I've been unsure about this one for a long time. I have a PhD in neuroscience (yeah, yeah, I know, but my area of research is VERY different than this so I don't know any more than you do. ;) ) and I do ok in my research. However, I do seem to have many of the features of adult ADD and it does harm my career.

1) I am chronically disorganized. My desk, car, and house look like the very definition of messy. It's not that I don't care -- I hate having a messy house/car. It's just that it rarely occurs to me to clean them up and when it does, I forget about it within minutes.

2) I can't follow and pay attention to a lecture for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time -- not even in my own field of expertise. As a college student, I virtually never understood or followed what the professor was saying. I had to simply write down the general topics and go read about them on my own to get through the courses, or tape the lectures. It wasn't lack of motivation, either. Following a lecture for more than 15 minutes takes enormous willpower and effort from me, even if it's a topic that I know a lot about.

3) If someone tells me to do something and the tiniest thing distracts me, I can forget that they ever said anything, often within seconds of the original conversation. I try to carry a pocket electronic notepad so I don't forget to do things, but then I forget to look at it! :(

4) I've never been at all impulsive, but I've always been just a bit fidgety.

Anyone else diagnosed at such an old age? If so, were you helped by the treatments?

yes, yes.

If you do have ADHD and would benefit from treatments (meds), every day you delay diagnosis is a lost day. Imagine you get eye glasses for the first time - you discover all those things that you didn't imagine could be seen.

If nothing else, a diagnosis helps remove all doubt. I am pursuing a diagnosis now and I am 52.

ME :D

After being diagnosed with a multitude of other issues (all stemming from undiagnosed ADD), I was finally diagnosed with ADD two months shy of my 38th birthday.

I was the last person who would have ever thought I had ADD, so when the doctor told me that's what she thought was at the root of everything else,I wasn't too sure at first...but now it's all fitting together and I realize I've had it since I was a little girl.

It's a relief to finally be diagnosed and treated correctly.

Should I get diagnosed at 38?


Sure why not?? I mean what do you have to loose...oh will you really miss those piles that much??????

Oh yea and welcome to the forums!!!!:)

Hi MGRee, and welcome to the forums!

My question back to you would be, "Why not get diagnosed at 38?" Is knowing for sure, one way or the other, a bad thing?

I was diagnosed with ADHD on my 35th birthday, shortly after my son was diagnosed. I think getting a diagnosis has been helpful, in that I now have another strategy besides "try harder."

I have been plagued by procrastination, spotty motivation and disorganization for as long as I can remember, and now I have better (and more realistic) hopes of improving in those areas.

Anyone else diagnosed at such an old age? If so, were you helped by the treatments?
I was about 36,37 when I got diagnosed and yes treatment did help me.

2) I can't follow and pay attention to a lecture for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time -- not even in my own field of expertise. As a college student, I virtually never understood or followed what the professor was saying. I had to simply write down the general topics and go read about them on my own to get through the courses, or tape the lectures. It wasn't lack of motivation, either. Following a lecture for more than 15 minutes takes enormous willpower and effort from me, even if it's a topic that I know a lot about.

I had the same problem as an undergrad and until I was officially diagnosed at the age of 33, I guess I simply turned a blind eye to the fact that I would rewrite (literally) the chapters of my textbooks, word for word, many times in order to retain the information. It wasn't until I took the time to educate myself as to how I learn and retain information that I realized I am only able to successfully take in information in one form at a time (ie: by listening or by writing, but not both simultaneously). When I read further into ADHD literature, I found that this is often the case and the moment I stopped taking notes and just listened to the lectures, I pretty much retained everything. Now, at age 39, i'm just finishing my masters degree, with a high gpa, having never once written a single note since I closed the books and simply listened. 38 isn't too old to hear the diagnosis at all. In fact, perhaps you might consider it the beginning of a time when you can find out as much as you can about yourself, and begin to develop compensatory techniques to help you overcome things that you want to change. Worth it? Definitely!!

After talking with my doctor about all my symptoms, she referred me to see a LCSW who diagnosed me with ADD just yesterday. She used the word "significant" to describe my ADD. It feels really wierd to be diagnosed, I've never been diagnosed with anything in my life. The other wierd thing is that I'm a school counselor at an elementary school (with a master's in counseling) and talk to staff and parents frequently about AD/HD but I never thought about it for myself.

Anyway, there's much more I could say about my path to a diagnosis, but I won't bore you. Suffice it to say, you are never too old to address ADD.

