A Journey to Diagnosis

Meet Jennifer Cousins, a 42-year-old from County Armagh whose recent private ADHD diagnosis opened the door to a new life. For Jennifer, the first time she took medication for her condition was nothing short of "life-changing." Yet, she found it astonishing that there are no publicly funded services for ADHD in Northern Ireland.

The Impact of ADHD

Jennifer described a chaotic existence defined by impulsivity and an inability to feel settled. "I was ticking all the boxes of struggles I faced for so long. Finally, I understood how they impacted my life," she shared.

Long Waits and Limited Resources

The Department of Health revealed that the demand for ADHD assessments far exceeds available resources, leading to waiting times that stretch for years. Jennifer expressed her concern, stating, "It's no surprise there are adults who have suffered with this condition their entire lives, only to find they can't get a diagnosis due to lack of funding."

A Personal Revelation

Jennifer's interest in ADHD was piqued when family members were diagnosed. Realizing she had similar traits, she sought her own diagnosis. Although it was emotionally challenging at first—"nobody wants to feel different"—the clarity it provided made it worthwhile.

The Chaos in Her Mind

Describing her daily life, Jennifer humorously compared her mind to an overloaded internet browser with 17 tabs open, occasionally freezing and throwing her off track. Tasks as simple as getting ready in the morning became overwhelming, often resulting in minor accidents like cutting herself or burning dinner. Phone reminders became her "lifesavers" as she navigated her fretful days.

Medication: A Turning Point

Thanks to medication, Jennifer found improvements in her focus and energy management. With a shared care agreement between her private consultant and GP, she began to juggle her daily responsibilities more effectively, from picking up her child from school to cooking and taking care of her garden.

Celebrating Creativity

Jennifer embraces her ADHD, believing it fuels her creativity. A gifted writer, she creates songs and poetry, and has even authored a book that explores her childhood experiences and educates readers on ADHD.

The Broader Picture of ADHD Services

ADHD was officially recognized in adults in 2008, but many still face significant challenges accessing care and support. Sarah Salters, CEO of ADD-NI, highlighted the high volume of weekly referrals for ADHD support, illustrating the dire need for services. With around 70,000 adults in Northern Ireland potentially suffering from undiagnosed ADHD, the current situation remains frustrating and dire.

A Hopeful Future?

The Department of Health has initiated a needs assessment aimed at developing a comprehensive ADHD service, expected to be completed by mid-2025. However, skepticism lingers regarding whether ADHD will be prioritized adequately.

Jennifer's journey sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of adults living with ADHD, and her story is a testament to the transformative power of understanding, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.