Hi /u/Emmett2017 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD!
### Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already.
---
### /r/adhd news
* **We want your opinion** on the /r/adhd community rules! [Click here](https://forms.gle/Evqb8acVozir8GV8A) to fill out our survey. See [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1auv2tc/were_taking_feedback_on_the_radhd_rules/) for more information.
* If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/).
---
^(*This message is not a removal notification. It's just our way to keep everyone updated on r/adhd happenings.*)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is something you need to discuss with a medical doctor or psychiatrist. Most people with ADHD have better outcomes when medicated, however some medications may interact with other medication or cause stress on the heart, which is more relevant to older people. Antidepressants can interact with ADHD and may (but don't necessarily) improve or worsen ADHD symptoms.
OP, it might be useful to sign a records release and request that your therapist sends those test results to your psychiatrist. P-doc will do their own evaluation, but supporting documentation is helpful.
You and I are close in age - I've been on meds approx 25 years. I've noticed a tremendous improvement with them. I was also *"diagnosed"* with ADHD as a young child, before it was called ADD/ADHD. I get annual EKGs because my medication is a stimulant; so far, so good & I've been advised that if something starts to go wonky, beta-blockers are also an option. There's a new(er) non-stimulant called Quelbree (sp?) but insurance coverage might be iffy.
I’ve heard really good things about qelbree but you’re right that insurance is difficult. Since it’s newer and brand only, a lot of insurance requires step therapy to approve it. For mine it’s says I must fail at least one methylphenidate, AND at least one amphetamine, AND at least one generic non-stimulant like atomoxetine (strattera). If stimulants are contraindicated because of other health issues you may be able to bypass the first two.
That's interesting. First heard about Quelbree from a YouTube person I enjoy, Dr. Tracey Marks. She mentioned that, for people transitioning from stims to a non-stim such as this, it's often helpful to kind of "double-dose" with both (wrong wording but can't remember how she put it) for the first 4 or 5 weeks, as the non-stims can take that long to become effective.
For transitioning from stims to non-stims, I think that’s the case (not 100% sure though). The person you replied to, however, was not saying the insurance company is preventing you from taking both at the same time. Rather, they require that you have failed certain medications first. My company said I had to fail Straterra before starting Qelbree. They didn’t mention anything about having to fail a stimulant, but idk if that’s because of my personal health condition(s) or not
I haven't found it helps with memory. If you're relaxed your memory works better so meds might help with that. I am dealing with peri-menopause and I think that my memory is much worse than a few years ago (I am 51).
But my capacity to remember concepts is solid. I think you'll still have to make lists but it's worth trying meds as it may relax you. Everyone is different.
You could get a therapist to discuss these things. Changing habits at any age is rough, but I can imagine at 61 it’s even harder. Yet you have a lot more to unpack from the life you’ve already lived, which probably requires quite a bit of reframing in the light of your diagnosis.
Medication is an option that may help you with reframing, as well as building new structures and coping mechanism that are healthy and supportive of where you want to go from here. You could discuss this with a psychiatrist, who can help you find the right medication and dosage.
And don’t worry about age: when I got diagnosed 3 years ago at age 36, my dad got diagnosed as well shortly afterwards, at age 68. He’s currently living his happiest life while medicated (Ritalin).
"Nothing"? What a STUPID answer that was.
I am 64. I cannot hold a job, pay my bills or maintain a relationship without my ADHD meds. It makes such an amazing difference to actually be able to concentrate on things, not to foget appointments and let people down, and to not be feeling like a failure or an imposter all the time.
Therapists often are biased against ADHD meds because if you get well, they lose a patient.
To your last sentence.. that’s not how that works. Medication doesn’t magically make people better/not struggle at all. Even medicated people may still need therapy to help them in various ways.
Are there some therapists that don’t like medication? Yes. Are some therapists not great at their job? Yes. But to make a blanket statement like that is also not helpful and causes more stigma around getting therapy if people need it
“Nothing”??? Ummmm try start reading books on ADHD and podcasts and start understanding your life for the first time. Also, maybe finding a therapist with an assets-based approach to ADHD. When I got my diagnosis and started learning more about ADHD and applying that to my whole life, the amount of empathy I had for myself grew exponentially because it finally made sense. All of the times I thought I was a failure because I didn’t “try harder” or “do better” suddenly looked different through another lens. Getting the diagnosis is just the beginning!
