I'm 54, dealing with perimenopause symptoms finally drove me to desperation to finally address my needs. Consultation with a neuropsychologist, 2 weeks later an appointment for 4 hrs worth of testing, 4 weeks later we sat down and she went over my 16 pages of test results/eval. Inattentive ADHD, executive dysfunction, with some anxiety. Adderall has been life changing. I have greater awareness and understanding in regards to many challenges in my life, and she pointed me in the direction to get more assistance if I need it.

One of the biggest motivations for doing this is also to let my adult sons be aware, since there are genetic possibilities. My parents never would have discussed these things, I waited till my 50s to address them. If my son's are questioning, hopefully they find out earlier in life and can have better quality than waiting like I have.

ask your family doctor, most can start the process of a diagnosis.

Buddy, I used to think the same thing. I told my therapist as much when he suggested I seek medication for my clinical ADHD. What he basically told me was that Psychiatrists are not stupid. They'll listen to your story and they will evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for meds. Substance abusers get weeded out fairly quickly, from what I have been told.

As long as you are honest with the doc, and willing to be open minded about treatment options, you'll be fine.

I asked a therapist for a diagnosis, and she didn't even attempt to do the questionnaire bcz it was so obvious. My family doctor took her word for it, lol.

I feel like my kids having it diagnosed helped me a bit but it started with getting a therapist and talking about my life experiences. I expected to have to take a test but they just put me on the meds pretty quickly. My 3rd grade teacher suspected me but my parents never acted. I guess I am a clear case so testing wasn’t involved in my diagnosis

As someone who's in the same boat as you, what makes you think you've got it, out of curiosity (unless you don't want to share, which is completely fine too)?

you can book a consultation with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. In order to be diagnosed, the symptoms you have must have been present before age 12. They will likely have you sit and do a 20 minute test to measure attention and memory. It will sound like it's going to be easy. If you have the condition, I assure you it is not!

Then your provider can talk meds. There's lots of options. The lambo of pills is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), but there are a lot of others w various benefits and drawbacks.

e: the doctors are only there to prescribe pills, more or less. they won't think you're abusing the system

Ask PCP for referral. Talk to psych lady. Try some meds. See how it goes.

I originally went in for post-lockdown depression, but as I was describing my life and symptoms, she realized there was more going on. First she gave me prozac, which was terrible. Then we tried some Wellbutrin and Adderall, and that was the ticket.

That is a silly question. Everyone knows this. If chalupapocalypse wants to explain it anyway for those of you who weren't paying attention though...