Help | ADHD Information
I am a 44 year old woman, I have not been diagnosed with ADD but I have just started to see a psychiatrist, and I am afraid that that is where we are headed. I have an excellent job which requires concentration. I struggle daily to stay focused on my work. I am very easily distracted, disorganized, and have trouble getting started on things, and even more trouble finishing things.
I have been treated for depression with not much success. I am not thrilled at the prospect of another diagnosis and/or taking additional meds.
I would appreciate any advise or information.
Advise? I wouldn't know, I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about 6.. I was on medication when at primary school, and it generally worked. I was top of class on subjects and I worked harder.
When I went to secondary school I came off the medication, and despite diciplinary action now and then at school, I was generally doing ok, 3 years in everything changes, it was like opening up my eyes and seeing something I didn't like, I realized things I never did before, and suddenly the pressure about doing well in education was more than just a joke at the back of my mind, I stopped caring completely about the majority of things, I stopped working, stopped being who I was.. it was strange.
It was like my whole personallity had flipped, small things angered me, and my self esteem over a year or two had got real low..
I'm 17 now, I screwed up my exams, and screwed up my college course after, and I still don't care, and yet don't know why. I keep thinking it's more than the ADHD, but I don't know.
My family don't understand what I go through everytime I'm confronted about the future, and what I'm going to do educationally, I guess I'm just fubar now.
Sorry, but I've really no advise, I've never manage to deal with my ADD personally, I can't make my self concentrate and be someone I haven't been for a long time... but what ever medicine I was on back when I was a kid, I'm sure it worked, so keep your hopes up, I doubt it will be much of a problem if you're on medication to help you with concentration.
And, remarkably I totally missed that this was an Adult forum and not a Young Adult forum.. talk about lack of concentration and missing "obvious details" huh.
ChrisC38192.7695138889Tobie - If you are ADD and you are diagnosed as such, trust me, this is the best thing that will happen to you in your healing!
I am 45 years old and was diagnosed in March. I can't tell you how much my life has turned around since then! It took 3 months to find the right combination of meds but it was well worth it!
I, too, had a VERY hard time at work. My job has changed and I've been given more work than I have ever had before and more responsibility. And I'm required to be a multitasking fool and very organized now. I was failing miserably at my job and I knew that after 21 years being there, I was headed for a firing. That's why I went to seek help.
I had been on antidepressants for a couple years which really helped my anger, but nothing else.
I had a realization on Friday . . . I think I almost like my job! 
Okay, I still don't love it, still would rather be doing something else, but I think I can handle it now! I think I'm going to be okay.
Please please, for your own sake, follow through and get the help that you deserve. The meds that I am on now hardly have any side effects. And the ones I have are FAR outwayed by the benefits I'm getting.
Feel free to ask any questions here. Feel free to vent or whatever else you need to do. This is a very caring and understanding group of people here!
Ditto!
I too am 45 years old and was diagnosed a few months ago. All the pieces fell into place. I was on the verge of losing yet another good job and my marriage of 20 years. Things are improving greatly!
It seems like depression is pretty common when people are experiencing awful circumstances due to having ADD and not knowing it.
No matter what is wrong, you will be MUCH better off knowing exactly what it is so you can move forward!
Oh, also with regards to medications.
I am on one medication for ADD. Now that I am functioning so much better, my depression has declined and I do not need to take anything for that.