DD now 34 was one of the first batch of children given ritalin at the age she was, in our area.

My Granddaughter's best friend has just had to move primary school because they couldn't accommodate her.

whataboutus7 · 12/01/2019 11:50

Bumping this for the daytime crowd Smile

OP posts:
whataboutus7 · 12/01/2019 11:52

Unless it's impacting on your life, the service is crap.

My lack of focus and attention is hugely impacting my work life, but I don't actually know what a diagnosis as an adult could offer me in concrete terms?

Do you just get told to 'use strategies like lists and planners and the Pomodoro technique?' I've tried all that and it doesn't help.

OP posts:
FarFrom · 12/01/2019 11:54

Medication can be really helpful

SmithyDarlingLetsDoShots · 12/01/2019 11:56

I was diagnosed as an adult 4 years ago.
I take methylphenidate daily (ritalin) and my life has improved significantly because of my medication and reasonable adjustments I now have in work.

However it took me 3 years to get a diagnosis and the stress of it nearly broke me!
I would advise you have a look at some adult adhd forums and try and go private for a diagnosis.

Waddsup12 · 12/01/2019 12:07

Right, I'll wade in.

I have an adult DX in middle-age, much to my surprise. The "label"* has been of great help to me as I now know why I don't fit in and it has enabled me to find people like me. Though there is a wide range of effects and people use different coping strategies. The key thing is to find coping strategies that aren't harmful to either yourself or others.

It has also made me aware of how patchy the support is but I've also heard a lot of success stories.

The place to start is the NICE Guidelines that were updated last year. ADHD is very heavily researched and the guidelines state how it should be managed.

I've found the Adult ADHD group on FB very helpful, run by a guy who really knows his stuff.

If you're near Liverpool, they have a fantastic drop-in group and course - Ladders of Life. There is also the work of ADHD Foundation and some other charities.

Russell Barkley has a lot of info on You Tube. "How to ADHD" is good, especially for younger people.

The one thing I'd say is that it's up to me if I share my "label" and as DH is just saying to me it's made not a jot of difference to anyone else. Been very helpful for me. I'm not medicated and now realise how to adjust my life to make it a lot easier.

*Personally, I'm now finding the use of the word label difficult...it's a diagnosis as it's a neurobiological disorder with a strong genetic component.

I'm also in the "it's a gift" camp, even though it's made life quite awkward at times. :-)

I suffer with the emotional sensitivity thing, so I won't be back to this thread....hope this helps tho!

Waddsup12 · 12/01/2019 12:08

It's an executive function disorder, so the "just do this" approach is exceptionally unhelpful.

There are ADHD coaches too.

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