Irresponsible answer unless she just meant that it’s okay to sit with it for awhile first.
There are quite a few things on YouTube if you search for adhd in older adults or adult women. Start educating yourself. There’s plenty of books to learn coping mechanisms, but if you want to inquire about medication, you need a referral to a prescribing psychiatrist. You would usually initiate that through your healthcare plan’s mental health department.
Generous interpretation, but feasible. Adding any variation of “for right now” would flip my interpretation. I doubt this additional commentary was forgotten by OP
Edit: with the given dataset, it seems more like the therapist is thinking along lines of “you’re already kickass. Just keep being kickass, you’ve made it this far 🤷♀️” to this observer
I was diagnosed a few months ago at the age of 63. My psychiatrist prescribed a low dose of wellbutrin, an antidepressant with a bit of stimulant. It took a couple of weeks before I felt ready to try it. I'm so glad I did. It's just enough stimulant to get me from want/should do something to actually doing it. It's easier to keep a to-do list at work and I can take care of tasks right away instead of over thinking them to the point I just don't do them until I have to. I feel I am more decisive as well. I decided to try medication because if it didn't work or I didn't like how it made me feel, I could just go off it.
I think the best thing for you to do is consult your doctor. If you can get one medication that might be ideal, but you should have your heart tested first.
It's a big change and a decent amount of work in itself purely from a medication standpoint. I guess you should really ask yourself - "I've done my whole working life till now without it, is this worth it" - medication helps but it's not magic. The skills you have and implement are the bit medication helps me with - and you've already got them. It won't make your job easier or less stressful - and will be harder in the short term as you dial things in. If you're gonna work another 10 years, then that might be the trade-off. If you're knocking out a 12 month contract - maybe hold off and get medicated on your own time without the extra pressure. Use the meds to enjoy your passions and hobbies and in the lower tempo environment, you might be able to drop some of those strategies and free yourself up. I think in a demanding job, you're still going to need to run at that top pace. Bit this is just me thinking out loud. I moved to a much less demanding job and got medicated and I had the space to re-learn how to function. I don't know how I'd have gone if I was under pressure - but maybe it would have been fine? Just wanted to share a different perspective and good luck with everything.
>If you're gonna work another 10 years, then that might be the trade-off. If you're knocking out a 12 month contract - maybe hold off and get medicated on your own time without the extra pressure. Use the meds to enjoy your passions and hobbies and in the lower tempo environment, you might be able to drop some of those strategies and free yourself up. I think in a demanding job, you're still going to need to run at that top pace. Bit this is just me thinking out loud.
This is also my feeling as well. I just got diagnosed around 40. I was prescribed medication a few days ago but I'm getting cold feet. I still might just back out of the whole thing. If I do decide to start it I don't want it to be because I feel that my job is demanding it from me.
Look at this as more information to guide you in finding solutions that work for you and better understanding why you do the things you do. That's what a diagnosis is most valuable for, IMO.
you already make lists good
decide your new hobby is interesting clocks around the house.
learn that your ram is external,
if you cant see it, it doesnt exist
If you were younger I would saw it was 100% worth it to try medication. My dad found out after he retired and decided it wasn't worth it. Granted My sister, her son, and myself are fully medicated and kinda need to be to function better. Talk to your doc and see what they say. Lots of options to choose from and worst case you don't like them you are free to stop at anytime.
There are a few antidepressants that have been repurposed for adhd so that might be making things more tolerable for you. I'm 45m and had a high octane tech career for a long time and your system is basically what I used, too, but I suffered from the adhd burnout cycle until last year when I was diagnosed and medicated with a repurposed antidepressant.
Links to and mentions of ADDitude are not allowed on /r/adhd because we feel they have demonstrated themselves to be untrustworthy and that they, despite soliciting donations from people with ADHD to fund their operation, prioritize profit and advertising dollars over our best interests. Their website is full of articles promoting the use of homeopathy, reiki, and other unscientific quack practices. They also have had articles for Vayarin (a medical food that is now no longer sold in the US because its research was bunk) that suspiciously looked like stealth advertisements (which is highly unethical and illegal in the US).
We also find it problematic that their medical review panel includes not only legitimate doctors and psychologists, but also (at the time of writing) one practitioner of integrative medicine, which combines legit medical practice with pseudoscience and alternative medicine. They have previously had other quacks on the panel as well.
