|
Post by Wavey75 on Feb 28, 2014 16:18:48 GMT
For those of you in Devon or whatever the catchment area is for a clinic in Exeter, I attended a new 6 part once a week 2.5 hour support group, run by the NHS ADHD Clinic, which has just started.
Their were 5 patients and 3 support staff from 10am to 12:30pm, with unlimited hot drinks and ginger biscuits throughout! lol
We had to pair off and spend a few minutes talking to the other about 2 things the other loves to do or enjoys, etc and to introduce them to the group.
With the structure of the course being covered at the beginning and what we can expect each week, the conversation flowed and it seemed to be quite quick.
From memory, we covered:
What is ADHD? How does this affect our lives? What goals can we set to achieve by the end of the course?
There will be more updates to come.
Wavey75
|
|
|
Post by annie on Feb 28, 2014 19:32:56 GMT
Hi Wavey
This sounds interesting.
Usually, on here, when we talk about a Support Group it's normally one which is made up of Adults with ADHD meeting up to talk about their experiences/difficulties and what strategies individuals have found helpful. What your describing sounds more like some form of Group Programme with a lot more structure. Specifically targeted CBT for adults with ADHD is thought to be successful for some people and certainly will be interested to hear more about the course.
annie
|
|
johinty
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 10
|
Post by johinty on Mar 3, 2014 19:54:37 GMT
Hi Wavey, That sounds promising - would love to hear how this goes for you. I have recently been diagnosed privately, having all but given up on the prospect of an NHS appointment. However, within weeks of my private diagnosis, I have been contacted by Exeter who have offered me an NHS appointment in early April. The service you have described sounds great, the possibility of ongoing help, guidance, and support is really exciting and probably really beneficial to most attendees. Just meeting and talking to other sufferers of ADHD must be so enlightening. Who knows, I may well see you at one of the group sessions down the line.. Cheers, Jon.
|
|
|
Post by Wavey75 on Mar 3, 2014 22:13:10 GMT
Hi Johinty,
I get the impression so far that we're the 1st bunch to be offered this group and as it's brand new to the clinic, there will be others who will be offered this limited space, once only clinical support group.
So, once I've completed the 6 sessions, that's it.
I'll correct this if it's not true, but as this is the NHS, most services offered as a 'course' are a one time only thing.
Wavey75
|
|
|
Post by Wavey75 on Mar 9, 2014 0:08:11 GMT
Overview of the course
Session 1 – Understanding ADHD And Goal setting
1.Welcome and introductions 2.Getting to know each other 3.Group Rules 4.Aims for the course and for today 5.Experiences of diagnosis 6.Bio-Psycho-social model of coping 7.What is ADHD?
Session 2 – Attention and Concentration
1.Getting to know each other, again! 2.Review of the week/ recap of last week 3.Finish off any goals from last week 4.What is attention and concentration?. 5.What do you struggle with? 6.Helpful strategies a.Listening skills b.Modifying the environment c.Things that you can do – Rewards d.Mindfulness 7.How we view ADHD 8.Feedback and questions
Session 3 – Time Management and Organisation
1.Saying hello and practicing mindfulness 2.Review of the week/ recap of last weeks session 3.What is Organisation and Time Management? 4.What difficulties do you have with these? 5.What strategies do you use that help? 6.Strengths of ADHD 7.Feedback and Questions
Session 4 - Forgetting and problem solving
1.Saying hello 2.Review of the week/ recap of last weeks session 3.Progress towards goals 4.What is Problem Solving and What is forgetting? 5.What do you struggle with? 6.What do you find Helpful ? 7.What other ideas could you use? a.For forgetting b.For solving problems 8.Practicing problem solving 9.Noticing Achievements 10.Feedback and Questions
Session 5 – Procrastination
1.Saying hello 2.Review of the week and recap of last week 3.Aims of the day 4.What is procrastination? 5.What do you struggle with? 6.What can you do to help? a.Red- flags for procrastination b.Tackling negative thoughts c.Tackling avoidance 7.Famous people with ADHD 8.Questions and Feedback
Session 6 - Final session
1.Saying hello 2.Review of the week and recap of last week 3.Aims of the day 4.Finish anything needed 5.Review goals 6.Review Course 7.Book a time for post-course conversation 8.Complete questionnaires 9.Helpful books, organisations and websites 10.Questions and feedback 11.Goodbyes– what will you take away
So that's the whole deal. So far it's been slow with not much help for me personally, but I'm quite comfortable with mindfulness and have been for years, it's been easier for me on the concerta too.
