Diagnosed with Adult ADHD at 40 Male

[BoxaGuy]

Hi all

As the title says.

Process to diagnosis took years for various reasons, I always knew something was wrong but couldn't figure it out. Occasionally id see a GP and be prescribed anti-depressants or referred to different types of counselors, physiologists and from memory one or two psychiatrists.

At around 39 i needed the issue sorted so i committed to getting it done. First step was to get a GP close to home to see regularly, i spoke to her about the issues and asked for a referral to see a psychiatrist, I gave my reasons and she agreed, during this time she also referred me to see a clinical physiologist, with the physiologist i visited with him ten times

Visiting the psychiatrist for the first time resulted in the usual, depression with some anxiety and a script. I returned to my GP discussed the results and asked for another referral to see a psychiatrist, again she agreed, also another referral was made to see a clinical physiologist.

This process continued until the third visit with the same psychiatrist, where he stated ADHD and referred me to another psychiatrist who specializes in that area.

On seeing the ADHD psychiatrist he diagnosed me with Adult ADHD and like anyone with some sense I spent hours and hours researching it as much as I could and my conclusion was the same, spot on.

I’ve now been prescribed medication and have been taking them for around the past 10 months along with regular visits to the ADHD psychiatrist. So far I’m not sure whether the meds will help or not, at first I felt they were but now I’m thinking it was me that was making them work being optimistic and positive, both emotions are hard to replenish if possible after setbacks.

To get to this stage has taken a lot of faith and energy, both of which I have very little of now and I’m starting to worry, that’s why I’m here, looking for some help or advise on how to engage/consult with the ADHD psychiatrist. I can’t think of a better way to put it, it’s like dealing with a real estate agent or car salesman trying to palm of a product. I just can’t get the thought out of my head that the better he is at his job the poorer he’ll be.

So cost is an issue for me. How much do I pay before I go broke or give up? What I should discuss with him to not waist time? How long do I keep seeing him for and how often? The cost would be fine if I knew the outcome had a good chance of being positive, as I stated faith and energy are very low and im not sure how to proceed.

[white knight]

Hi , welcome

well congratulations for being persistent.

I too was diagnosed with adult ADHD in 2003 at 46yo. I was initially prescribed an expensive medication and various computer programs like "mood gym".

I could not afford the meds and could not climb to the dosages directed without becoming dysfunctional. My suspicions were the psych was getting commission from the med sales. I persisted for 6 long dopey years. Then I got a second opinion after many times running my car off the road.

I had 2 psychs analysing me this time, luckily. Both agreed I did not have ADHD but did have- depression dysthymia and bipolar2. It was the mania that appeared like symptoms of ADHD. I was placed on meds appropriate for such conditions and the rest is history. Only fine tuning has ever been required. It has changed my life.

What I'm suggesting is that although you have persevered for so long, sometimes we do have to take charge and if necessary seek further independent opinion even though you have, more might be beneficial. In your case if your expensive meds are causing you financial hardship, raise that topic and find a cheaper alternative. Dont be afraid of that action.

Financial hardship adds to the anxiety which compounds the whole show.

I hope you continue treatment and speak up more to your professional medical people about your needs, after all, you are the one enduring the recovery and the costs.

TonyWK

[BoxaGuy]

Im pretty happy with the diagnosis, as i said its spot on and seems to fit. And the treatment seems to show potential.

I'll bring up my issues with my GP who i like and trust. It is draining, i thought "yay" problem found and diagnosed but now i have to content with a walking talking sales machine, no shit some of the things he's said.. I imagine there all the same. I did bring up the issue with the pharmacist i use and from his response he's no better than the above.

To answer my own question, ill need to find a way to efficiently engage with my psychiatrist.

I did ask him for a recommendation for type of physiologists to work with along with the meds, i stated physiologists and he came back with a plug for a ADHD Coach with a say i sent you.

Are ADHD coaches legit?

[white knight]

Hi

Are ADHD coaches legit?

I dont know.

Anyway, seems you have a direction. Hope it goes well.

TonyWK