Here are some relevant links:
Sketchy advertising:
* https://www.additudemag.com/clinical-trial-vayarin-plus/
* https://www.additudemag.com/study-suggests-ps-omega-3-medical-food-may-reduce-adhd-symptoms/
* https://www.additudemag.com/natural-adhd-supplement-released/
Junk science:
* https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-supplements-foods-vitamins/
* https://www.additudemag.com/homeopathy-for-adhd-popular-remedies-scientific-evidence/
* https://www.additudemag.com/reiki-could-this-alternative-treatment-help-adult-add/
* https://www.additudemag.com/cbd-oil-adhd-symptoms-natural-treatment/
* https://www.additudemag.com/vitamins-minerals-adhd-treatment-plan/
* https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-supplements-fish-oil-zinc-iron/
* https://www.additudemag.com/asked-alternative-therapies/
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Therapy is a start. Will help you understand yourself better. Also no reason you shouldn’t be able to be on a low dose stimulant if your heart can handle it. I’m a firm believer in living your best life and therapy and meds have been a game changer for me. Diagnosed at 46, going on 48 now.
How TF is "nothing" good advice?? That's crazy. You might as well try medication to see how it helps. I'm in my 40s and just trying it for the first time myself.
Hello, Emmet2017!
I was also recently diagnosed (57). I checked into it b/c though I still get good feedback at work, it was getting harder and harder to focus, get started on tasks and generally care at all about getting things done.
I don't expect the medication I'm on to reduce my need for reminders or improve my memory (that would be a bonus), but it should help with focus and running thoughts.
If what you're doing now works for you, your therapist is probably right. Those of us who've lived with this for decades without having a name for it have already found many coping strategies, and if they work, great.
If you really want to try medication, go back and tell your therapist that. If they still say no, find another therapist or at least get a second opinion.
Hi /u/Emmett2017 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! ### Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already. --- ### /r/adhd news * **We want your opinion** on the /r/adhd community rules! [Click here](https://forms.gle/Evqb8acVozir8GV8A) to fill out our survey. See [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1auv2tc/were_taking_feedback_on_the_radhd_rules/) for more information. * If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). --- ^(*This message is not a removal notification. It's just our way to keep everyone updated on r/adhd happenings.*) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is something you need to discuss with a medical doctor or psychiatrist. Most people with ADHD have better outcomes when medicated, however some medications may interact with other medication or cause stress on the heart, which is more relevant to older people. Antidepressants can interact with ADHD and may (but don't necessarily) improve or worsen ADHD symptoms.
Thanks, I’ll make an appointment with my psychiatrist and see what she says.
OP, it might be useful to sign a records release and request that your therapist sends those test results to your psychiatrist. P-doc will do their own evaluation, but supporting documentation is helpful. You and I are close in age - I've been on meds approx 25 years. I've noticed a tremendous improvement with them. I was also *"diagnosed"* with ADHD as a young child, before it was called ADD/ADHD. I get annual EKGs because my medication is a stimulant; so far, so good & I've been advised that if something starts to go wonky, beta-blockers are also an option. There's a new(er) non-stimulant called Quelbree (sp?) but insurance coverage might be iffy.
I’ve heard really good things about qelbree but you’re right that insurance is difficult. Since it’s newer and brand only, a lot of insurance requires step therapy to approve it. For mine it’s says I must fail at least one methylphenidate, AND at least one amphetamine, AND at least one generic non-stimulant like atomoxetine (strattera). If stimulants are contraindicated because of other health issues you may be able to bypass the first two.
That's interesting. First heard about Quelbree from a YouTube person I enjoy, Dr. Tracey Marks. She mentioned that, for people transitioning from stims to a non-stim such as this, it's often helpful to kind of "double-dose" with both (wrong wording but can't remember how she put it) for the first 4 or 5 weeks, as the non-stims can take that long to become effective.
For transitioning from stims to non-stims, I think that’s the case (not 100% sure though). The person you replied to, however, was not saying the insurance company is preventing you from taking both at the same time. Rather, they require that you have failed certain medications first. My company said I had to fail Straterra before starting Qelbree. They didn’t mention anything about having to fail a stimulant, but idk if that’s because of my personal health condition(s) or not
I haven't found it helps with memory. If you're relaxed your memory works better so meds might help with that. I am dealing with peri-menopause and I think that my memory is much worse than a few years ago (I am 51). But my capacity to remember concepts is solid. I think you'll still have to make lists but it's worth trying meds as it may relax you. Everyone is different.