One more thing, the LCSW I saw yesterday said I could have my doctor prescribe something for ADD very quickly, or I would have to wait a month to see a psychiatrist and have them prescribe and monitor me. I chose to wait a month to see the psychiatrist and receive medication. I figure I've lived with ADD this long, I can wait another month to be under a specialist's care. I also have sleep problems, so I really want to be careful with medicaton.

I turned 39 a couple of weeks ago and was diagnosed 2 months ago.

I'm about a year away from finished a cognitive psych PhD (provided I pass my generals). It's only been recently I've had severe problems.

I would say that, yes, it would be a good idea, if for no other reason than this: I've found it SO much easier to pay attention in seminars and such since starting Adderall.

Also, consider that as you approach menopause, your symptoms could increase a great deal. Better to be proactive, right?

Good luck!

The other wierd thing is that I'm a school counselor at an elementary school (with a master's in counseling) and talk to staff and parents frequently about AD/HD but I never thought about it for myself.


lol, this is hilarious.
I have my own stories that led to being diagnosed a few weeks ago, at 33, that are so unbelievable I won't even bother thinking about or bringing them up again. I just sit here now thinking HOW COULD I, but not so much any more, only when I read stuff like this.

The PhD in neuroscience by the original poster is also on the same note, very funny.

And yes, you should get diagnosed. Medication doesn't solve everything by any means and sometimes you can't really trust it but everything seems to be rearranging itself in the brain like a room that had the furniture all over the place. It is pretty amazing really, and it's only been a few weeks. Just feeling, in your head, how a normal brain is supposed to work should be reason enough. And once that is out of the way there is a lot of work, but at least you're playing with a full deck, or as close as possible.

Medication doesn't help me get out of "metaphor mode" either, which I hate.

Welcome to the forums!

The PhD in neuroscience by the original poster is also on the same note, very funny.
Hey, I actually study ATTENTION and it didn't occur to me that I had a problem with it!:o

Medication doesn't solve everything by any means and sometimes you can't really trust it but everything seems to be rearranging itself in the brain like a room that had the furniture all over the place. This is the best description I've read about meds making a difference; especially the part about not really trusting them. Well done!

I was diagnosed at 28 (36 now) and it helped me a great deal. :) Good luck to you!

Anyone else diagnosed at such an old age? If so, were you helped by the treatments?
Ahem! Who are you calling "old"? ;) :)

I'm 38 and I've sought diagnosis and treatment this year. I first suspected it after overhearing 2 ADD people talk about what it was like. I did some research and let the info sit for a year. After a stressful year of grad school and wanting to avoid more overly stressful semesters, I sought help.

It has not been easy or quick, but I think it has definitely helped. I've been working with my psychologist since April and a few months ago decided to try meds. My M.D. is working with me trying to find the right med and dosage, but psychologist thinks that even with the trial and error that meds have helped some. The jury is still out for me re: my meds, but I'm less objective. Some days I think they are helping, others I feel like nothing has changed.

I'm a work in progress, but I do know that even if I haven't noticed clear and immediate changes on meds thus far, becoming more informed and working with my psychologist has changed things. It's helped me see things differently. Now I can sometimes take a step back, see what's going on, think about how I'm choosing to react and feel about it, maybe try something different than I've tried in the past.

So while I still struggle with the messy desk/home and other issues, I think it helps to know some reasons why I struggle, and to have some different ideas for addressing these issues. It also still amazes me that these aren't personality quirks and/or character flaws unique to me. That there are others who behave similarly and face similar challenges. So realizing that through reading books and finding this forum has been helpful too.

I think that self-awareness is a good thing. Many ADDers need to work on self-acceptance/self-esteem because we have often come down hard on ourselves and/or others have criticized us. But also there seem to be things we'd like to change. I think it's harder to make changes if you don't clearly see yourself or understand what's going on. You may just keep trying the same old thing over and over or trying what works for other people, but that might not be what works best for you.

Being informed, having a diagnosis, working with a professional, perhaps trying meds, may all help you to understand yourself better and to find things that do work better for you.

If you end up happier, or less frustrated, or have less incidences where your behavior or lack thereof can harm your career, it seems like a no-lose situation to me. I say go for it. If for some reason it turns out professionals think it's not ADD, then either they may have an alternative explanation, or at the least you've ruled something out. Also, if after some exploration of other explanations you still think it may be ADD, there's nothing to stop you from seeking a second opinion.

Welcome to the forums and best wishes as you explore diagnosis for this. :)
~~bythesea

I was diagnosed at 30, it changed my life! I am about to return to college for the second time with confidence!

