Nearly 50 and diagnosed with ADHD - now what?

[vivariumvivariumsvivaria]

Does anyone have experiences they can share about taking stimulant medication?

Psychiatrist suggested exercise, mindfulness and to consider medication.

I'm quite interested in the idea of taking something which might help me finish a task. Is that actually how it works? I am visualising a magic pill that will help me concentrate and live a life that is organised.

Hi, they aren't magic pills or a cure for ADHD but I think you know that already.

Have you researched into different types? Basically there are stimulant and non stimulant, and short or long acting.

I was prescribed methylphenidate stimulant medication. It felt like my brain landing, it was easier to start things, less distracted, much more emotionally regulated. Also prioritising and blocking oit what doesn't need doing now.

Exercise and diet also help enormously.

@MassageBliss21

Hi, they aren't magic pills or a cure for ADHD but I think you know that already.

Have you researched into different types? Basically there are stimulant and non stimulant, and short or long acting.

I was prescribed methylphenidate stimulant medication. It felt like my brain landing, it was easier to start things, less distracted, much more emotionally regulated. Also prioritising and blocking oit what doesn't need doing now.

Exercise and diet also help enormously.

That sounds like heaven. I've also got suspected adhd waiting for official diagnosis but I know I've got it as I'm an absolute mess and my life's an absolute shit show of chaos and disorder

Both my son and husband (diagnosed at 38) have found medication very helpful. But diet, exercise etc is just as important.

The difference when they miss their meds is plain to see. They both feel better and more able to function with it.

Thank you, I can't imagine what it might be like!

I've to do some research and then have a chat with the psychiatrist who'll titrate the meds. Am a bit exited at the prospect of feeling less overwhelmed all the time.

What I'm surprised about is that binge eating is a symptom of ADHD - using food to soothe and calm a busy mind. I have always struggled with that, since childhood. I am therefore far too fat, and so I'm hopeful that maybe if I had a bit more structure in my life I'd do less self soothing/self indulgence.

Watch the binge eating.

For me, the meds act like appetite suppressants, but habit, emotional dysregulation and the meds wearing off in the evenings have a nasty way of kicking my ever-increasing arse.

That's interesting, Ginger.

I can't afford to put on any (more) weight. I have high blood pressure, from stress and fatness.

Hadn't thought about the stuff wearing off. Interesting. The psych said exercise is key, and that there is some evidence martial arts specifically can help with focus. I'vealways fancied boxing or hitting stuff in general, so I'm going to have a look at that too.

Yes.

I've heard about certain sports and exercises being beneficial.

However, I don't get that 'adrenaline high' that a lot of people claim to get and haven't found one, gosh durn type of exercise that doesn't leave me bored, uncomfortably hot, sweaty and with a raw, sore throat from gasping for breath.

I understand the theory of focusing on movement (karate, kung fu etc) but really don't get the practice.

That's interesting, I don't get a "high" from exercise either. I always thought I wasn't doing it right but there was a thread on here a while ago full of people saying the same thing.

I understand the physiology of why exercise is good for me, and I like hill walking to see interesting things, or cycling for transport, but running is boring. I do, however, like the idea of hitting stuff, I get overwhelmed and I think that whacking something might help that.

Not that I've managed to track down a gym or anything yet. Or email the psychiatrist back for more info about medication. Or read up on ADHD.

Yeah.

Same here. 😉

Exercise and diet also help enormously.

Can anyone explain more about this, please? I don't have a diagnosis, but have been thinking of pursuing one. I'm pretty certain that I have it tbh.

Did you get a diagnosis through the NHS or privately, OP?

Diet helps because of the dopamine deficit, I think. There's a link between obesity and ADHD, as grazing helps keep the brain in check. Exercise results in dopamine production too.

I'm also nearly 50, have a diagnosis but no help post that from the GP.

That makes sense, Waffle. The binge eating I read about was certainly familiar.

I went to Psych UK, Paralysed. Cost a small fortune, but, it was quick and efficient and she was clearly on the ball.

Gingernut

My dad and DS have ADD, so I'm reading this with interest as know I also struggle to stay on task, regulate emotions and can make impulsive decisions. The worst feeling for me is boredom, it's like pain.

I'd be really interested to know the benefits of diagnosis.

I found a dx very helpful, regardless of the lack of GP help. I have had the latitude to make my life more adhd friendly. My DH is nicer to me, too.

Adhdwise does a good course for adults.

Can I join, @vivariumvivariumsvivaria ? Diagnosed five days ago, mid (ok, late) 50s. Went privately - huge relief at diagnosis but now I'm wobbling like hell.

Being impulsive and having boundary issues I have of course told almost everyone. Now I'm terrified they will use that diagnosis to write off my views and expertise, so if I'm legitimately angry with something they'll patronise me and say "it's just Killick being add".

So I need more dopamine. Is exercise really the only answer? Where else can I get it? I was contemplating a Masters degree cos I'm early retired (financially successful) but bored to buggery. But I know a masters won't give me dopamine but a world of overwhelm, disorganisation and irritation.

I'm waiting to get meds. I'll definitely try them. The ante depressants I've been taking for 30 years have certainly kept me alive and the 20 years of therapy have brought me insight and a degree of peace with my past, but Jesus I'd like to know what it's like to wipe the kitchen surfaces without having had to psych myself up as though it was climbing Everest.

Meds work really well for some, not so much for others.

There are also non stimulant adhd meds available, and you should ask for titration - finding the right dose of the right medication as it's different for everyone. They give you a home blood pressure monitor when trying the stimulant ones and it's just all about finding the right dose of the right type.

Good luck! (my dd is just starting this process following diagnosis)

I'd like to know what it's like to wipe the kitchen surfaces without having had to psych myself up as though it was climbing Everest.

This made me laugh! It isn't actually funny, because it's so fucking difficult to get anything done, but it describes exactly how I experience my day to day life!

Meds aren't the miracle cure for this.

They help, but they're not suitable for a lot of people and with us being of a more mature age, our heart rates and blood pressure require regular monitoring.

Not sure what the cut off is but stimulant meds can only be given with normal BP. I take mephlphenidate and while it's nota miracle cure it helps enormously. If I have a bad nights sleep that really affects things and the meds don't seem to make any difference then.

Never tried anything else but there are other things available. I'd hate to be without them, they make so much difference to my emotional regulation.

Following with interest. Have a Psych UK appointment at the end of the month for my dd, and I'm in no doubt I have it too.

Dd and I have huge difficulties getting going in the morning, has anyone found anything to help this? The sunrise alarm clock has massively helped me, but not so for dd who sleeps with a mask.
An iced coffee helps her too, but she's only 'ready' for one circa midday, and she needs it much earlier really.

How do the non stimulat meds work?

Following with interest. I'm almost 50 too, and have come to suspect I had the inattentive ADHD (ADD?). I tick so so many boxes , though not all. I dony know if I will pursue an official diagnosis but I'd love to get something that accounted for my weirdness and inability to fit in.

I'm following. Think I tick the boxes and am really struggling as life unravelled - but dr didn't take it seriously.

Also binge eat/struggle with household routines/etc etc.

I follow someone on tiktoc pinkpearbear adhd. This is me!! Almost identical. I struggle but the tmstrugle is internal. DH is havibg a hard time accepting that this is how my brain works - I'd explained about masking ....