Topic Tuesday // ADHD // Tuesday 22nd February, 7:00- 8:30PM AEDT

The idea that ADHD means you are bouncing off the walls, disruptive and going to be unable to achieve things really gets me - probably because that perception is a big reason why myself and my quiet boy didn't get diagnosed earlier.

This perception that people with ADHD will struggle to achieve in life I find really, offensive? in a way. Its the biggest reason that my parents don't believe my diagnosis - because I have achieved things. When I put my mind to something it happens - but it is BECAUSE I have ADHD, not in spite of it. The most recent example is that I just bought my first house. I was obsessed with making it happen and did so in the space of about 4 months. Because I was hyperfocused! And if I am really honest, I was running out of focus for it so it was really good it all came together when it did because I was starting to feel that focus disappearing and I was forgetting important stuff like signing contracts!

I wish people understood how draining it can be to not feel like your brain is working, or is getting in the way of you achieving what you know or think you should be able to.

@Teej I am so sorry to hear how difficult (and expensive) the path to finding a diagnosis was for you It sounds like the pathways isn't always easy to navigate, and requires a lot of input from multiple professionals. I'm glad to hear that you eventually found the right person at the right time who was able to help you seek a diagnosis and understand what that means for you in your life

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@Daisydreamer wrote:

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It sounds like diagnosis was really affirming for you @Jynx, and helped to dispel some of those really harmful stigmas around why you were feeling the way you were feeling! I'm hearing that relief 🙂

You mentioned going to a psychiatrist for a diagnosis, and I am hearing that many people here have had to go through multiple professionals or services to seek a diagnosis. Who can provide a diagnosis and what are some of the things you might need to be aware of when building a professional network? (eg: What are the differences in support a GP vs a psychiatrist can provide?)

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So I think the reason we all end up going to a psychiatrist is because they are the only ones who can prescribe the medication - due to it being a restricted drug. So for instance, once I found the right balance with my meds, I found a private GP who had a particular licence that meant she could renew my scripts (thus saving me hundreds of dollars, psychiatrists can be soooo expensive) but if I needed to alter dosage or anything I'd need to go back to my diagnosing psychiatrist.

I think a good way to go about it might be to find a psychiatrist in your local area who has a special interest in ADHD, and then go to a GP to get a referral to that psych specifically. It can also help to fill out some questionnaires to take with you - like the DIVA 2.0

"When I put my mind to something it happens - but it is BECAUSE I have ADHD, not in spite of it. The most recent example is that I just bought my first house". Love this @Bristle 😊

Question 3: Can you briefly tell us about the different types of ADHD?

Lol @Jynx I can identify with lots of that list.

I just want people to know that I’m a work in progress since my diagnosis of learning to be the real me, in all my chaos.
I have started down the same path as mentioned in trying to make my life fit me not societal expectations (which has some big things to sort through yet).

That is soo interesting @Jynx , as I was reading it , it was bringing up all my loved ones and the ones I looked after , and each one partly different to each other

@Daisydreamer , @Paperdaisy

@greenspace it sounds like you really had to advocate for your diagnosis and research to find the best path and options for a diagnosis!

@Paperdaisy it was a relief to have the diagnosis at last, but I also felt sad that I'd missed so many opportunities over the decades because I didn't know how to manage my ADHD brain, and I felt angry with all the teachers, family members, bosses, etc, who had judged me.

Now I'm mostly just hoping that I'll find some medication that's helpful without having too many side effects.

And acknowledging myself for all the strategies I've developed over the years to deal with things like forgetting that some of my clothes exist because I haven’t worn them for a month...

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@Paperdaisy wrote:

Question 3: Can you briefly tell us about the different types of ADHD?

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From the DSM-V:

Inattentive Type – the daydreamer. More likely to be staring out the window, inattentive type is characterised by struggles in focusing and being attentive to the task at hand, whether that is a difficult task (like paperwork) or concentrating and staying attentive to conversations.

Hyperactive Type – the energetic one. Characterised by restlessness and urges to DO THINGS (just not always the ‘right’ things), hyperactive ADHD feels like IF I DON’T SAY/DO SOMETHING I WILL EXPLODE. If forced to sit still, it will feel like a buzz or hum is vibrating the body. Often will be fidgeting, bouncing their leg, or wanting to jump up and play.

Combined Type – A mixture of the above. I was diagnosed with combined type, so will often sit daydreaming, or bouncing my leg hard enough to shake tables 🤣

Having said this, in my experience, there are a complex array of presentations, and no two people will have the exact same combination of symptoms.