[Nicky123]

Hi, I was just wondering if there is anyone here, possibly an older adult, who thinks that they may have ADD but are undiagnosed? I researched ADHD about 8yrs ago for a friend and while doing so began to recognize a lot of these symptoms in myself. I was recently diagnosed with BPD but did mention to my psychiatrist that I thought I may have ADD, she kind of dismissed me but said, 'well, ADD and BPD are very similar so....'..I was a bit annoyed that she dismissed me but I left it at that. (She does not deal with ADD, would need specialist for that)...I took the test online and scored high so I do believe that I have it. I have also read 2 books about women with ADD and feel they described me to a T. I would be grateful if anyone has any words of wisdom for me. Thanks.

[CANDC]

Nicky, it is unusual to find a professional that will treat ADHD in adults according to stories I hear here at Psych Central.

There articles and posts that discuss this at Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information. and search in the upper right hand corned ADD ADHD in adults

[Nicky123]

Thank You CANDC.

[LacunaCoiler]

I have been diagnosed with Bipolar since 2011 and have been asking about ADD since 2012. However, the docs I had kept telling me that the traits overlap a lot and it could easily be my bipolar mimicking ADD characteristics. It wasn't until my new doctor that finally diagnosed me with it earlier this year. We have been testing out different ADD meds and Adderall has finally seemed to work. Hopefully you can get everything worked out. You should definitely continue to bring up your concerns to your doctor.

[convalescence]

I have bipolar disorder, and when I was put on Wellbutrin, a medication sometimes used in treatment of ADD, I felt that my focus was increased and I felt calmer. Unfortunately, a lot of doctors will blame mood disorders for symptoms of ADD/ADHD. I suggest that once you are stabilized enough, (I don't know if you are or not), that you then go to a psychiatrist for screening for ADD.

I am a young adult, and my PCP told me that mood disorders can mimic ADD/ADHD, so he agreed to test me six months after I've been on treatment. Hoping for the best. Good luck, and don't give up the fight for your diagnosis!

[Fuzzybear]

I think the fact that the psychiatrist dismissed you says a lot (about her and not in a positive sense..)...Are they similar? Are you able to see a different doctor or therapist?

Originally Posted by Nicky123

Hi, I was just wondering if there is anyone here, possibly an older adult, who thinks that they may have ADD but are undiagnosed? I researched ADHD about 8yrs ago for a friend and while doing so began to recognize a lot of these symptoms in myself. I was recently diagnosed with BPD but did mention to my psychiatrist that I thought I may have ADD, she kind of dismissed me but said, 'well, ADD and BPD are very similar so....'..I was a bit annoyed that she dismissed me but I left it at that. (She does not deal with ADD, would need specialist for that)...I took the test online and scored high so I do believe that I have it. I have also read 2 books about women with ADD and feel they described me to a T. I would be grateful if anyone has any words of wisdom for me. Thanks.

[lavendersage]

This is disheartening and makes me mad. I'm an older person who hasn't been diagnosed. I did print the DSM5 criteria and highlighted what I felt "fit" me. I highlighted more than 1/2 the criteria.

I can't focus long enough to read a short article nevermind a book so reading long-ish stuff about coping mechanisms for ADHD....I just don't have it in me right now. I'm on **tilt** as it is. Maybe once the med kicks in - but not now.

I guess I'll have to hope that if I start taking Adderall again the focus and motiviation will return. Once I have those 2 things going on, I'm pretty much an OCD-organizing machine. So much so that people have actually hired me in the past to organize and de-clutter their entire homes!! My God - if they could see my house now.

I would LOVE to learn how to better manage my time and tasks at work. Anybody have any reccs for resources for that?

[Reveille68]

I'm 47 and was recently diagnosed bipolar. I went to the pdoc stating my energy and focus was inconsistent. I was convinced I was adhd and still am. I'm on depakote now for 2 months and my symptoms remain. I have no motivation from the depakote and my focus is horrible, very distracted at work, unorganized etc. Ive had to create strict habits over the years to avoid forgetting or losing things. For example, i always carry 2 sets of keys so i dont lock them in my vehicle and my morning routine has to be followed or I'd forget everything I need for the day. My pdoc just retested me for adhd and I see him next week. He had planned to start me on a low dose wellbutrin but we'll see what he prescribes now.

[Cynical4096]

ADHD and BPD can coexist but the medications for ADHD may aggravate aspects of the BPD.

[Reveille68]

Interesting, I went to the pdoc yesterday and he prescribed methylphenidate er. I started this morning. So depakote and this so far. He also says I have bipolar personality and not actual bipolar. I'm confused but I'll give this a try and see how it goes.

[alwaysin6thgear]

Originally Posted by Reveille68

Interesting, I went to the pdoc yesterday and he prescribed methylphenidate er. I started this morning. So depakote and this so far. He also says I have bipolar personality and not actual bipolar. I'm confused but I'll give this a try and see how it goes.

There are some symptoms of ADHD that are also Bi Polar. I went through almost 10 hrs of testing to make sure that I was ADD and not Bi Polar, I was part of a research study on the effects of Ritalin in adults. At the time Ritalin was approved and used only in kids since the medical community thought ADD went away after your teen years. Once it was discovered that was not the case researchers began testing the effects ADD meds on adults. Methylphenidate is the generic version of Ritalin. There are doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and LCSW that are experienced with adult ADD and Bi Polar, maybe not both but it would be best for someone to find treatment with someone who understands both.

[Nike007]

I believe I do have ADHD. I told my pdoc, and we talked about it, but I don't remember much about me before I was 12 because I had my parents' divorce, and my mind is pretty much blank before the divorce unless it was negative thought like bullying, crying, or things I consider bad. But I believe that maybe when I see my pdoc next, I found that ADHD medicine can be used for ASD and she and I both agree I probably have ASD (she says I need to see a specialist on this). So maybe I'll get some to help with both issues. It's not as effective on ASD, but the ADHD part if I really do have it will help a lot.

The problem with me though is that I am probably gifted and I usually zone out because I find it's boring because I already know the information being taught. My mom just blames my inattentiveness on that. There is more symptoms I have other than that for ADHD though! Sigh.

Hope I will be able to get diagnosed soon. May pay for a full psych eval, hoping I can get everything I have missed diagnosed.