So many things…. Trying to take one at a time. I am so overwhelmed and my medication doesn’t seem to be working - Vyvanse 50mg.
I am having a terrible time finding a therapist and/or support group that specializes in adult add/adhd in my area of Virginia. Any suggestions on remote specialists or groups?
Hi!
I’m in my 50s and also having a tough time. I did start using a coach on Cerebral. Figured it couldn’t hurt. Other than that I’ve been having a terrible time finding a group, too. I’d love to be able to just share what I’m feeling and hear how others are coping and actually get a response from someone.
Happy to chat with you on here if you’d be interested! Im in Massachusetts so obviously it would have to be remote. 🙂
Please check out CHADD’s website, in order to sign up for free remote support meetings via Zoom. You can join from any state. People vary in ages and backgrounds. There can be a wealth of information that you can get from the people in the meetings.
Hi
I co facilitate a free, virtual monthly support group through my organization Valleyadhd.org. Mostly women attend but open to all. We are located in Massachusetts and also offer accountability groups. I work professionally as an adhd coach/consultant/counselor. Best wishes!
Hi, Challenged, how long have you been taking Vyvanse? I have taken it before. It seemed like Adderall did better but I had to go off both because I have a rapid heartbeat, although it hasn't helped so I am on a different medication for that now. Maybe ask your doctor if it takes awhile to work properly, or you need to adjust the dose or switch meds. Also, I can't remember if it was on CHADD or ADDA but I found groups online. I didn't join them, yet, though. There are groups on both websites but they require you to join the organization. I had a similar problem finding a therapist that was on my insurance and was experienced with ADHD. Do you have insurance? I wish you well in your search. You can message me, as well, if you like. I am an almost 55 year old female in Texas. I used to live in Quantico, Virginia, a Marine Corps base because my stepdad was in the marines. Take care!
Just feel obliged to share a little wisdom reading your post and because I've noticed in the short time since I joined that there are quite a few medical misconceptions around.
Fast heart beat per se is not necessarily a reason to come off or reduce stimulants. Any other symptoms? Do you actually feel anything when your heart rate is up? How many beats per minutes was it? And who decided to reduce your stimulant. What's your BP? Do you have a medical history or are on other meds making you vulnerable to decomposition with tachycardia?
You don't of course have to answer any of these questions and I'm not going to advise you as a doctor but what's out there as evidence that I know of I might as well share.
ADDA has a wonderful virtual group for women over Fifty. But also other affinity groups as well.
My daughter struggled on 50 too but found 2x30mg a day best. She takes a split dose one in the morning and one around lunchtime. I would research that because a lot of new info points to split dosing being better.
I just joined a group for women 50+ through ADDA. Yes, you have to join ADDA - but it's only $5 a month to do so. I literally just joined, so I don't know how things will go with the support group yet - but I'm excited to be a part of a group of women my age living with the same things I am. It's definitely worth checking out for $5!
That group is great! I attended several weeks of those, and it’s a great group of women of a range of ages and backgrounds.
CHADD website allows you to sign up for Zoom support meetings. It doesn’t matter where you live if you’re part of a group on the computer. There are people from every background, living in different states that have joined the meetings. There are meetings for support available on different days also. It depends which remote meetings you sign up for. Please give it a try. I’ve met some wonderful people who are finding smart ways to handle the things that we deal with everyday.
No time to read the other responses but wanted to be sure you are aware that pre-menopause and menopause can exacerbate certain ADHD symptoms — like brain fog, organization, motivation, sensitivity, etc. I'm nearing the end of menopause and my symptoms in the last year and a bit have been the worst of my life, most of which I had spent unmedicated. That's how much worse menopause made it. If you can find a doc that knows about both of these things, hormone therapy in addition to your ADHD meds might help.
I do think menopause is part of the issue. I know I entered menopause about 1 year ago or maybe a little longer. How do you know when it is almost over or completely over?
I do need to speak to my gyn about this. I was able to get a tele appt with my family doctor yesterday and we are working on some medication changes but insurance is denying coverage - it’s a terrible process.
I have had a hard time finding a counselor or therapist who understands adult adhd, much less add the anxiety and hormonal menopause factor. I just sick of hearing the standard of count to 10, take deep breaths, etc. I need someone to actually listen and not just throw out blanket, one size fits all “solutions”.
Thank you for responding. I think you have hit on something with menopause. My issues have become progressively worse the past 2 years and ebb and flow a bit but are in a severe state right now.
I can relate to the challenges of finding a good therapist. I am also tired of the quick one size fits all solutions. I know several therapists and sometimes they just rely on their “tools” and expect quick results. A good therapist knows that the trust and relationship with your client is number one. If that is there progress can be made. They need to get to know you and work with you on what works best. It doesn’t matter if it is ADHD or anxiety etc. You will find one it is just hard to find a good one that just doesn’t focus on their interventions and outcomes.
Support group in NYC?
ADD and test taking 
Looking For Support in my 50's
ADD & ACOA Traits Re-visited
Guilt for asking for ADD medication