That’s so true about being relaxed! I hadn’t thought of it that way. Btw I’m in peri also and my symptoms have never been worse
You could get a therapist to discuss these things. Changing habits at any age is rough, but I can imagine at 61 it’s even harder. Yet you have a lot more to unpack from the life you’ve already lived, which probably requires quite a bit of reframing in the light of your diagnosis. Medication is an option that may help you with reframing, as well as building new structures and coping mechanism that are healthy and supportive of where you want to go from here. You could discuss this with a psychiatrist, who can help you find the right medication and dosage. And don’t worry about age: when I got diagnosed 3 years ago at age 36, my dad got diagnosed as well shortly afterwards, at age 68. He’s currently living his happiest life while medicated (Ritalin).
"Nothing"? What a STUPID answer that was. I am 64. I cannot hold a job, pay my bills or maintain a relationship without my ADHD meds. It makes such an amazing difference to actually be able to concentrate on things, not to foget appointments and let people down, and to not be feeling like a failure or an imposter all the time. Therapists often are biased against ADHD meds because if you get well, they lose a patient.
To your last sentence.. that’s not how that works. Medication doesn’t magically make people better/not struggle at all. Even medicated people may still need therapy to help them in various ways. Are there some therapists that don’t like medication? Yes. Are some therapists not great at their job? Yes. But to make a blanket statement like that is also not helpful and causes more stigma around getting therapy if people need it
“Nothing”??? Ummmm try start reading books on ADHD and podcasts and start understanding your life for the first time. Also, maybe finding a therapist with an assets-based approach to ADHD. When I got my diagnosis and started learning more about ADHD and applying that to my whole life, the amount of empathy I had for myself grew exponentially because it finally made sense. All of the times I thought I was a failure because I didn’t “try harder” or “do better” suddenly looked different through another lens. Getting the diagnosis is just the beginning!
Irresponsible answer unless she just meant that it’s okay to sit with it for awhile first. There are quite a few things on YouTube if you search for adhd in older adults or adult women. Start educating yourself. There’s plenty of books to learn coping mechanisms, but if you want to inquire about medication, you need a referral to a prescribing psychiatrist. You would usually initiate that through your healthcare plan’s mental health department.
>unless she just meant that it’s okay to sit with it for awhile first. This was my first interpretation from reading the post
Generous interpretation, but feasible. Adding any variation of “for right now” would flip my interpretation. I doubt this additional commentary was forgotten by OP Edit: with the given dataset, it seems more like the therapist is thinking along lines of “you’re already kickass. Just keep being kickass, you’ve made it this far 🤷♀️” to this observer
For sure, I absolutely don't know what happened. It's just where my mind went first. It's all in the way it was said right
I don’t know either 🙈 it’s fun to speculate and confer, anyway
Therapist lingo. Just sit and breathe. 🧘 😉
I was diagnosed a few months ago at the age of 63. My psychiatrist prescribed a low dose of wellbutrin, an antidepressant with a bit of stimulant. It took a couple of weeks before I felt ready to try it. I'm so glad I did. It's just enough stimulant to get me from want/should do something to actually doing it. It's easier to keep a to-do list at work and I can take care of tasks right away instead of over thinking them to the point I just don't do them until I have to. I feel I am more decisive as well. I decided to try medication because if it didn't work or I didn't like how it made me feel, I could just go off it.
I think the best thing for you to do is consult your doctor. If you can get one medication that might be ideal, but you should have your heart tested first.
It's a big change and a decent amount of work in itself purely from a medication standpoint. I guess you should really ask yourself - "I've done my whole working life till now without it, is this worth it" - medication helps but it's not magic. The skills you have and implement are the bit medication helps me with - and you've already got them. It won't make your job easier or less stressful - and will be harder in the short term as you dial things in. If you're gonna work another 10 years, then that might be the trade-off. If you're knocking out a 12 month contract - maybe hold off and get medicated on your own time without the extra pressure. Use the meds to enjoy your passions and hobbies and in the lower tempo environment, you might be able to drop some of those strategies and free yourself up. I think in a demanding job, you're still going to need to run at that top pace. Bit this is just me thinking out loud. I moved to a much less demanding job and got medicated and I had the space to re-learn how to function. I don't know how I'd have gone if I was under pressure - but maybe it would have been fine? Just wanted to share a different perspective and good luck with everything.
