Adult ADHD?

[Guest_1573]

Hi All

For as long as I can remember (since a very young child) I have always suffered from anxiety, fear, feeling 'different', feeling inadequate. I have a history of anorexia/body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder. PTSD (I won't go into it all here).

Needless to say I have seen numerous professionals over the years. Been prescribed many medications. None of which worked. I have been doing some research and I actually think on top of everything I have adult ADHD. Probably always had it but it was undiagnosed hence never receiving the help I need.

I ALWAYS feel on edge. Constantly. I can not stick to anything. I break appointments. I overeat or drink/smoke...always an oral fixation! I am constantly worn out from this. I truly never relax. I wake often during the night. I have always been a very highly strung person (I have a rather unfortunate history which has possibly made me this way?).

Just wondered if anyone else feels the same and if they have been diagnosed? I am seeing GP this week to discuss. Now that I am middle aged one would think life would be calmer . It is the total opposite.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for any responses.

[MossyWoods]

I have the same problem.

Get a referral to a psychiatrist who can evaluate your situation.

I've been on medication for 6 months and my motivation is much better.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Taken from another post of mine.

Hi, welcome
Interesting. In 2003 I read a book called "ADHD in adults" by Weiss. There was one character there that was near identical to myself and so I pusued a psychiatrist specialising in ADHD, one of two in Melbourne. He subsequently diagnosed me with the illness, then later depression.
For 6 years I took various medications for ADHD none of which worked. I then got a second opinion from a psychiatrist and a second psychiatrist that sat in on my interview over his lunch break. Their combined diagnosis - Bipolar 2, depression and dysthymia with some lingering anxiety. I was put on the appropriate meds and presto- was and am much better and stable as bipolar can be.
It was the mania that mirrored ADHD symptoms.
So the message is clear- get a proper diagnosis before assuming. And a second opinion if you can.
All the best.

TonyWK