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Original poster

If you have ADHD, how has medication helped you?

13 replies

Appalonia · 28/12/2022 18:12

On a recent thread, a couple of posters suggested I might have ADHD, due to my struggles with organisation, motivation and procrastination. I have since done a lot of research about how it presents in women, and when I do online assessments my score was quite high. I've felt all my life that this was just a character defect in myself so it would be hugely relieving to know it was an actual brain/chemical disorder.

So my question is, if you have had a diagnosis and are now on medication, how has this helped you? I'm desperate to try something, as I feel incapable of change. Not saying it would be a magic bullet, but having been on Prozac once before, for depression, I know how different I felt on that drug, happy for no reason, so I have some experience of how much better you can feel if your brain is working properly.

Really would appreciate anyone's experience of this.

OP posts:
MyGhastIsFlabbered · 28/12/2022 18:22

Hi OP

I was diagnosed a couple of months ago and I'm gradually titrating my way up the doses of methylphenidate. Honestly I don't know if it's just getting the diagnosis and finally making sense of 'me' or the medication or a combination of both but it feels like finally everything makes sense?
It's like I've spent my whole life trying to be a square peg in a round hole world, wondering why I struggle so much with things everyone else seems to take for granted.

I'm still hoping for more from the meds as my dose is increased as I've still a long way to go, but it definitely feels like it's helping. Feel free to ask anything you want to know - I'm not sure I've answered anything!

Original poster
Appalonia · 28/12/2022 18:30

Do you feel any different? Thanks for replying, and yes I get the square peg in a round hole too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Appalonia · 28/12/2022 18:33

The other thing that hit me about having a dopamine deficiency, is how much it explained my many addictive behaviours. Alcohol, nicotine, shopping, sex. I wish there was a healthy way to get it!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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General health
HairyKitty · 28/12/2022 18:35

Op, not the question you are asking but I have read that the majority of adults diagnosed with adhd and starting meds have previously been prescribed multiple anti depressants. I think your posts on this thread definitely suggest a great deal of value to you in trying meds.

Original poster
Appalonia · 28/12/2022 18:36

I'd also like to know, how did you manage to get an official diagnosis? I have visions of going to my Dr and saying I'm just a bit crap and can't get my life together, and being told to pull myself together...

OP posts:
Original poster
Appalonia · 28/12/2022 18:37

HairyKitty · 28/12/2022 18:35

Op, not the question you are asking but I have read that the majority of adults diagnosed with adhd and starting meds have previously been prescribed multiple anti depressants. I think your posts on this thread definitely suggest a great deal of value to you in trying meds.

Oh thank you for saying that. X

OP posts:
HairyKitty · 28/12/2022 18:42

@Appalonia you could print out a screening test, fill it in and take it with you. Insist on a referral for assessment, if gp agrees be prepared for a long wait.
If they agree to make a referral consider requesting “right to choose”, you right to choose any nhs authorised clinic for your assessment which could really speed things up.
If you can afford the monthly medication bill you could at the same time take a private referral and prescription so that you get the help you need ahead of the 2-3 year nhs waiting list

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 28/12/2022 18:58

I've spent my adult life under mental health services and I had to really fight for this. You need to really do your research when you go to your GP for a referral to the community mental health services. I'd recommend printing off the screening questionnaire AND get a family friend relative to complete the childhood questionnaire.

I'd never really considered ADHD. It was only when I was going through the assessment process with DS2 that it suddenly occurred to me that I exhibit a lot of the same traits as him.

I've always felt a complete failure and getting this diagnosis gave me a 'reason' why I haven't achieved much. It's given me a lot of peace of mind. So far!

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 28/12/2022 19:00

HairyKitty · 28/12/2022 18:42

@Appalonia you could print out a screening test, fill it in and take it with you. Insist on a referral for assessment, if gp agrees be prepared for a long wait.
If they agree to make a referral consider requesting “right to choose”, you right to choose any nhs authorised clinic for your assessment which could really speed things up.
If you can afford the monthly medication bill you could at the same time take a private referral and prescription so that you get the help you need ahead of the 2-3 year nhs waiting list

Yes, I believe you can insist on a referral to another provider. I think Psychiatry UK are UK-wide and do NHS assessments so worth bearing in mind if you don't get anywhere with your local services.

Steoa · 28/12/2022 19:02

I had quite a negative time on adhd drugs and ended up stopping them, but for dh it's been life changing, gives him the ability to do his to do lists etc, clears his thoughts.

Straycatblue · 28/12/2022 19:08

Mumsnet has a forum section with lots of good info as well about seeking diagnosis & coping skills etc if you scroll through the posts in the section

www.mumsnet.com/talk/neurodiverse_mumsnetters

deedeeweewoo · 12/04/2023 17:04

same! would love a sit ups and lunge addiction! ha ha

deedeeweewoo · 12/04/2023 17:36

True and that psych and GP are not in correspondence with each other, or weren't back in the day. I have been on the anti deps for over 34 years - only been on ADHD meds for one year. They were not in correspondence with each other.

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