ADHD diagnosis in adulthood

[chellewillnotbebeaten]

Hi
So I’ve recently been under the care of health services following a really bad period of mental health, I’ve suffered all my life but this was really bad (brought on my numerous things). Anyway, I was advised by a nurse who has got to know me to look into getting an adhd assessment.
I’m 40! So I’m wondering has anyone else been through this and what was your feelings on it / outcome?
thanks

What do you think? Were the traits and issues there in childhood? A nurse isn’t qualified to assess and might be suggesting something to you incorrectly.

If you do have ADHD, it will probably be validating to realise why you find things so much harder and a lot of your earlier life will make more sense.

My younger DS will be 50 next month , and was diagnosed with ADHD about 2 years ago. His life has always been chaotic but he is now on medication which has helped him a lot . As a child in the 70s we were told that it was caused by E numbers and to cut out orange juice and smarties . Very helpful advice that was !

I have recently been diagnosed and like a PP said, it’s validating to know why I am the way I am and I’m not just a crap person or a failure. I am awaiting medication next.

There are some screening questionnaires available online which should give you an indication of whether you have traits, if you’re unsure.

Diagnosed at 53. Everything finally made sense. Meds are helping a lot.

I scored really low on the online tests too!

Funnily enough it has crossed my mind due to recent emphasis on it on social media (yes I know 😵‍💫) and I do think I could have traits but then I’ve thought ‘but I’m 40 now, is it worth it?’ Although these comments make me think it is worth looking into further x

Interesting, I drink ALOT of orange juice and a lot of sweets that potentially have e numbers……

Thank you. How did you decide which online questionnaire to use? There are so many and some so expensive! Are there any decent free ones that are NHS approved do you know? X

How interesting! I think I will look into and pursue it more from reading the replies to this thread x

I'm not seeking a diagnosis and don't want medication. I am pretry sure I am adhd and my kids are diagnosed. It's just nit high on my priority list when getting the kids education is more important. I'm not really sure what I would do with having the information as I already know lots about adhd and techniques to help. Of course I may not be adhd either.

I was recently diagnosed mid 30s and while it does explain a lot it has raised more questions than answers for me. In terms of are my “flaws/failings” adhd or is it not. Am I masking or not, am I doing xyz because of this or that. Might be that I was also diagnosed with asd recently and the same again, more questions than answers. Asd diagnosis is like here’s a gold star, welcome to the club now go home and figure it out. I find the “support groups” unhelpful as everything and nothing applies. I just feel more lost than anything since a diagnosis.

Many people go through an ADHD assessment in their 30s, 40s, and even later, so you’re definitely not alone. I was assessed as an adult myself through "adhd certify assesment" was a big turning point it brought a huge sense of relief, but also some sadness about how long I’d struggled without knowing why. It helped me reframe my past, understand my patterns more clearly, and stop blaming myself for things that were actually ADHD-related. The assessment opened the door to better-suited support and coping strategies, and for me the understanding alone made a real difference.

Hi! Sorry if I'm too late but my wife went through this whole thing at age 37. She also got an adhd mentor - https://adhdmentor-chollywood.com/ and says the mentor is extremely relatable and nice. She is also a social worker and has ADHD herself so has plenty of experience. She's online and easy to book but I think local to Derby. It has helped her wonders and the coach actually helped her fill out access to work forms.