could I have adult adhd? How do I get diagnosed?

[James1008]

I base my assumption off the fact that I have a history of continual failures, horrible grades in every grade of school repeated grade 2 dropped out of grade 12 never went to uni I struggled to listen at work in one ear and out so hard to listen and follow instructions with any sort of depth I have years in between employment one workplace got rid of me as soon as they found out I can't understand basic math I did work for the dole for years, my whole life I just considered that I was just dumb low iq? ,maybe I am?, but I recently found out about ADHD in adults and the problems it can cause but I also found out apparently many Australian doctors don't believe in adult adhd is that true, is it even worth telling anyone about this?

[white knight]

Hi James, welcome

It us very worthwhile pursuing with an open mind.

Briefly, I'm 61yo. At 17 I ran off the rails, impulsive, spendthrift, over energetic, lack of concentration etc. At 44yo mt then partner gave me a book to read called "ADHD in adults" by Weiss.

I thought I was reading about myself. I got a diagnosis ...adhd and bipolar 1. I took meds for 6 years. All 12 tried didnt improve my health.

In 2009 I got another diagnosis, bipolar2, depression, dysthymia. Took meds, almost instant improvement.

So, adhd symptoms could be confused with mania...hence the importance of a correct diagnosis. Some illnesses crossover. Eg low focus/concentration, hypo, anxiousness.

So self diagnosis is not reliable. But do pursue this.

Good luck.

Tony WK

[MsPurple]

HI James1008 and welcome to the forums

I believe there is such a thing as adult adhd. A lot of kids get diagnosed with it and they will take it into adulthood. I think it is more severe in childhood but it is still there in adulthood. I am not a professional however.

I think it is something worthwhile discussing with your GP or psychologist (if you have one). Generally psychologist/psychiatrists diagnose people with adhd, and GP write out the referrals and they will tell if you they believe you may have it, but they can not give you a definitive answer.

As to whether it is worth exploring or not I am not fully answer that for you. It sounds like it is eating you up inside and you are concerned that it is the factor holding you back at work due to lack in concentration and struggling with math etc. I think it is worth talking about your concerns with a doctor just to get it off your chest. It may not be adhd it could be anxiety. Remember I am not a professional so I am not sure.

I was diagnosed with adhd as a kid, but now I think it was anxiety mixed with dyslexia. I couldn't read so I fidgeted and got stressed which kinda looked like adhd. I think it is a misdiagnosis and so did my adult psychiatrist. Diagnosing isn't as easy as google makes it look. Dr google didn't tell me what I had, I had to go to a doctor. They are really good and we take it for granted.

MP

[Evilnut]

Hi James I just found your post what a great subject to open with lost of different information out there. I was Diagnosed in 2000 with ADHA when I went back to school to better myself with a diploma of food technology or food science. I can empathize with you as your story at school sound like mine I too went job after job. One thing that drove me on was my mother as keep comparing all her sons I was the black sheep of the family in mums words sorry ( Wayne you didn't get the Brain's like your brothers ) I could have just given up but I like proving people wrong using there word's which that is all there are. It is very easy to get the help you want with adult ADD just search the internet for professional help. You are right some Dr don't believe but you know that something is wrong. Coming to this site is the first big step to recovery go on some of the forums available to your needs. This place is invaluable the help will come to you all you need to do Is tell your story scary at first but with time gets easier hope this had been helpful to you , your not alone

Cheers evilnut Wayne out

[blondguy]

Hello James1008

Welcome and good on you for having the courage to post too!

Im a huge believer in "there is no thing as a dumb question" I think your post is important and relevant

You and I have the same issue where school is concerned James. But that doesnt mean much as I have a successful career and have done okay. Bill Gates (Microsoft) never even finished high school.....ummmm neither did Sir Richard Branson (Owner/Chairman Virgin Airlines)....the list is endless.

For you to have the intellect (and huge strength) to create your own thread on a national forum like this one makes you a legend in my opinion James. I also have trouble with basic math..and have never been to Uni too

I understand you where personal woes are concerned as I have had depression for a long time and I sometimes feel like am 'less' of a person by having it. (even though clinically im not of course)

If I may ask you James....do you have a good GP? They have much better training where the brain is concerned that when I was younger. A good GP can be such a gift when we have to talk about ADHD or depression...anxiety

I do know that you are not alone here James. I really hope you can stick around the forums and your thoughts if you wish to of course

I think its more than worthwhile to have a chat to your doc about it. You will only feel a lot better by doing so 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[James1008]

thanks for the reply I don't have a doctor I haven't been to a doctor since I was 10 I'm 24 now, I also have a problem where I feel lower than other people as soon as a meet someone I feel like they hate me I've been this way since I was really young like 8 it makes it impossible to form any sort of relationship it takes years for me to get close to someone even then it's quite unlikely I get bored of talking to people if I'm not interested the only way I can listen to people properly is when I drink with them

[MsPurple]

HI James. I think it maybe a good idea to have a look around for more information on the beyond blue website. I'll put the links below. Some of the things you are mentioning sound a little like anxiety. Again you can read some of the information and see if any of it sits with you. I got diagnosed by my dr then read the beyond blue information and found it sat with me.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

[Dr_Kim]

Hi James1008,

Wonder if I can add a few ideas. I am a doctor and I believe in adult ADHD . I fact its in the DSM-5 which is the “bible” of psychiatric diagnosis so I think it must be a real issue for some people. Its important to know accurately whats going on as the treatment can be really valuable .

The thing is, it is a super hard thing to diagnose clearly as it is easily confused with a whole lot of other things which can share some of the same things with it, e.g., anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder, Autism spectrum disorder , personality issues, learning disorders … the list goes on.

So, I think the best thing to do is to 
1. Make a list of all the symptoms that are interfering with your functioning - socially or in your work 
2. Make a list of all the things that you think might have been an issue for you in your development to date that are worrying you
3. Make a list of anything that you have tried in the past that helps , and anything that makes things worse.
4. Think about what changes you would really like to make in your thinking or in your behaviours that would be most valuable to you .

Then , go to a GP ( make a double appointment!)  or to the nearest Headspace centre ( they treat people up to 25 yrs old) https://headspace.org.au/ and they will help to start the process of working out what is going on and how to help you reach your goals.

Its time for you to start really sorting this out . The labels you have been putting on yourself may all be inaccurate and I think you really need to get some professional help to get things right for the future .

[James1008]

I've decided I'm too scared to seek any treatment but thanks for the replies

[Imaginary_Friend]

Hi James. I didn’t know I was ADHD until my late 50s. I have been on anti-depressants for most of my adult life. I look back at my life and see how things could have been different if ADHD had been known about. Now it is a known and there is help available, although the Adult aspect of ADHD is not as well known about. So don’t put it off. There is help available. Visiting a GP and getting a referral to a psychiatrist is the most straightforward means to get appropriate help. A psychologist can help, but legally can not prescribe medication.

The positive difference in my life since using medication is enormous. I personally believe it is genetic. It turns out that one of my parents suffered due to ADHD when it was not known of, and and was prescribed the only types of medication that existed, which weren’t great at all. Some of my children have ADHD. Even they have had to wait too long for help due to professional sceptics. So find a GP who is willing to believe you, and who can find a psychiatrist who believes you as well. They are out there. You have your life ahead of you. ADHD does not mean that your are necessarily hyperactive in you behaviour. It is just as valid in a person who is physically passive but has a hyperactive mind, as is constantly distracted. For myself, I believe, that the ADHD has lead to the anxiety and to the depression that I have suffered from for most of my life. All the best, James. I hope you see this.