Can it be ADHD if it didn’t start until adolescence?
Hi, I’m sorry to bother everyone, but I’m really confused about something. I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong with me and I started reading about ADHD. Although I’m not hyperactive, I really relate to the inattentive type, and it felt like a relief to read the symptoms and feel understood. However, I then read that you won’t be diagnosed unless you had the symptoms before you were 12. My symptoms started exactly when I was 12 and only got worse as time went on - I’m 18 now and the symptoms feel the worse they ever were. But it wasn’t a problem at all for me in childhood. I thought I had finally found the answer and that my experience of the past few years had finally been validated. But is there no point pursuing an official diagnosis at all, because the age problem will make them rule out ADHD straight away? I feel like I also have depression and social anxiety, although I haven’t been diagnosed with them yet either. But those don’t explain everything and I know there’s something else. It’s really frustrating that ADHD seems to fit the bill but it only showed up in adolescence, and apparently, that’s impossible
@EmeraldHearts You're right, of course. The official criteria for ADHD (in the US) require "that several symptoms be present before
age 12 years". This might rule out a formal diagnosis of ADHD for insurance and other bureaucratic purposes. But for the purpose of effective treatment the strict criteria are not always so important, and a professional assessment could still be useful.
It seems unusual that your symptoms started so suddenly when you were 12, and I suppose a professional would also want to explore what might have happened to trigger your symptoms then.
If you'd like to chat about your situation, feel free to click on my profile picture and message me.
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie, while that is very true I personally was diagnosed at an early age. I didn't have symptoms for 12 years before I was diagnosed with ADHD @EmeraldHearts
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 14 by a child psychologist, so the criteria is definitely not meant to be so strict. I also didn't have the hyperactivity symptom, but I had severe problems concentrating and keeping my thoughts organized.
I also think it would be helpful to seek help if you are able. I was told by doctors that ADHD and anxiety disorders can have some symptoms that overlap, so it can be a bit confusing.
@cafedaydreams, I totally agree that the criteria isn't meant to be so strict. I was diagnosed at a young age and didn't have symptoms for the 12 years beforehand. I sometimes have hyperactivity but do struggle to concentrate sometimes.
I am no expert on all of this but it does sound like you have some of the symptoms for ADHD. One of our team leadership members just posted a few days ago about ADHD and I felt like it may provide you with some of the basic information if you'd like to check it out here.