Yesterday I got my official diagnosis of ADHD at age almost 40! Took a long time not? I've been a patient at the mental health clinic since I was 19 and now finally a psychiatrist took the time to find out what's been bothering for sooooooo long. Such a relief!!!!

Congrats. You now have started your journey. I found out at 44. Hang tough and learn as much as you can about it. I am glad someone took the time to care.
Jim

that's very good..... I was about 34-35....

gymsocks has giving you some good advice.....

As much as I expected this diagnose - it feels funny. Like, well, this is it. Now what?? I was relieved and shocked at the same time. I had been in doubt for several months since she firts suggested ADD and I'd been doing some reading (on these boards as well!)

I also thought it was possible the doctor would say I had been simulating for all those years. Or I'd been imagining. My mother responded surprised: So I have an ADHD kid?

And yes, I'm really glad this doctor took the time for me to make a proper diagnosis. She had no concrete advise for me to find counselling or coaching because not many people are specialized in it. I'd like that, especially for work. For the time being she won't perscribe Ritalin or Concerta, because I want to get pregnant (bit late, I know...) and it's not advised to take ritalin during pregnancy.

Well, it's official guys and gals, I'm one of the gang now!

Ok now, who's going to teach her the secret hand shake ?

I would but I forgot what it was..lol...

Paula

DX at age 56!
<p>I'm actually quite smart. My IQ is 150. I went to Harvard (and turned down scholarships at Yale and MIT).
<p>I didn't avoid introspection, I don't worry about my image, I have no fear of being wrong, etc.
<p>I recognized there was "something wrong" - I knew I couldn't do many of the trivial but essential jobs needed to run a small company (even though I watched a real dope doing it successfully) - WHAT'S WRONG?
<p>I had strong doubts that ADD was real - it seemed like it was probably mostly adults trying to stop kids from being kids - there was always some kid in cl*** who's desk was moved next to the teacher's desk - big deal...
<p>After the DX I realized that "some kid" was <u>always</u> me (and it happened in every grade). Did I actually say I was "smart"???
<P>But Concerta let me experience life without ADD - for 7 weeks.

It was GREAT! Boy could I get stuff done! My driving slowed 20-40%. Etc.
It was CRUMMY! Where's my creativity? Where's the exhiliration?
The AADD has returned and drugs only have a small impact now.
<p>But "knowing" has made a huge, huge difference! A lot of the AADD characteristics get in my way, but it's such a relief to live without the "what's wrong?" I know what I need to aim for and I have a much better idea of what and how I can try to accomplish those goals.

now your one of us

Welcome to the fold. (baa-aa)

Great being here! ADD is here to stay and so am I ;-)))

Congrats Els on being properly dx and for officially being part of the gang..

Well..I am waiting for my diagnosis..Hopefully I'll get it in clear words been waiting too long for this to happen.


Wishing You All A Nice Day Ahead,

With Love,

Nachi