Dear Dr. Archer, I am 72 year old woman who is in relatively good health. My lifelong problem is an inability to remain concentrated on whatever I am trying to do. This includes financial duties, household work and such.
I have a daughter who is 47 years old, and she was diagnosed at an early age with ADHD. She was treated with Ritalin and this really helped her condition. My question is, is there help for my problem? Is there someone I should go to for help? Thank you for listening.
Beverly
Dear Beverly,
Absolutely there is help out there for you, Beverly. I would like to tell you that there are many adults with ADHD who were diagnosed only after their own child had a diagnosis. My view is that it definitely has a genetic component.
The first thing you need to do is find a psychiatrist and get an evaluation. The sooner you do this, the better, because if you do, indeed, have ADHD, you will be put on medication that will help you do the work you need to do.
There are disorders that have similar symptoms to ADHD. Your doctor will be looking to see if perhaps you may have anxiety, depression, other mental illness or perhaps some physical conditions such as a thyroid disorder. There's only one way to find out, and that is to make an appointment. You are 72 years old, and you are not too old to enjoy the rest of your life. Make the appointment, and I wish you all the best.
Dr. Archer
