A lack of services for adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) prompted two locals with experience of working in the mental health field to set up a new organisation called Adult ADHD NI.

Two locals Emma Weaver and Niall Greene began the Fermanagh-based service over a year ago to create awareness of ADHD in adulthood and to advance the education of professionals and the public at a local and potentially a national level.

ADHD is an imbalance of chemical messengers in the brain that results in difficulties with focusing, organising and prioritising work, filtering out or ignoring distractions, thinking before action and delaying gratification.

“A common myth is that children with ADHD ‘grow out of it’ but 65 per cent of children diagnosed continue having symptoms into adulthood,” Emma points out. She continues: “Most people know the problems that children with ADHD face – academic and behavioural trouble at school, difficulty making and keeping friends, and stressful family situations, however, few people are aware of serious consequences of Adult ADHD.” These include: constant disorganisation; frequent forgetfulness; continual problems starting or finishing projects; impulsive decision making, and saying things without thinking; ongoing problems concentrating and paying attention; extreme restlessness or fidgetiness; poor anger control; difficulty keeping jobs; and marital problems and relationship issues.

“Adult ADHD is more difficult to recognise, which is why many adults remain undiagnosed. While the core impairments of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity- remain the same, the symptoms that result usually change as people get older.” Emma and Niall want “to build a society in which all people with ADHD have access to services and support appropriate to their needs. To achieve this we will promote, support and aim to reduce stigma of ADHD within society.” Currently, Adult ADHD NI have a support group on the first Thursday of each month in the Aisling centre. It is also developing a support group in Omagh on the second Thursday of each month. The group provides peer support to individuals within the Western Trust area in the community in various venues. “Young people and adults with ADHD can learn from one-to-one mentoring and coaching support from their peers that is flexible and tailored to individual needs,” Emma comments.

It also provides information sessions to schools, colleges and local organisations and groups. Emma explains: “The benefit of our information sessions are that it creates an awareness of ADHD, gives support and advice of strategies and skills to support those with the condition.” Family members of those with ADHD including parents of under sixteens can benefit from support programmes based on stress reduction techniques and reducing social isolation and anxiety.

Fermanagh Trust recently provided Adult ADHD NI with funding which will help develop a sub group called, ‘Activities and Day trips for a Hidden Disorder’. This involves three recreational eight week courses, over a year, to reduce and relieve ADHD symptoms. These day trips will aim to help reduce social isolation, enhance inclusion within society, reduce social phobia and develop social skills. They also hope to set up a cinema club which will enhance concentration, peer support, integration and reduce anxiety.

Plans are also afoot to develop an eight week programme called the ADDventure. This is a self esteem programme directed at young people between the ages of sixteen and thirty who are affected by ADHD. It is a comprehensive programme aimed to develop skills, create an awareness of individual’s conditions and the effects it can have on their daily lives. It will also help reduce stress and give support and advice on dealing with feelings of frustration that can be part of the condition.

Emma comments: “We’re very grateful for the Fermanagh Trust for their help towards funding this project. The non-judgmental calming atmosphere will reduce stress and anxiety and encourage participation in community activities. Peer support will occur organically building relationships and confidence within social situations which is often a huge struggle for those with ADHD. Family members will benefit as they will have respite from the ADHD person and will also receive insight and support from us at Adult ADHD NI.” Adult ADHD NI is also working in partnership with a group in the Republic of Ireland called INCADDS (The Irish National Council of ADHD/HKD Support Group), which is hosting a conference on the rapid recognition of ADHD in adults on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November in the Ardilaun Hotel Galway. Niall will be one of the speakers and he believes that this conference would be of benefit to local health professionals.