Is it worth getting a diagnosis of ADD in middle age?

[Anonymum40]

My husband aged 51, suffers terribly with anxiety and recently I've realised he probably has ADD having read up about it.

Is it worth persuing a diagnosis and would this affect the medication he might be given by the doctor? He has been given beta-blockers in the past for stress and anxiety.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience??

Following with interest. I believe that I probably have ADHD, but I don't have a diagnosis. I'd like to pursue one in some ways, as it would explain so much, but I'm slightly put off by the complexity of the process - needing to collect evidence from family members etc.

I once mentioned my suspicions to my DM, and she was very dismissive, mainly because I was "clever" and did well at school despite my difficulties. Privately, I'm pretty certain that my mum has adhd as well, but I'm not even going there....

Absolutely 100% worth it in my experience. I was in my late 20s when I got diagnosed but it made a huge difference.

It's not a contraindication for beta blockers so he could continue to use those if they work for him, but it might indicate that something else could work better and with the diagnosis he'd have the chance to access those other options.

Alexa I would just go for it. They can still investigate even without a comprehensive "package" of info.

Oh that's interesting Bertie. That's what I wonder about. If it comes to a chat with the doctor I'll be sure to make sure it's mentioned...

I am 39 and just got diagnosed with Add in January. My daughter got an adhd diagnosis a few years ago and it was only after that I realised I probably had it too. I started medication and it's been great. Didn't realise how hard life was until I started the medication. I also had terrible anxiety which has stopped. I think a diagnosis is beneficial at any age!

I have had an adhd dx in middle 40's. I'm not medicated but finding out I'm not ill in any other way & how to organise things to suit my brain has been very beneficial.

It changes everything & nothing.

I was over 50 when I got my dx. I have found it really useful. Starting meds and realising that "this" is how other people feel all the time was a revelation. I also got OT from the ADHD clinic and was able to get coaching for interviews. I had no clue how to approach an interview and had failed at least 10 over the years.

Oh wow, thanks everyone. Out of interest do you mind me asking what medication you are taking?

I take Elvanse, 20mg

You have to understand these are just labels - they matter in school because teachers need to know this kind of thing, but later in life....

Also bear in mind that a +ve diagnosis isn't proof he has it, nor a negative diagnosis, proof he hasn't. The older you are, the more guessing is involved - it's much easier to categorise children than adults, because adult behaviour has years of adaptation on top of whatever personality you're born with. It's why there are VERY few diagnoses of autism in older people.

So in short, it's up to you - if you feel that having this label applied could be useful, go for it, but personally I'd simply suggest it to your GP and see what they have to say on the matter.

It's not just a label to me. It's been incredibly helpful in understanding myself and organising my life in ways that suit me rather than hinder me. It's been far more problematic for me in adult life than it ever was at school. These things by far do not just affect schoolwork and that's a very limiting mindset which can cause a lot of damage.

My DP was diagnosed in his early 40s. It's been very beneficial in understanding himself, but this involved quite a painful but ultimately fairly positive period of reevaluating of his life and learning how it affects him. He has medication now (he's tried a few to get the right one) and it does help.

@BertieBotts

It's not just a label to me. It's been incredibly helpful in understanding myself and organising my life in ways that suit me rather than hinder me. It's been far more problematic for me in adult life than it ever was at school. These things by far do not just affect schoolwork and that's a very limiting mindset which can cause a lot of damage.

And if the diagnosis had gone the other way.....

Would it have meant you were a different person with different needs? No.

That's the danger of believing in these labels - they're a guide, but the opinion of a psychologist who may or may not be switched on, doesn't define who you are.

I think these things are MOST useful when you yourself have NO idea and someone suggests it to you - THEN irrespective of whether or not you are diagnosed, you can research the issues and see whether the advice and therapies recommended for people with that condition are beneficial or not.

Regarding the rest of your comment - you misunderstood me - I meant as far as the rest of the world is concerned it makes no difference whether you are diagnosed or not. Only in school is there a process by which in having the diagnosis you are treated differently.

I find this thread interesting. I suspect I may have ADD, although I did well at school. I think I did better there because of the structure, whereas in adult life, I am very disorganised, leaving things to the last minute, procrastinating and getting distracted. My house is an absolute tip at the moment because I struggle to organise myself. I suppose I would like there to be a magic medication that makes me more focused on what I should be doing at any given time, and helps with motivation to just get tasks finished. Is there such a medication?

Oh dear, I seem to have killed the thread!

If the diagnosis had gone the other way I would have been asking for other investigation for answers about why I struggle so much, because it's not normal, and there must be some explanation. In fact, the diagnosis isn't really anything other than a confirmation that you're having the difficulties you are (and that it's not caused by something else) because they don't know what the actual cause is, there is no physical test. The assessment process involved a very thorough screening into other possible conditions that can cause similar issues.

I think these things are MOST useful when you yourself have NO idea and someone suggests it to you - THEN irrespective of whether or not you are diagnosed, you can research the issues and see whether the advice and therapies recommended for people with that condition are beneficial or not.

I thought this too. Then I was diagnosed. It made a difference - it was validating, it gave me "permission" to do things like buy books, join support groups that I felt like a fraud when I was in the category of "Oh well I suspect but haven't actually spoken to a medical professional or anything". It also allowed me access to certain therapies which I wouldn't have access to otherwise. I tried the "techniques" but I never really fully committed to it, I tried it half-heartedly because it "might" apply to me or it "might" not. There was always a "But you should just be able to do this in the normal way". I didn't really notice I was doing this until I looked back in hindsight. Knowing that I actually have that diagnosis gives me the conviction to say nope, that's just how my brain works, going to work around it and not feel ashamed. Oh and most of the techniques don't work particularly well without medication - ideally you need to combine both. The medication helps the techniques to work, it doesn't magically make you better all by itself.

Of course it has relevance outside of school. For example if I was unfairly discriminated against at work, I could take that diagnosis as part of my case. It's a disability. It might not be a missing leg but it's still real.

Harriet medication is very variable from person to person so the best thing to do is to speak to somebody about getting an assessment done and then move on from there.

Thanks BertieBotts, that is useful.

What notrub said is rubbish.

A diagnosis is helpful for you, for feeling validated and as if you are not a failure (ADHD makes you feel as if you fail at life!).

It's also helpful from employment perspective. You can get support and adjustments plus you get protection under law as you have a disability. Most importantly it gives you the option of medication. ADHD is the most effective medication in the world of mental health and helps about 80% of people with ADHD who take it.

It's far from just a label ffs. That's complete tosh.

And psychologists don't diagnose. You have to see either a psychiatrist (you should see one who specialises in adult ADHD), or diagnosis is done via a multi disciplinary team approach. For ADHD it's usually the former.

Oh yes, I missed that! I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist, and have my treatment with a neurologist. You know, for my neurological issue. The one that's all in my head (literally!)

Watching with interest. I'm seeing a private psychiatrist in April. £££ but hopefully worth it as the waiting lists are too long and I'm pretty much close to total meltdown.

@knackeredcat

I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

Will report back, @HarrietLong - I'm excited and scared, TBH. But I should have pursued this years ago.

Thank you. I hope you get what you are looking for from the appointment.

@knackeredcat

Watching with interest. I'm seeing a private psychiatrist in April. £££ but hopefully worth it as the waiting lists are too long and I'm pretty much close to total meltdown.

Did you opt to go with a psychiatrist that specialises in ADHD?