My review of the sessions so far has been that despite having a 2.5 hours session every week, there's just not enough time to get round it all, and for everyone.
I think they're aiming too high with this structure and the very nature of ADD/ADHD prohibits this much progress in such concentration.
Wavey75
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2014 8:31:41 GMT
Obviously I can't comment on the course itself, but it does seem to have a good structure to it. Better than a certain book being promoted by the BMA as a way of introducing AD(H)D currently. I like the way the headings and their contents are ordered. I might print this off just to help me order my own thoughts on ADD. Interested at the start of the course when you were paired off with a person in order to understand/learn a bit about their lives and what they did in order to introduce them. If that had a been me, I'd have had trouble (a) remembering everything I was told and (b) processing the order in my brain effectively so that I could coherently introduce them. And I hope the ginger biscuits were organic Thanks for sharing
|
|
|
Post by Wavey75 on Mar 9, 2014 9:05:24 GMT
Hi ADDJ,
The frustrating part for me is on week 1, I was looking forward to the 'What is ADHD?' and we didn't really cover it in any depth, it's all very skimming the surface so far. Week 2 was not any more useful - absent members for 1st half or 2nd half do more harm to this type of group than any other I think.
So, there are 3/4 of us and 3 staff - all wanting to have their turn to speak to us, rather than with us.
Punctual is also not in the clinician's vocabulary, we yet to start on time.
I think I'm going to give it one more week, and if I still feel the way I do now, I'm going to jack it in as a waste of time.
Wavey75
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2014 9:35:10 GMT
Thanks Wavey75. Such a shame when something so promising ends up being a disappointment. It seems that whoever set out the structure knows the ADHD score pretty well, hence give them some kudos for that, but sadly, everything seems poorly executed. What a shame! Hope the next you attend turns out more fruitful.
|
|
ozadd
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 49
|
Post by ozadd on Mar 21, 2014 11:18:14 GMT
Hi Wavey75 - I'm in the catchment area for the Exeter clinic - have been told I will wait up to 18 months for an assessment. Have you been assessed and diagnosed already in order to get on to this program? You sound reasonably positive about it (which is the only approach to have a chance, I guess) - I hope it's of benefit for you. Will look forward to some updates. Sorry, Wavey75 - I posted this, then when back and saw there were a bunch more messages below the first one which explain a lot more for me - bugger! It's almost like I've got ADD or something!
|
|
|
Post by Wavey75 on Mar 21, 2014 14:08:31 GMT
Hi ozadd, I not sure how much of this I should answer, so I'll answer it all. Yes, I'm diagnosed. I was referred in July 2013 and informed of the estimated wait times as you were, but I pursued them and hounded them via email to get a narrower ETA of an appointment. It took 6 or 7 appointments for my diagnosis and I was then seen by a Psychiatrist who prescribed me Concerta XL. I wasn't expecting to be ADHD, I was only really looking for a weight loss solution, so when they told me I was shocked to say the least. I have been attending an adult ADHD course spread over six 2 1/2 hour sessions across 7 weeks and some of the group members are finding it useful. I personally find it useful to meet and talk to other ADD/ADHD adults, which I did for the first time ever at the Bristol support group - I found it invaluable. If you are in the area for Exeter, you might find it useful to attend a support group in your area and I happen to know of one - just read this link.Wavey75
|
|
|
Post by donkeydonkey on Mar 21, 2014 21:15:25 GMT
Howdy Don't give it up, help shape it or something. It's a win for you, it's a win for them, especially as you're a typical I-will-have-my-say-because-I'm-right-by-default-y0. Some call this a win/win situation but I don't understand all this new fangled terminology Someone recommended me a book called 'How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk' - I bet Janev recommended it tbh. I've read two chapters or something and I've noticed a change in the way I perceive 'announcements' from others. It basically teaches you empathy via the children pathway (we all want our kids to do well, everyone else can fuck off type thing). I'm shocked to say I appear to be 'getting' it. I think ADHD groups all over should be teaching this. Role playing it, drilling it parrot fashion if need be. Anyway, I'm rambling, best of luck
|
|
|
Post by Wavey75 on Mar 22, 2014 11:58:15 GMT
Hi donkey,
He group organisers I feel are rigid in that they insist the pre determined materials are covered, in a set time and there's no room left for much discussion.
