ADHD

Hello I'm Bo. I'm autistic and suffer from ADHD, I was diagnosed with both when I was a child but since entering my 20s I'm finding life a lot more difficult now. The autism presents its own challenges but my ADHD affects me bad as well. Remembering things I read is hard and I've been thinking of taking medication for my ADHD, I read that's something a lot of people do but I worry about any side effects I might get.

Has anyone here got ADHD and taken meds for it? I was just wondering whether you find medication a positive experience.

Parents
  • I read that's something a lot of people do but I worry about any side effects I might get.

    If you ask your GP to arrange a psychiatrist consult on this subject you should find they are much more aware of the medications available and the side effects, especially in relation to your other neurodivergent condition.

    This person should be trained and be accountable for the advice they offer rather than asking for medical advice from randoms off the internet.

    All that said, it will be interesting to hear from those with both conditions on how medication worked for them.

  • Hello. Thanks for the reply, yes I will do that, I do need to get in touch with my GP. I’ll send an email to start and see if they can refer me to the right person to help. I hope they can, it's not always easy getting the right help.

    I try not to take too much medication, I have IBD and most meds are triggered unfortunately. But it would be interesting to see how others have found ADHD meds. If it’s a big difference then I will be very interested as right now my quality of life is affected badly at times.

    Have a nice night – love your Womble pic by the way!

  • I do need to get in touch with my GP. I’ll send an email to start and see if they can refer me to the right person to help.

    Just remember to ask for a psychiatist as they have the power to prescribe drugs and should understand their suitability much better than a general practicioner.

    Just remember to bring a note of all your other conditions, medications and reactions so they have all the facts to hand.

    It will also benefit you I think to tell them what you want out of the session - they may be able to provide it or advise you why it may not be a good idea depending on what they think. Doing this also helps you rationalise your goals in relation to the treatment.

  • Thanks for these helpful tips Iain. I always take a piece of paper with my conditions on them but I never thought before to mention how previous medications have affected me, this is a really good idea and I’ve made a note of it so I don’t forget.

    I appreciate your help with this. Thank you! It’s always helpful discussing this sort of thing with others as I never think of the important things like you have. I’ve sent an email to my GP, requesting a psychiatrist referral to help with autism and ADHD so hopefully I’ll hear back soon!

Reply
  • Thanks for these helpful tips Iain. I always take a piece of paper with my conditions on them but I never thought before to mention how previous medications have affected me, this is a really good idea and I’ve made a note of it so I don’t forget.

    I appreciate your help with this. Thank you! It’s always helpful discussing this sort of thing with others as I never think of the important things like you have. I’ve sent an email to my GP, requesting a psychiatrist referral to help with autism and ADHD so hopefully I’ll hear back soon!

Children
No Data