Inattentive ADHD, as an adult

[Pepsimax873]

So just wondering if anybody realised or got diagnosed with ADHD as an adult? Specifically inattentive ADHD.

So I'm 37, I had an AdHD consultation last week. I didn't get diagnosed on the spot as she wanted extra information from family, and requested I increase my antidepressants and come back at a later date. But she said I scored 9 out of 9 for the inattentive ADHD and 4 out of 9 for the hyperactive ADHD questionnaires. So although I'm not actually diagnosed it does seem clear to me that I do have it and tbh it explains a hell of a lot.

I struggle with low self esteem, relationships are a nightmare due to emotional dysregulation and feeling misunderstood, sensitive to any sign of criticism or judgment, struggle to keep friendships, I've had many 'burnouts' over the years currently signed off at the moment but back soon. I struggle to focus, my mind is always flitting from one thing to the next, I can't stick with a hobby long enough to get good at anything, many projects on the go, but they never get me anywhere.

But I think the symptom which is having and has had the most detrimental effect on me is that I cannot stick with a job for longer that 2-3 years. I've had a string of jobs which doesnt look good at all. I've always quit or left a job I've never been sacked. I get bored extremely quickly. Recently I haven't managed to stick to a job for longer than a year and I am so close to quitting the one I have now but I can't do this again. I have only ever worked in healthcare as entry level positions which require no prior experience because my self esteem is so low to push myself. And the fear of getting bored is paralysing. I have very limited experience other than carework.

Does anybody have any advice on how to resolve this situation or in a similar situation, because i'm at my wits end

Are you not expecting the person who assessed you to give some guidance, and talk about the possibility of medication, @Pepsimax873? I appreciate it's really hard right now (I'm waiting for an assessment myself) but you seem to be jumping the gun. Get the diagnosis and then talk about how to go forward.

Right OK thank you that's extremely helpful:) i shall wait for a diagnosis before I assume I have ADHD. To be honest, I'm not sure I want to go on medication I just needed clarity on why I am the way I am. However, you kind of missed the point of my message I needed advice from people who can't seem to stick to their jobs due to ADHD as many seem to struggle with this, so if you have advice on that that would be great? @OldChairMan

If you have half an hour watch Ally Houston on the Metabolic Mind YouTube channel, he talks quite interestingly on getting a diagnosis later in life.
This is the title, "Oxford’s Keto for ADHD & Depression Randomized Controlled Trial - with Ally Houston".
Best of luck.

i was diagnosed at the end of last year at 47 with adhd and am now on medication, Elvanse 70mg a day, its not made me feel any different but i do have more focus in work and can get a lot of stuff done without realising i am doing it.

I've got adhd and diagnosed as an adult. I tend towards inattentive, but not sure if that's the way I've been socialised and adapted my behaviours.

It's been very eye opening (and sad at times) to realise I wasn't lazy/general awful person - it was my brain and the mismatch at applying completely wrong strategies. Medication has been very helpful at keeping me on track and in work.

For work, I'd say look for something which offers flexibility and activities which make the day go fast. I do PR and lobbying so no day is the same. It suits me because I'm passionate about the industry I support. Some days I'm fantastic, some days I contribute very little but I don't have to perform to the same standard everyday. And that's an eternal question, take a job you can stand or look for a career you can endure. It's worth knowing adhd brains respond to novelty, interest and pressure so motivate yourself using those. Your brain will also respond to shame but that's not sustainable so don't bother with that one!

I get on better in large plcs (which seem to have lots of high achieving ND types if you can outwardly confirm). My worst job was with a local authority; provincial bullies who didn't like anyone thinking different or starting work at different times. Theatre was also great as turning up at 10am was never commented on!

I have never got on with anti-depressant medication despite it being prescribed over and over again over the years. I have no idea if it interacts with adhd meds

My ex was diagnosed nearly a year ago - meds has made a massive difference to him.

Also helped him understand why he is how he is and that he's not just crap.

I'm trying to get my young teen diagnosed at the moment.

Is that scarcasm, @Pepsimax873? I can’t quite tell. It did seem confusing to not even mention the possibility of medication given that you are in the middle of seeing a clinician who will discuss that with you as a potential way to improve all that you have described. Either way your reply has bumped your thread and you’ve got some replies now. I always try to reply to requests for help where no one else has as they are at risk of slipping down the board and getting ignored.

Just to say meds can help with emotional regulation and you might want to look up rejection sensitivity dysphoria, understanding why you have big reactions can help even if you aren't able to modify the behaviour to begin with.

This is fascinating and right up my street! It's definitely something to consider and I'll be researching more into this for sure! Thank you x

Thank you for your reply! It's shocking to me that people aren't getting diagnosed until a lot later in life, has ADHD had a significant impact on your life? And it seems like the medication has helped with your focus and productivity which is great! X

I was diagnosed at 50 via NHS right to choose. It provided an explanation for many of the difficulties I've had in life, and the struggles I still have. I'm not on medication and don't intend to be. For me, it was an exercise in self-knowledge and understanding. It has made me kinder to myself. I have told people, don't feel ashamed of it and hope it helps them to understand me too.

I find the adhd women's wellbeing podcast very helpful. Particularly as my adhd has led to hormonal issues my whole life.