A lot of the tips and things they are covering to help us in our daily lives I'm already doing and I was taught mindfulness 7 or 8 years a go and now I take concerta I am able to progress it's effectiveness in my life.
It's unfortunate that the course in its current form does not allow for debate, discussion and other helpful practises.
I hope they manage to improve dramatically on the next presentation of it in the future.
Wavey75
|
|
|
Post by AddGirl on May 13, 2015 17:09:46 GMT
Hey I live in Exeter in Devon but dont fancy the clinic support group, does anyone want to meet up informally? for a coffee/beer/walk? im a woman in my thirties and diagnosed a few years ago
|
|
|
Post by kaz on May 18, 2015 13:09:13 GMT
Hi im looking for as much support for ADHD groups/clinic etc for my partner when he comes out of prison, he is a Devon resident and I will be moving down within a few months but im just trying to get as much info in advance so I can help keep him focused on a better life for both of us
|
|
|
Post by chaoticwitch on May 25, 2015 21:21:36 GMT
I know this thread is a little old but I was very interested in it as I am waiting to be assessed at this very clinic. I was told there would be a 9 month waiting list to be seen. That was a couple of months ago now, so I will try emailing them to see if I can get it moving quicker.
I would be interested to know if you continued with the support group and how that was.
Would also like to hear from anyone else who has had any experience with this place.
|
|
|
Post by chaoticwitch on Jul 9, 2015 17:43:34 GMT
I thought I would add my experience of the ADHD clinic in Exeter since having my appointment there. I was seen by Dr Atwee (think that's how you spell it). When I arrived I was very stressed, I had parked in the wrong place and was late, I'd also had an argument with my son in the car on the way up. After a few minutes in the waiting room I was called in by the doctor. He explained that he had found a letter sent from Waverly to my Doctor from 2011 confirming my prescription for Concerta after my diagnosis by a Dr Adhler who was the prescribing doctor at Waverly at the time that a trainee psychologist did a questionnaire with me and said that she believed that I had ADHD. He then told me he cannot find any evidence of the questionnaire as it was done in 2010 so would not be on the computerised notes, but would probably be in a filing cabinet (at this point he directed my attention to the filing cabinet in the corner of the room, just in case I wasn't sure of what he was talking about!!!!) I am shocked that in the time I have been on the waiting list, not once did they consider contacting Waverly to see this evidence of my diagnosis! I was upset and emotional, I felt patronised and I couldn't stop the tears from coming. The kind Dr told me that I had to put the emotions to one side as this was about ADHD not emotional problems and then asked me about my concentration levels. This is all he focused on, in fact when I asked him what the symptoms were for ADHD he told me it was about concentration and focus and that was it. He then asked me what I wanted to do, he noted that I had expressed some benefits from my previous try on Concerta and said if I wanted help I could go back on to that. I don't feel I was heard, I have no idea what my ADHD is made up of, I read on here others talking about being mostly hyperactivity or attention deficit among other things. But I have not been given any information at all other than, "yes you have a diagnosis of ADHD. I am taking 18mg of Concerta daily for the next 3 weeks when I have another appointment to see the specialist nurse, I can only hope the nurse can be of more help than the Doctor was!