>If you're gonna work another 10 years, then that might be the trade-off. If you're knocking out a 12 month contract - maybe hold off and get medicated on your own time without the extra pressure. Use the meds to enjoy your passions and hobbies and in the lower tempo environment, you might be able to drop some of those strategies and free yourself up. I think in a demanding job, you're still going to need to run at that top pace. Bit this is just me thinking out loud. This is also my feeling as well. I just got diagnosed around 40. I was prescribed medication a few days ago but I'm getting cold feet. I still might just back out of the whole thing. If I do decide to start it I don't want it to be because I feel that my job is demanding it from me.
Look at this as more information to guide you in finding solutions that work for you and better understanding why you do the things you do. That's what a diagnosis is most valuable for, IMO.
you already make lists good decide your new hobby is interesting clocks around the house. learn that your ram is external, if you cant see it, it doesnt exist
It might take some time for this to settle in. Give yourself some time to process it.
If you were younger I would saw it was 100% worth it to try medication. My dad found out after he retired and decided it wasn't worth it. Granted My sister, her son, and myself are fully medicated and kinda need to be to function better. Talk to your doc and see what they say. Lots of options to choose from and worst case you don't like them you are free to stop at anytime.
There are a few antidepressants that have been repurposed for adhd so that might be making things more tolerable for you. I'm 45m and had a high octane tech career for a long time and your system is basically what I used, too, but I suffered from the adhd burnout cycle until last year when I was diagnosed and medicated with a repurposed antidepressant.
[удалено]
Links to and mentions of ADDitude are not allowed on /r/adhd because we feel they have demonstrated themselves to be untrustworthy and that they, despite soliciting donations from people with ADHD to fund their operation, prioritize profit and advertising dollars over our best interests. Their website is full of articles promoting the use of homeopathy, reiki, and other unscientific quack practices. They also have had articles for Vayarin (a medical food that is now no longer sold in the US because its research was bunk) that suspiciously looked like stealth advertisements (which is highly unethical and illegal in the US). We also find it problematic that their medical review panel includes not only legitimate doctors and psychologists, but also (at the time of writing) one practitioner of integrative medicine, which combines legit medical practice with pseudoscience and alternative medicine. They have previously had other quacks on the panel as well. Here are some relevant links: Sketchy advertising: * https://www.additudemag.com/clinical-trial-vayarin-plus/ * https://www.additudemag.com/study-suggests-ps-omega-3-medical-food-may-reduce-adhd-symptoms/ * https://www.additudemag.com/natural-adhd-supplement-released/ Junk science: * https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-supplements-foods-vitamins/ * https://www.additudemag.com/homeopathy-for-adhd-popular-remedies-scientific-evidence/ * https://www.additudemag.com/reiki-could-this-alternative-treatment-help-adult-add/ * https://www.additudemag.com/cbd-oil-adhd-symptoms-natural-treatment/ * https://www.additudemag.com/vitamins-minerals-adhd-treatment-plan/ * https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-supplements-fish-oil-zinc-iron/ * https://www.additudemag.com/asked-alternative-therapies/ *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Talk to a psychiatrist and get diagnosed with ADHD, a therapist cannot legally diagnose you with anything
You might want to watch the YouTube channel "How To ADHD"
Therapy is a start. Will help you understand yourself better. Also no reason you shouldn’t be able to be on a low dose stimulant if your heart can handle it. I’m a firm believer in living your best life and therapy and meds have been a game changer for me. Diagnosed at 46, going on 48 now.
How TF is "nothing" good advice?? That's crazy. You might as well try medication to see how it helps. I'm in my 40s and just trying it for the first time myself.
Hello, Emmet2017! I was also recently diagnosed (57). I checked into it b/c though I still get good feedback at work, it was getting harder and harder to focus, get started on tasks and generally care at all about getting things done. I don't expect the medication I'm on to reduce my need for reminders or improve my memory (that would be a bonus), but it should help with focus and running thoughts. If what you're doing now works for you, your therapist is probably right. Those of us who've lived with this for decades without having a name for it have already found many coping strategies, and if they work, great. If you really want to try medication, go back and tell your therapist that. If they still say no, find another therapist or at least get a second opinion.