ADD/ADHD diagnosed in adulthood - support thread

[lilyvoltage]

During a private assessment for dyslexia (which was positive), I was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and dyspraxia. I had known for a few months that I was probably dyslexic and my father had always thought that I had dyspraxia, so these two additional needs weren’t a shock to me; however I’m seriously struggling with the ADD diagnosis.

I’m in my early 40s and have always felt that I’m “different” to other people but always put this down to low intelligence. I now realise that ADD has affected me academically, socially and professionally and I’m finding it difficult to cope with this

I struggle to keep up with conversations and remember details about people. Although I might remember your dog’s name or the unique species of tree in your front garden. I know people see me as aloof, detached and disinterested ( nothing could be further from the truth), so it has now got to the point where I just spend time with my family.

A teacher at university called me “flippant and brusque” during a presentation I gave - if only I could of told her that I wasn’t able to prepare for the presentation because I wasn’t capable of reading the reports I needed to and was on beta blockers because I was so nervous about letting her down, perhaps she would have been more understanding. I have never been able to revise for an exam - I just cannot do it.

But forget the last 40 years, it’s my family I’m letting down the most. I find it so hard to make the children’s packed lunches, to keep up with their conversations, to get their uniforms ready for Monday morning, to keep on top of school paperwork and their myriad of medical appointments. I can’t manage my finances and am terrified about looking at my bank account, which I must do tomorrow. I’m always losing things - I just found my house keys after leaving them on my son’s shelf for two days. I lost both credit cards before Christmas.

There’s loads more but that’s more than enough for the moment. If you have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as an adult, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Thanks for reading

Hi,

My DD has June r been diagnosed w you ADHD & at the consult (we went private), the Dr said I have ADHD. Unfortunately he only deal with kids.
I've just been to my GP & asked to be refered although am thinking of going private.

It's like a lightbulb has gone on & I'm aware of all the things I could have done better. I will say though that I'm quite a tough cookie & have learnt to deal with it. I'm in my late 40's now & just tired of the mental daily battles - not depression, but at least 5 different voices calling at me to do things. I go to bed exhausted!

Have you been prescribed meds? If so what & have you started taking them?

I feel your pain completely.