|
|
|
Post by Foxtrot on Jul 9, 2015 18:48:00 GMT
I thought I would add my experience of the ADHD clinic in Exeter since having my appointment there. I was seen by Dr Atwee (think that's how you spell it). When I arrived I was very stressed, I had parked in the wrong place and was late, I'd also had an argument with my son in the car on the way up. After a few minutes in the waiting room I was called in by the doctor. He explained that he had found a letter sent from Waverly to my Doctor from 2011 confirming my prescription for Concerta after my diagnosis by a Dr Adhler who was the prescribing doctor at Waverly at the time that a trainee psychologist did a questionnaire with me and said that she believed that I had ADHD. He then told me he cannot find any evidence of the questionnaire as it was done in 2010 so would not be on the computerised notes, but would probably be in a filing cabinet (at this point he directed my attention to the filing cabinet in the corner of the room, just in case I wasn't sure of what he was talking about!!!!) I am shocked that in the time I have been on the waiting list, not once did they consider contacting Waverly to see this evidence of my diagnosis! I was upset and emotional, I felt patronised and I couldn't stop the tears from coming. The kind Dr told me that I had to put the emotions to one side as this was about ADHD not emotional problems and then asked me about my concentration levels. This is all he focused on, in fact when I asked him what the symptoms were for ADHD he told me it was about concentration and focus and that was it. He then asked me what I wanted to do, he noted that I had expressed some benefits from my previous try on Concerta and said if I wanted help I could go back on to that. I don't feel I was heard, I have no idea what my ADHD is made up of, I read on here others talking about being mostly hyperactivity or attention deficit among other things. But I have not been given any information at all other than, "yes you have a diagnosis of ADHD. I am taking 18mg of Concerta daily for the next 3 weeks when I have another appointment to see the specialist nurse, I can only hope the nurse can be of more help than the Doctor was! @chaoticwitch from what you describe, it's no wonder you felt upset. It doesn't sound like he did much to make you feel understood or informed. You are entitled to see the report or any letters sent to your GP which will answer some of those questions. My psyc sent me these and didn't charge DPA print charge either. I did have to ask for them twice though. Maybe consider making a list of questions you'd like resolving and contact the assessment centre with the questions and a request for a copy of these docs? Some psych will do a telephone consultation too. Interesting that he dismissed emotional labidity. This is one of the 8 executive functions affected by ADHD. Typically people with ADHD experience emotions much more profoundly than NTs. Have you ever read up on Russell Barkely? He gives a great explanation of the complexity of ADHD on cognitive function. You can view his presentations on you tube too. I found them extremely eye opening, it explains so much more than Inattention and hyperactivity. Understanding this so much better also helped me figure out better coping skills and expectations. Chin up though, your on your way to taking charge of your ADHD and that's the main thing.
|
|
|
Post by chaoticwitch on Jul 9, 2015 20:36:05 GMT
Thanks Foxtrot, I should have been having an appointment tomorrow at Waverly, I was going to ask them about the diagnosis and evidence to support this. Unfortunately, my car has got no tax and as Waverly is in town there is no way I could risk driving it into town. Without my car I am pretty much housebound. I have asked them if they can come to me but they couldn't do it at such short notice. I may call them in the morning to see what they have there. I would really like to know more about my ADHD, I have spent so much time trying to understand what is going on in my head. I thought the diagnosis would be the start of that understanding, but I feel no further forward than I did 4 years ago when they first suggested it.
|
|
|
Post by gillywilly on Jan 31, 2016 23:31:30 GMT
Hi chaoticwitch, and sorry to hear about your less-than-positive experience at the Exeter Adult ADHD (DANA) clinic. REFERRAL/WAIT FOR ASSESSMENTMy experience has been completely different. I phoned the clinic in Aug 2015 (after GP referral in Feb) to see where I was on the waiting list. The friendly receptionist told me likely appt not til Jan 2016. She asked my about my symptoms, was sympathetic, and suggested useful info (esp Russell Barkley books/YouTube) in the interim. She put me on their last-minute-cancellations waiting list - and I got a call late Sept to ask if I could make a cancelled appt two days later (woo hoo!). ASSESSMENTSaw psychiatrist Dr AB who was very kind and calm, and happy for my partner to join me for the assessment. He stated at the outset that he was able to diagnose (pos or neg) 80% of those he saw by the end of the session, but might require more sessions with those where a Dx was not clear-cut. Two-hour assessment: he was very good at keeping me on topic (no mean feat!), was sympathetic with my difficulties, and diagnosed me with ADHD at the end of the session. He explained