Somebody is finally asking what it's like. First, a study on the ADDer's experience of diagnosis and subsequent treatment -- then a study on the same process from the point of view of their partners. Both of these studies were listed on PubMed. --Ducky

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The experience of receiving a diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adulthood: a qualitative study of clinically referred patients using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Young S, Bramham J, Gray K, Rose E.
J Atten Disord. 2008 Jan;11(4):493-503. Epub 2007 Aug 21.

Department of Forensic Mental Health Science, Institute of Psychiatry, United Kingdom. Susan.Young@iop.kcl.ac.uk

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychological impact of receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood and treatment with medication and to examine how diagnosis and treatment with medication changes an individual's self-perception and view of the future. METHOD: Participants were eight individuals diagnosed with ADHD at a tertiary service. Semistructured interviews were conducted and the data were analyzed according to the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Three master themes emerge from the analysis: Participants engage in a (a) review of the past, particularly how they feel different from others, (b) the emotional impact of the diagnosis, and (c) consideration of the future. These themes suggest a six-stage model of psychological acceptance of a diagnosis of ADHD: (a) relief and elation, (b) confusion and emotional turmoil, (c) anger, (d) sadness and grief, (e) anxiety, and (f) accommodation and acceptance. CONCLUSION: The model indicates an important role for psychological treatment, which should begin at the point of diagnosis. Cognitive behavioral techniques will help clients diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood cope with the adjustment process. Adults should be taught skills to anticipate future hurdles and challenges and apply appropriate coping strategies.

*************************

A Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Receiving a Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Adulthood: A Partner's Perspective.
Young S, Gray K, Bramham J.
2008 Feb 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Objectives: The objectives are to explore the experience of living with a person who has undergone a process of diagnosis in his or her adult years and to examine, from the partner's perspective, how diagnosis and treatment with medication affects the ADHD patients' understanding of themselves, their behavior, and their relationships with others. Method: Participants were the partners of eight patients who had been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three master themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of inadequacy of the ADHD partner, emotional impact of diagnosis, and medication not a panacea. Conclusion: Results indicate a need for psychological treatment to be provided to clients following diagnosis. Information leaflets for partners will also help partners' ability to facilitate their own knowledge and understanding, which in turn will help them better support their ADHD partners. (J. of Att. Dis. )

Russ Barkley & Kevin Murphy have a new book out on adult ADHD.

I'd recommend anything they did;either individually, or certainly together.

good luck

tc

mctavish23

(Robert)

This one?
ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says by Russell A. Barkley (Author), Kevin R. Murphy (Author), Mariellen Fischer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593855869)
Would you say that if I only bought one book on adult ADHD, that would be the one? It does look very promising.

That's a very tough call, as there are more than one "type" of ADHD books;intended for different types of audiences.

Would I buy it ?

Yes.

It will be excellent in the realm of scientific investigation.

Check it out and see what you think.

Kevin Murphy is considered THE most outstanding researcher on Adult ADHD

Russ is one of, if not THE, most respectred scientists/researchers,etc.

However, there are a great many other excellent researchers/authors,etc.

One of whom is Sam Goldstein.

When I saw him in Duluth,Mn. many years ago, I had just finished "slugging" my way through Russ's :

ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control(1997).

An excellent, but highly technical book.

When I sat down to listen to Goldstein speak, his presentation was entitled :


"ADHD : A Disorder of Self-Control."

What that amounted to was that the two of them had arrived at the same place;

Independent of one another.

To me, that's the equivalent of a reverse, windmill slam dunk.

That was so impressive (to me) that I decided to continue reading both; with a concentration on Barkley.

However, that's strictly MY personal opinion and, as such, carries no weight.

My respectful suggestion is to read and learn as much as you can;from a variety of sources.

I get an online newsletter regarding an area of research I disagree with.

I "force" myself to read it;which helps me keep an open mind.

Remember, these are not "exact sciences."

Lastly, just as "Rust Never Sleeps," Research isn't static;it just keeps rolling along.


Good Luck

Hope that helps

tc

mctavish23

(Robert)

I just ordered it. When/if I get through that I'll look up Sam Goldstein, etc. Mostly I'm interested in adult ADHD-I, which is what I have. Hopefully Adderall will keep letting me read.

8 AD/HDers? 8?

I hope that you like it.

When I got back to the office, I found my notes from Goldstein;which are about 7-8 yrs old.

The exact title of his workshop was:

"ADHD: A Disorder of Self-regulation & Control".

There,that's better.


tc

mctavish23

(Robert)