I agree with Noemiee, and I'd add this clarification: ADHD does exist in adults. If your doctor doesn't "believe" in ADHD, just find someone who does.

And if your doctor tells you you don't have ADHD, she or he should be able to offer some diagnosis and recommendation for treatment or management.

ALSO--adults with ADHD need more than an M.D. We usually need therapy/counseling, which typically is offered by psychologists (who have doctorates, and so are called "Doctor", but are not medical doctors, so they don't write prescriptions), not psychiatrists (who are medical doctors and do write prescriptions).

Good luck--

Sasha

Definitely go see your Dr. If they aren't any help, ask for a referral to psychiatry. Actually, ask for one anyway. A psychiatrist will be able to diagnose you, and will be able to work with you to find the right medication.

I was diagnosed last week by my psychiatrist (I see her for my depression, this diagnosis was a complete shock to me). I understand where you are coming from with the stigma, as I am dealing with that too. But don't let that keep you from seeking help. You can only feel better with help. I have just started medication last week, and I already notice a difference. Also, with knowing my diagnosis, I am more conscious about things, like keeping my mind on track, using checklists, clearing my head when I get that overwhelmed busy-ness going on.

After my diagnosis, my psychiatrist didn't really sit and talk things through with me, which I wish she had. But, she did lend me a really good book called Fast Minds: How to Thrive If You Have ADHD (Or Think You Might) and I also bought the book You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. Both are really good and insightful. I am also seeking a counsellor to help process everything, I still have a lot of questions.

I agree with SashaBird - if your Dr is reluctant to diagnose, or won't even consider it, find someone else. Make sure they test you.

Good luck - keep us posted :D

Nicola

I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 39 , I always thought my being scatterbrained was due to being an artist, once I was on Ritalin, my life improved dramatically. Most general practitioners are 'band aid" doctors, in that if its not bleeding or poking through the skin, they have no clue all the advice here is good, see the right kind of Doctor.

I understand your nervousness. It took me a few months to go see my doctor after doing some self-diagnosis. However, because I was armed with facts and anecdotes, I simply told my doctor I was concerned and gave her the reasons. Fortunately she was very receptive and referred me to the mental health department for an official diagnosis. It has been a great relief to have the diagnosis so I can progress with medication and therapy.

Hi, I agree with SashaBird "adults with ADHD need more than an M.D. We usually need therapy/counseling, which typically is offered by psychologists"

I discovered I had ADHD when I was burned out after a nervous breakdown due to working in an ADHD hostile environment (open plan office).

Many people here suggest meds and are happy with meds, but they are not for everyone. I don't feel good with stimulants. I don't feel myself. We all have a unique metabolism and for many stimulants are helpful, but for others they make the situation worse. For example I am allergic to modern antidepressant medication (SSRI and SNRI).

Since I spent my life coping with being different, I feel most comfortable with adjusting my life and life-style to be in balance with my ADHD personality. So I would suggest first seeing a psychologist who understands ADHD and can help with coping strategies and therapy before seeing your local doctor.

Also when a doctor does not believe in ADHD, this is often because there is no objective physiological/medical test for ADHD. There are many causes for the symptoms besides being ADHD, and this confuses the issue.

Hello,

I have had a lot of issues with concentration, forgetfulness and lack of interest in some things. I can remember being this way all the way back to elementary school. I also day dreamed and felt that I was just stupid because I wasn't really interest in school.

Anyway, see if your doctor can have you do a TOVA (Test of Variables Attention). It's basically boring video game that tests your attention span. It is then rated by number for your score. The closer to zero the better. Any number rating in the negative indicates a problem. My score was -8.6, which I guess is pretty bad. My doctor told me people with ADD actually spend more energy trying to focus, which causes frustration.

I have been put on Vyvanes for this. I still have some short term memory problems, but my attention has improved.

thanks so much for all the advice! i talked to a friend about it and she said even if i dont get diagnosed with anything, i still have concentration issues that are very similar to ones in add and they do cause a lot of stress in uni and stuff. ive got issues with pmdd too (pms except 10000x worse, essentially depression for 2 weeks of every month, i have under control just now but would like a better solution to it) so i will be trying to get proper counseling soon, i have been going to group counseling which was nice but not massively helpful. i will look into the self help books too, thanks again so much its all been really helpful!!