Diagnosis coming late in life...Introduction

[OreoMaze]

Hi,

I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed in my 50s only after many bouts of depression. Ironically, my Dad was diagnosed later in life and a brother was diagnosed after college. No one ever suggested I might have ADHD because 1) I wasn't fidgety or overactive, 2) I got straight As in school and graduated suma cum laude from graduate school, 4) I am female and ADHD looks different and 3) apparently I didn't annoy people enough for anyone to notice me!

How was I diagnosed? I read a couple of books on ADHD because I coach parents and had a couple of clients whose kids were recently diagnosed. The book quiz in "Delivered From Distraction" was an eye-opener. (pinkconcussions.com/adhd-quiz) At the time I was being treated by a psychiatrist for another bout of depression and subclinical PTSD after the traumatic death of my Dad. Fortunately she, the psych, was willing to entertain the idea of ADHD without a huge battery of tests, and prescribed a trial of ritalin.

The day I took my first dose, I sat down to do some computer work (excel and emails) that I HATE doing. Two hours later I had accomplished more than I had all week without even taking a break. It was like a miracle! Now I am taking time release ritalin. I am learning new ways of organizing myself and my work. Every day is not the miracle that first dose was, but I am more productive, more content, and I think I am easier to live with. (My DH and I are business partners based in our home, so you can imagine the distraction and disorganization I can create!)

By the way, my DH took an ADHD quiz about me and scored me higher than I did. He told me things like, do you realize that any (zoom) meeting we have you get up at least once for the bathroom, a drink, or because you "forgot" your notes? Even in church you go and stand in the back if the sermon is longer than 20 minutes. He also thinks I carry a water bottle everywhere just to have something to "do" when I sit too long. No, I had never noticed those things. He was kind enough not to make a list of my unfinished and abandoned projects around the house!

[Smradek]

I recently realized that I did not outgrow my childhood ADHD, waiting to get a formal diagnosis and start treatment.

I took that book quiz, scored at least 79 out of 128, thank you for the info.

I did not know people with ADHD had all those common traits, but it fits the picture perfectly.

[GreenGrass24]

Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty. I can really relate to what you described, and it’s inspiring to see how you’re navigating your ADHD diagnosis. I, too, have ADHD and have experienced my own ups and downs along the way. Occupational therapy has been a game changer for me—it’s helped me gradually develop strategies to organize my work and manage daily tasks. I know firsthand that discovering ADHD later in life can feel both relieving and overwhelming. Like you, I never fit the “typical” picture of ADHD, and understanding my own patterns has been a slow process of trial and error. But with the right support, including therapy and occupational guidance, I’ve managed to make progress and feel more in control. I’m really glad you’re finding tools that work for you, and I hope my experience can serve as a reminder that even though the journey might be challenging, there is a way forward. Please know that you’re not alone in this—and every step you take is a victory. 💙

[SchwarzerEngel in reply to GreenGrass24]

I have a similar story with a diagnosis in my 40s. At the I to go on medication because I was already taking meds for other conditions, but occupational therapy has never been suggested. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. It is so validating. I need to quit gaslighting myself into thinking it’s just me.

[GreenGrass24 in reply to SchwarzerEngel]

late diagnosis can really mess with your head, and it’s not just you. I’ve worked with an occupational therapist, and it’s been really helpful for finding strategies that actually work with my brain. If you ever want more info, feel free to reach out. 💛

[SchwarzerEngel in reply to GreenGrass24]

I would love more info.

[GreenGrass24 in reply to SchwarzerEngel]

it really resonated with me. I’ve been curious about occupational therapy but didn’t know how much it could actually help with day-to-day ADHD challenges until now. Hearing how OT helped you get organized, manage sensory overload, and build routines that actually work for you is really encouraging. I love that it’s not about “fixing” ADHD but learning how to work with it.

I’ve been feeling stuck in survival mode myself, so I’m definitely going to check out Melo. I believe they are offering free consultation, so it's worth to give a try. Here is the link hellomelo.co/free-consultat..., please let me know!

[ValkyrieAngelic]

Imagine what we could have accomplished in life if we were diagnosed early?

[SchwarzerEngel in reply to ValkyrieAngelic]

I don’t know if I want to go down that path😱