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A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be life-changing, as one woman from County Armagh discovered. Jennifer Cousins, privately diagnosed with ADHD, expressed frustration at the lack of commissioned services for the condition in Northern Ireland. Raised in a chaotic environment, Cousins struggled with impulsivity and a lack of settling down. However, after her diagnosis, she finally understood why she faced these challenges.
The Department of Health (DoH) acknowledged the overwhelming demand for ADHD assessments, resulting in long waiting times that can stretch out for several years. Cousins pointed out the absence of funding for diagnosing adults with ADHD, leaving many individuals to battle the condition without support. While the exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, genetic factors play a significant role. Cousins, after observing similar traits in diagnosed family members, underwent an emotional journey to come to terms with her combined ADHD diagnosis.
Describing her pre-medication daily life as stressful and overwhelming, Cousins likened her ADHD brain to a browser with multiple open tabs, some frozen, and unclear origins of background music. Medication improved her focus and energy management, allowing her to handle everyday responsibilities effortlessly. By embracing her condition, Cousins tapped into her creativity, writing songs, poems, and even a book detailing her childhood experiences with ADHD. She found solace in the artistic expression facilitated by her ADHD traits.
According to Sarah Salters, CEO of ADD-NI, the lack of services for adults with ADHD in Northern Ireland is deplorable. Referrals for ADHD support programs have been steadily mounting, with a significant portion targeting adults seeking assistance. The charity receives numerous weekly appeals, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive ADHD services. Despite efforts by the DoH to conduct a needs assessment for a commissioned ADHD service, skepticism remains regarding the prioritization of ADHD within the healthcare system. Salters expressed doubts about the timely implementation of such services, highlighting the arduous path many individuals with ADHD must navigate to access proper diagnosis and treatment
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