My Journey to Acceptance: Overcoming Adult ADHD

When I decided to start a nonprofit organization that required extensive office work and other challenging tasks, I faced a significant personal and professional hurdle due to the way my brain is wired. Admittedly, I had long suspected I had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but it wasn't until I began online classes that I fully realized the extent of my challenges.

Recognizing the Signs

The classes brought back vivid memories of my struggles in school, where focusing and paying attention were constant battles. I found myself reading a single paragraph 100 times just to make sure I understood it. It wasn't until this experience that I seriously considered the possibility that I might have ADHD/ADD.

I was driven to succeed and determined to find help. After searching extensively, I finally found a trusted professional who helped me through the diagnostic process. It took time, but eventually, I was diagnosed with a combined type of ADHD at the age of 46, shortly before my 47th birthday.

Understanding My Diagnosis

After much research, I realized that my unique response to caffeine, a mild stimulant, paralleled the experiences of many with Inattentive ADHD who benefit from stronger, prescription-only stimulants. This discovery offered me a glimmer of hope that there were viable options to manage my symptoms.

Does ADD/ADHD Get Better as You Get Older?

In general, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) does not worsen with age. For some adults, symptoms may even reduce over time. However, this is not the case for everyone. Growing to this realization was a relief and brought hope to my journey of acceptance.

My journey towards acceptance and treatment was particularly profound. Just as I was researching another neurological condition, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for my son's diagnosis, I came across information about how women on the spectrum were often missed in previous time periods. This information, along with my own observations, led me to discuss my concerns with my long-term psychiatrist.

My psychiatrist took my observations seriously and suggested I also consider ADD. After further research, it became clear that I had both Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. Throughout my life, I had been quietly struggling, masking my symptoms since primary school. Due to my hyperlexia, I could read at a very young age, but my inability to focus and organize led to mediocre grades.

Challenges and Adjustments

The path to acceptance and diagnosis was not always smooth. Although I was fortunate to have a supportive psychiatrist, it still took several discussions and assessments to confirm my diagnosis. We reviewed symptoms from childhood through the present, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the challenges I had faced and continue to face.

My struggles have persisted into adulthood, with ongoing challenges such as rushing deadlines and occasionally falling short of meeting them. Despite these setbacks, my hyperactivity is often turned inward, not outwardly shown. Remember, my active childhood days on the farm and climbing trees were just the outward signs of a larger internal struggle.

A Message to Myself and Others

As I reflect on my journey, I know that it is not always easy to accept and address our challenges. But with time, resources, and support, we can find the tools and strategies to manage our symptoms effectively. For those still struggling, I encourage you to seek help and continue exploring your unique path toward acceptance and empowerment.

Until next time, take care and stay safe.

Goodnight, and may your overactive brain keep you creatively busy!