Introduction

[MidlandJ]

Hello, I'm a 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with ADHD-inattentive type over 15 years ago. I've also struggled with depression and anxiety for at least 20 years.

I'm not currently being treated for my ADHD and, due to changing psychiatrists, have to go through the diagnostic process all over again. I'm very frustrated at the moment. Is anyone else going through this?

[ACohen2]

Looking for the help I need has been very time consuming and frustrating. It seems like good psychiatrists are hard to find. I think it is extremely difficult to find a good psychiatrist, let alone someone who truly understand the implications of ADHD! I am sorry for what you are going through. Hang in there! I have been very frustrated with my experiences as well. You are not alone.

[MaryLBarber in reply to ACohen2]

Just today my doctor decided along with me to reduce my Adderall to just one a day now. Used to be three then someone decided at my age two is better. Now I get to see how've done with just one and will give it two weeks and if that doesn't go well she will give me back two a day. Should be interesting.

Plus she is setting up a referral for me to see a psychiatrist. I was diagnosed many years ago. I hope I can find the diagnosis letter which stated my ADHD with hyperactivity, distraction, impulsiveness, concentration and all.

I too have the anxiety which I take Celexa. She lowered my dose to 20 mg. each evening. I asked her to not take that away since I used to rake 40mg. I'm 67 and she said for my age it is better. I told her it helps with my OCD and anxiety so leave it please! She agreed. I've had depression for years and just lately it was really low so she put me on Wellbutrin and it made such a difference. I could feel the joy coming back into my life and the will to get up out of bed and do something. I thought the Celexa was for depression as well but since they cut it in half I got worse. I am also rx Gabapentin for my Fibromyalgia pain. The Adderall was contracting my fatigue from Cronic Fatigue Syndrome so I'll see how I do with my meds adjusted!

I don't know about seeing a shrink! It isn't like I'm gonna grow out of ADHD.

I'm sorry you have all the issues you do. I hope you can find a good doctor that understands all the issues because your anxiety contributes to your depression which makes your ADHD worse. It is a vicious circle. Hard to get out of.

This was a little long and meant to let the 53 year old know she isn't alone. I was diagnosed at age 39. I had a brother who was 65 before his was diagnosed. A friend of mine has pretty much the same problems I do and she is five years older than me. She was just diagnosed at age 70! At my urging because I could see her struggles and recognized the symptoms. She was tested and approved for two Adderall but this last check up she was dropped to only one a day now. I hope that doesn't make her worse again. Same with me. Well we will find out.