ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a behavioral condition that can make people seem restless and easily distracted. While most cases are diagnosed in children under 12, there has been an increase in the number of adults being diagnosed with ADHD. This rise is attributed to increased awareness, decreased stigma, and improved access to healthcare. Social media has also played a significant role in understanding the complexity of the condition and triggering a wave of new diagnoses. It is estimated that 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and two women, Claire Quant and Kate Whitley, share their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD in their 50s.
Claire Quant, a communications specialist and business mentor, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 56. She struggled with shyness, anxiety, poor memory recall, and procrastination throughout her life. After her twins were diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she sought advice online and discovered a community of like-minded individuals. Through a private assessment, Claire also received a diagnosis of ADHD. She describes feeling validated and relieved by the diagnosis, as it explained her lifelong feelings of being different and struggling to fit into a neurotypical world. She is now learning to approach tasks differently and be kinder to herself.
Kate Whitley, from Oxford, was diagnosed with ADHD in her early 50s after feeling different and struggling with various challenges throughout her life. She recalls being labeled as disruptive, struggling with school, college, and jobs, and feeling misunderstood by those around her. After years of misdiagnoses and frustration, Kate finally sought an assessment and received a confirmation of ADHD. She describes a mix of relief and grief at the diagnosis, but also a sense of empowerment in rebuilding her life on her terms with the help of medication. Kate has since embraced her ADHD, using it as a strength in running her successful business and helping other neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
ADHD is more complex than simply having trouble focusing and can impact multiple areas of a person’s life. Dr. Elena Touroni emphasizes the distinction between genuine ADHD symptoms and personality traits, noting that ADHD symptoms affect work, relationships, and emotional well-being. Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK, shares that having ADHD is challenging, with high rates of suicide attempts among individuals with the condition. Some subtle signs of ADHD include time blindness, lack of organization, hyperfocus, procrastination, heightened emotions, impatience, restlessness, and easily distracted. Understanding and recognizing these signs can lead to seeking help and receiving appropriate treatment.
Getting help for ADHD involves seeking a specialist assessment after a referral from a GP. While a GP cannot formally diagnose ADHD, they can refer individuals for assessment. The wait for assessment can be long, with data suggesting a backlog of at least 196,000 adults on waiting lists across the UK. After a diagnosis, treatment options may include psychological therapies, psychotherapy, social skills training, and medication. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief, mixed emotions, and feelings of being different, but organizations like ADHD UK offer information and support for navigating the diagnostic pathways and managing the condition. Overall, understanding and embracing ADHD can lead to a sense of peace, purpose, and pride in achievements for individuals like Claire and Kate who have been diagnosed later in life.