simply what would happen next, called for the prescribing nurse (MJ - equally lovely) to meet me, gave me an ADHD Post-diagnostic Information Pack, made particular mention of their closed Facebook groups and the group sessions they offered (more below), and recommended I read Russell Barkley's 'Taking Charge of Adult ADHD' (a copy of which he had on his shelf). He then prescribed meds, and followed up by sending a comprehensive letter to my GP, outlining all my various ADHD difficulties/ symptoms, and the support/guidance offered. FOLLOW UPI saw prescribing nurse MJ and psychologist RM a fortnight later. Bit disappointed by the 'psychological' support, as it seemed limited to an explanation about the group sessions they offered, rather than any individual difficulties I might have. But have seen MJ every couple of weeks since, while working up through the titrations. He is great at explaining all things medical, and at asking appropriate questions to determine what effects, if any, higher dose meds are having. He's also good at telling me when I've interrupted him (oops) - and supportive in upping the dosage, when improvements have been minimal. Once he'd prescribed the max dosage of Concerta (108mg) he discussed alternative drug options, with pros and cons, for me to think about (with paper copy to take away), should this dosage still not give optimal benefits. Am now trying out Dexedrine... Also v happy for me to contact him by email at any time. GROUP SESSIONSI declined the support group sessions offered (6 x Fri afternoons in the run-up to Xmas) - so was disappointed to learn the next available sessions ("in the New Year") won't take place until March at the earliest. Also, there are 4 different types of group mentioned in their Post-diagnosis Info Pack, but only the generic one has been offered to me so far. CLOSED FACEBOOK GROUPS1. DANAForde FB page: only a few of us ADHDers post on there. DANA clinicians are pretty quick to get back to any of the Qs we ask, and also post useful links and info about ADHD seminars or new research. They've recently asked what interest there might be in setting up a support group locally. 2. DANAF&F (friends/family) FB page: my partner accesses this site; it sounds like there are far more postings/discussions posted on there. OTHER GOOD POINTSa) confirmatory letter of assessment had ADHD-friendly descriptions of how to find the clinic by car/Park&Ride/train, with detailed written instructions (e.g. bus number; which stops to get on/get off at) and two maps. b) MJ (prescribing nurse) is v good at making sure I leave nothing behind at each appointment; also that I've stuck the details of my next appt in my phone c) other staff there are v friendly (so you don't feel like a moron) d) the clock on the wall runs 5 mins slow, I'm sure its deliberately done so that when we're running late for an appointment we don't feel quite so bad about it! In my experience, a great service. All credit to them.
|
|
|
Post by chaoticwitch on Mar 17, 2016 11:36:08 GMT
It is interesting that you got offered group therapy, I don't remember being told about that. But I was on my own and there is every possibility that I was staring out of the window and not really paying attention!
I have since been up and have had much better experiences up there. Although I was a little frustrated when they put me on Strattera and told me if that didn't work there was nothing left to try! I am on a few Adult ADHD pages on Facebook and have read how others have been offered different combinations of meds to try and make a difference. The Strattera was affecting my anxiety levels quite badly, but when I spoke to my doctor, they couldn't help me as they had no real experience with ADHD, they told me to contact the clinic in Exeter, which I did and that was when I was told, if the Strattera doesn't suit you then there is nothing else to try! Thankfully, my doctor gave me the chance to try different anti-depressants that would help with my anxiety and it has got better, but there are still days when just walking downstairs past the front door sends me into a panic.
I am hoping that once I have had my assessment with the clinical psychologist from the mental health team there will be a bit more support for me, to help me get back some of my life.
|
|
|
Post by gillywilly on May 31, 2016 12:02:37 GMT
It is interesting that you got offered group therapy, I don't remember being told about that. But I was on my own and there is every possibility that I was staring out of the window and not really paying attention! LOL I have since been up and have had much better experiences up there. Although I was a little frustrated when they put me on Strattera and told me if that didn't work there was nothing left to try! Odd. Am wondering if that's cos of poss side effects with other med conditions you might have? Tho methylphenidate and amphetamine sulfate (hate that spelling!) seem more benign than Strattera... I am hoping that once I have had my assessment with the clinical psychologist from the mental health team there will be a bit more support for me, to help me get back some of my life. Have you had your assessment now? How's the Strattera now? Or have you managed to get a change of meds? And what about the support group sessions? Fingers crossed things are looking up a little more for you...
|
|