I was 50 years old and had just started working in a department of pediatric psychiatry, doing psychological evaluations of children, using a semi-structured interview. I'd done maybe two, when I walked into the Chief Psychiatrist's office and said, "I have some questions about the semi-structured interview". He said, "OK, shoot" and so I went through a number of questions, designed to find ADD traits, and said, "Why am I asking these questions?" He smiled and said, "It's the Attention Deficit part of the evaluation; you're screening for Attention Deficit Disorder"...I said, "Yes, but these questions - EVERYONE DOES THESE, don't they?" He burst out laughing and said, "Well, YOU DO, but everyone who works with you knows you have Attention Deficit Disorder. Didn't you know?" I didn't. At my request, he recommended a psychiatrist, not affiliated with the University (so as not to be biased). She interviewed me, gave me a screen to complete, and I discovered part of reason I finally did well in school was that in addition to ADD, I have OCD traits, so I'd worked out these incredibly intricate (and time-consuming) ways to study and learn. Similar to, "If I take 3 steps forward, then I have to take 3 steps backward" but for studying. It was exhausting, and also, when I found something interesting, I'd become a master of hyper-focusing. But since then, I've encountered so many people, including physicians, who don't recognize that ADD exists in adults, and doubt the existence in children. Endlessly frustrating for those of us who have it and have to live with it.
Thank you, I was diagnosed ten years ago, around age 47-48. It was great to finally understand why I struggled with certain things throughout life. No one ever recommended HRT, though!
You have just described me to a “T.” We are the same age and I’ve had people tell me for years and years that there’s no way I have ADHD - family, friends, and professionals. I often exhibit more hypoactivity than hyperactivity, so people aren’t used to it. I finally have a doctor who prescribed me the medication – in the last year. I’m still working through the dosage and whether it’s the right medication for me, but it has definitely helped.
I was 50 years old and had just started working in a department of pediatric psychiatry, doing psychological evaluations of children, using a semi-structured interview. I'd done maybe two, when I walked into the Chief Psychiatrist's office and said, "I have some questions about the semi-structured interview". He said, "OK, shoot" and so I went through a number of questions, designed to find ADD traits, and said, "Why am I asking these questions?" He smiled and said, "It's the Attention Deficit part of the evaluation; you're screening for Attention Deficit Disorder"...I said, "Yes, but these questions - EVERYONE DOES THESE, don't they?" He burst out laughing and said, "Well, YOU DO, but everyone who works with you knows you have Attention Deficit Disorder. Didn't you know?" I didn't. At my request, he recommended a psychiatrist, not affiliated with the University (so as not to be biased). She interviewed me, gave me a screen to complete, and I discovered part of reason I finally did well in school was that in addition to ADD, I have OCD traits, so I'd worked out these incredibly intricate (and time-consuming) ways to study and learn. Similar to, "If I take 3 steps forward, then I have to take 3 steps backward" but for studying. It was exhausting, and also, when I found something interesting, I'd become a master of hyper-focusing. But since then, I've encountered so many people, including physicians, who don't recognize that ADD exists in adults, and doubt the existence in children. Endlessly frustrating for those of us who have it and have to live with it.
I am so grateful for your honesty and candor. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Thank you, I was diagnosed ten years ago, around age 47-48. It was great to finally understand why I struggled with certain things throughout life. No one ever recommended HRT, though!
I relate to so much of this! I’ve wondered if I should get tested for years. I can’t wait for your new book 🫶🏻
If you and Divergently (https://www.joindivergently.com/) Founder @Kendra Koch aren't already connected, you should be!
https://substack.com/@itskendrakoch
You have just described me to a “T.” We are the same age and I’ve had people tell me for years and years that there’s no way I have ADHD - family, friends, and professionals. I often exhibit more hypoactivity than hyperactivity, so people aren’t used to it. I finally have a doctor who prescribed me the medication – in the last year. I’m still working through the dosage and whether it’s the right medication for me, but it has definitely helped.
You have been an AMAZING public servant and advocate. Thank you!!!