72 yrs. old and seeking diagnosis

[dber72]

Hello- I am a woman, still working full-time (by choice!). Have suspected myself of having ADHD for years. As you know extremely difficult to find a specialist for adult ADHD. I had an appt. with a PHMHNP for the purpose of seeking diagnosis. The conversations was .."were you hyperactive as a child?". My answer "no". Our visit was short "...you don't have ADHD! It doesn't all of a sudden show up in adults. Continue your antidepressants." *sigh* I did have a neuropsych test with results of MCI. Wanting other things ruled out.

Very hopeful about possibility I can improve my quality of life! And better prepare ahead, but want some clarity on what the hell is going on!

My heart goes out to all of adults who are searching and learning about adult ADHD! Hang in there!

[STEM_Dad]

Hi dber72 , and welcome to the forum!

There are a lot of us who are discovering well into adulthood that we have ADHD. Unfortunately, a lot of mental health practitioners, like the one you were seen by, who seem to be behind on current understanding of ADHD.

I also wasn't hyperactive as a child...but I was a chronic daydreamer. I've was diagnosed with the Predominantly Inattentive presentation at age 45.

Approximately 1/4 of all people with ADHD have never had hyperactivity. But we tend to get dismissed a lot in discussions about ADHD, because we only have Inattentive traits. (We draw less attention.)

[Quincie]

Hello, what a frustrating experience. Did you not challenge them tho about the inattentiveness component? These days we have to be our own advocates. I hope you can find a more informed NP. Are you seeking a diagnosis for meds to keep working? I hope there isn't ageist attitudes in your workplace and you feel pressured to seek this out of fear of losing your job. Good luck finding another Dr.

[emiL1234]

You should get more than one professional's advice. But not too many....

[DoodleMom2]

At 72 years of age (last year), I had a genetics test. It was ordered by my psychologist. It showed a lack of dopamine - something that occurs wiith people with ADHD. I started reading about ADHD and my life suddenly became very clear. I had executive disfunction, clumsiness, poor at organizing, poor memory, no sense of direction, emotional overreaction. I have all the major benchmarks. Still, my psychologist was loathe to diagnose me with ADHD because I had not been diagnosed as a child. ADHD was not even on my parents' radar. It would never have occurred to them to have me tested.

He went ahead and prescribed the generic of Ritalin. It immediately made a huge difference in my life. I can stick with tasks. Feel more focused and attentive.. It is not a cure all. I still read articles on ADHD and try to improve my life but just knowing that there was/is a cause for my many life problems has made a difference in my opinion of myself. If you can get a doctor to prescribe either Ritalin or Adderall for you to try, it might help.

By the way, my doctor is not a specialist in ADHD; however, he is open to trying things that will help. Good luck to you.

[PoodleLover08]

I used adhdonline.com. Full spectrum of options.