Adult ADD?

[leonde]

I am pretty sure I have ADD, but it seems like it's such a 'fad' at the moment with everyone getting diagnosed. I'm mid thirties.

I don't want to jump on the bandwagon, but I do struggle with a lot of things and I think ADD could explain a lot - I'm 90% sure I'd be diagnosed.

Should I bother pursuing a diagnosis? If you have been diagnosed as an adult, did the diagnosis help you at all? How long did it take? What actually happens when you go to the doctor? Is it really better than just looking it up online for coping strategies?

Thank you for any advice/ experiences.

I have asd. Being diagnosed helped me massively in terms of understanding my self and my limitations/capabilities. I am a lot easier in my self now I know.

@autienotnaughti Thanks for the reply. Great that you feel easier in yourself now. If you're happy to share, can I ask what made you decide to go for the diagnosis and how long did the process take?

It was going through my sons diagnosis that made me realise I probably was. (About five years ago) Up to that point I just thought I was a bit useless. I sat on it for a while but through chatting to people online on asd groups it just resonated more and more. Then we had lockdown and I couldn't pursue a diagnosis so in 2022 I decided to. I went down nhs route and they we're trying to sort back log out so had hired lots of staff temporarily. I was seen in less than a year.

It was lucky to be seen so quickly. It was three appointments over a couple of weeks and a massive form to fill in. They wanted a family member to be interviewed as part of process but I wasn't comfortable with that.

@autienotnaughti Thanks - I worry it would be loads of appointments and years on waiting lists but it sounds like it wasn't too bad for you.

Do you share with people that you have the diagnosis? I know it sounds daft but I worry that people would react badly or roll their eyes like 'oh, another person diagnosed with ASD/ADD, woop-de-doo!'

I just don't know if anyone really cares these days as it seems to be so common - but I guess that's not really a reason not to pusue a diagnosis.

I think I was lucky to be seen in less than a year (about 9 month) I think a couple
Of years is more typical for nhs.

It felt weird telling people. The thing is my son is autistic and I'm such an advocate, always talking about asd, normalising it. Yet when I found out I didn't want to share it beyond immediate family. And really it's my private medical information so I shouldn't have . So I told my immediate family and a few friends. And that's it. My parents and siblings were ok with my son's diagnosis but I had had quite a dis functional childhood and feel like i wouldn't be believed or it would be used against me so I don't want them to know. My in-laws were in denial about my son and haven't been great since so I don't want them to know. I reserve the right to change my mind but I'm ok with it at the moment.

@autienotnaughti Thanks so much for sharing, that sounds really tricky. You have to do what's best for you & your family👌I think I will look into it and talk to the GP.

Good luck @leonde feel free to message if you have any more questions

How are you getting on?
My daughter has convinced me to go to the Dr about myself. She tells me I have it and I would feel much better with medication.

ADD was removed as a condition from the DSM 30 years ago. It’s now ADHD and there are 3 types: hyperactive, inattentive and combined type (which is both).

I was diagnosed with combined type last year. I’ve had ADHD coaching and taken some time to come to terms with the effect it’s had on my life to date. I started meds 5 weeks ago and can’t believe the difference they’ve made to me.