I think that self-awareness is a good thing. Many ADDers need to work on self-acceptance/self-esteem because we have often come down hard on ourselves and/or others have criticized us. But also there seem to be things we'd like to change. I think it's harder to make changes if you don't clearly see yourself or understand what's going on. You may just keep trying the same old thing over and over or trying what works for other people, but that might not be what works best for you.

Extremely well said!!!!


To give an ADDed perk to all interested, while reading a book by some one named Thomas Brown PhD. "Attention Deficit Disorder the Unfocused Mind" I stumbled upon a really cool revelation .

As I was busy treating my ADD with a combination of medication, education, and modifications, I have also been maturing in areas of emotion, confidence, coping, communication, and acceptance of self and others.

This maturity didn't happen by a force of my will it was more of a side effect of the combination approach of my ADD treatment.

I didn't get diagnosis until I was 29 however I am now 42. Thought I would share a "long timers" perspective when it comes to the advantages of ADD treatment.



Hey, I actually study ATTENTION and it didn't occur to me that I had a problem with it!

ROFL----Sounds like some thing I would do!!!! :p

I was diagnosed at 30, it changed my life! I am about to return to college for the second time with confidence!
I have always struggled as a student especially in college and grad school. Now that I've been diagnosed with ADD and will begin treament soon, I wonder what I might be able to accomlish now?

It makes me kinda sad to think how I haven't lived up to my potential in many areas of my live because of untreated ADD. :(

Yes, I think it would be a relieft to find out one way or the other if you are ADHD. I was diagnosed last yr at 46 and I just turn 47 in October. I am still working on skill and I am in college now and recieve good grade this semester. Okay history is a retake but other than that i got A's and B's.

I would say do it It is never too late.

I have always struggled as a student especially in college and grad school. Now that I've been diagnosed with ADD and will begin treament soon, I wonder what I might be able to accomlish now?

It makes me kinda sad to think how I haven't lived up to my potential in many areas of my live because of untreated ADD. :(
I felt the same way at first, but you've got to remember a few things.

First, if you've even got into grad school you must be pretty accomplished.

Second, all the you are today you owe to your experiences, including the bad ones. Dealing with an undiagnosed disorder, you've probably been forced to learn to do a lot of things others never even consider. That's an asset. Remember what Niche said: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!

Third: I've come to the realization that although meds does a LOT for me, it's not perfect. I can do more, but it's still challenging to achieve at the hieghts of my dreams. Nevertheless, I feel fortunate to have what I do and will use it as best I can. I don't have the change the world single-handedly to contribute to it.

Hey, I actually study ATTENTION and it didn't occur to me that I had a problem with it!:oI always knew that there was something wrong with me from the standpoint of attention, but I've never really had the hyperactivity/impulsiveness side of things, and I've always been able to pay attention to some things for long periods of time. Until recently, I thought those things meant that I couldn't have any form of ADHD. It wasn't until I read about the typical traits of an adult with ADHD (particularly the so-called "inattentive type") that I thought, "hey wait a minute..." ;)

To keep me from forgetting to drop letters in the mail (you know, the ones that contain the checks to pay our bills), my wife puts them in my shoes so I can't forget them. Last week, I set them on the ground while I put my shoes on...

... and there they remained for the rest of the day. :( In the 30 seconds it took me to slip my shoes on, I totally forgot about them. lol

It wasn't until I read about the typical traits of an adult with ADHD (particularly the so-called "inattentive type") that I thought, "hey wait a minute..." ;)
Sounds familiar. It never occurred to me that I could be ADHD, because I am able to sit still.

In the end, though, I was diagnosed as combined type due to my high level of impulsivity.

To keep me from forgetting to drop letters in the mail (you know, the ones that contain the checks to pay our bills), my wife puts them in my shoes so I can't forget them. Last week, I set them on the ground while I put my shoes on...
A kindred spirit! ... Except in my house, my wife does all the mailing.

What makes me marvel is how people like us have set up our lives to deal with this sort of thing. Between getting my wife to handle or help me with things I'm bad at, and working out special arrangements with my clients, I had adapted my environment to suit my needs to an amazing degree before I even had an inkling of ADHD.

I'm just glad that my wife is cool with all the things she needs to help me with.

Hi
I am about the same age as you was diagnosed two months ago and have been taking dex since. It does helps me keep my attention to the task/conversation at hand, I am more relaxed, I dont have constant dialogue in my head as I do without it and I feel more motivated to get the small things done.
I would encourage you to follow through and try the medication. You may be pleasantly surprised at the change it makes.

I would encourage you to follow through and try the medication. You may be pleasantly surprised at the change it makes.

Agreed....excelent thoughts........