Publisher Health

A former GP has told of his surprise at being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 62 after the freedom of retirement left him flailing in everyday life.

Dr David Smart worked as a GP for 30 years in Northampton and specialised in mental health.

ADHD – which stands for “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” – is a condition that affects behaviour.

“I realised the days I wasn’t a GP were much harder than when I was a GP,” said Dr Smart.

The disorder is traditionally associated with children and includes symptoms such as restlessness and difficulty concentrating.

A short attention span, constant fidgeting and acting without thinking are also seen in the condition.

Dr Smart retired from Leicester Terrace Health Care Centre in December 2020 after a rewarding career, but soon found he was struggling without the parameters of a busy work routine.

“Being a GP, your life is structured – every 10 minutes you know exactly what you’re going to be doing,” he said.

“Out of that into retirement, then ‘whoa, hang on a sec! – and that’s a real paradox, because being a GP is hard work.”

He said the realisation he was experiencing problems coping with everyday life, despite his high standards, came after a period of reflection.

Dr Smart noticed difficulties in his relationships, while his ability to function and complete important tasks was affected too.

A lack of sleep, due to his tendency to over-think, was also causing issues, he said.

“I was just so busy trying to practise and cope as a GP – I didn’t realise part of [it] was me coping with the stress of coping with ADHD,” said Dr Smart.

“I’m quieter now in retirement yet I’m still trying to cope with life and I’m thinking, ‘That’s not quite normal’.

“For me it has been a real surprise. I’ve been a GP for thirty years – and not only that – I’ve been a GP with a special interest in mental health.”

Dr Smart said he felt the condition had been easy to miss and could also be confused with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

ADHD can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

The cause is not clear, but the condition tends to run in families.

Dr Smart said it had now become clear how much he had relied on sport and exercise throughout his life to manage his ADHD.

Although he was diagnosed four months ago, he has just started taking medication.

“Now I am on treatment my life is incredibly different: I can focus, be present and get things done,” he said.

“I think it’s never too late – a diagnosis gives you a frame to do something about it.

“Once you can name a condition you can have more control over it.”

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