Environmental_Fig942

Environmental_Fig942 t1_j94suxh wrote

Then you quite possibly have it. One of the difficulties with diagnosis is often, and especially in the past, that people were reportedly compared to the typically disruptive boys who could not sit still or perform tasks at all, and if you weren’t one of them then apparently you didn’t have it. Nowadays it’s more recognised (but still has a long way to go) that not all people with ADHD present like that, and often (but not always) females present differently compared to that male stereotype. (For the record males too can differ from that stereotype.)

The two biggest limiting factors for diagnosis and treatment these days are seeing the specialist: 1) the time and 2) the money that go with assessing and finding the right treatment (should someone decide with their psychiatrist to go down that path.). This is where talking with family and friends, researching, and talking with your GP or psychologist can also help, to help you find the right decision for you. And if you have a diagnosis but are confused about whether or not medication is a good idea, sometimes a leap of faith (also called a trial of medication) will be useful. Maybe with a diary beforehand so you can compare your thoughts and feelings off medications and then on medications.

I hope, whichever path you take, you find the help and solace you need 👍

Edit: just another bit of info.

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Environmental_Fig942 t1_j8zygsz wrote

LordTindale has an awesome answer.

The other things to keep in mind are that we all have different processing speeds as well, so just because someone is smart does not mean they process quickly, and vice versa. We’re all on a spectrum for everything, so work out where you’re good, where you’re not so you can practise, and everything else is out of your control so don’t sweat it.

Finally, I’m not saying that you have this, but sometimes people with ADHD freeze in situations like you listed above; it’s too chaotic; having too many choices to make, etc etc. Once again it doesn’t mean you have it, but it might be worth researching and mulling over (and this can be over weeks, months or even years.) If you feel you might have it, or you’re not sure then have a chat with your GP or a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist (Paediatricians treat under 16 years old, Psychiatrists treat everybody else.) But keep in mind that not everybody with ADHD needs treatment.

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