Should I Get Diagnosed with ADHD?

hi I'm new here, (31f) but I believe I have symptoms of ADHD. Im not sure if it is worth seeing my GP and getting diagnosed. will it help me or just wasting time with a label? thanks

Your answer

WitchyWoman89

1y ago

I was diagnosed as a child and apparently that is no longer valid in my 30s, I'm 100% confident I still have ADHD, but doctors won't diagnose it and because I have bipolar they're cautious about treating it. It's whatever works for you. For me, it wouldn't really do any good to have it on paper.

Seae

1y ago

It depends on how well you think you’re managing it. If you’re struggling, or feel like things could be a bit easier, it might be worth getting diagnosed and trying out medication (there are non stimulant options if you want to avoid those). On the other hand, if you think you have a fairly good hand on thins and just need a little help with strategies, seeing a therapist could be more enough. You can also get diagnosed and not take meds of course. It’s all about how your life is impacted, no one else’s opinion matters.

Alistrange

1y ago

I recently got diagnosed at 37 years of age and I kind of always knew I had it. I'm now on medication and doing well. Mentally, emotionally and physically. Unlike how I was doing before was a total hot mess. Just having the label helps alot.

Karmaline

1y ago

Getting a diagnosis wouldn't hurt much, and they might be able to help treat it with medication if absolutely needed, but if anything if those don't work out they might try to give you ways to cope with it. I've had ADHD since I was a child so I'm not sure what would have been different, but having help has definitely improved my mindset. I wish you luck! 🤗

lovepillows

1y ago

❤️

PistachioIceCream

1y ago

everyone's experience is different, some people want/need a diagnosis, some don't. Things to think about are if you feel like it will make you more certain/feel mode validated if you are diagnosed, if you think you need specific support like medication or more accessibility at work.. but also thinking about if you are willing to go through the process of getting diagnosed which can be long and expensive depending on where you live, and there's a chance you might be unlucky and have to deal with a healthcare professional that isn't understanding. whether you have a diagnosis or not, you understand yourself best. If the ADHD label (professionally diagnosed or not) helps you understand yourself better, then use it. Best of luck in your journey!

Seae

1y ago

I was officially diagnosed at 17 (psycho educational testing), with severe combined inattentive/hyperactive ADHD, and then the psychiatrist I was assigned to by the Ontario healthcare system previously for depression said he didn’t believe I had it, but he’d appease me by putting me on Wellbutrin (has a small amount of stimulant in). It’s worth noting he had to prescribe the Wellbutrin as a new antidepressant because he either hadn’t read or ignored my chart (no SSRIs due to past issues with them), and prescribed an SSRI that put me in the hospital. After that, control of all my meds was turned back over to my GP, thank god. I’ve had great doctors and terrible doctors, unfortunately sometime you have to navigate a few awful ones to find the right one.

Dapriln5

1y ago

I was diagnosed as a child. But last year when I started having worse symptoms (I been dealing on my own for a long time) the medical doctor had me do a 20 questionnaire and it showed I was adhd. But she did nothing other then verify and still my on Ritalin (which made me super nausea) I got off it and got on Adderall. But for attention it does not seem to help. I am on a very low does tho.

Seae

1y ago

if it’s not helping, I’d talk about changing dosage, or trying a non stimulant medication, like Strattera. Too many possible side effects for no benefit. Personally, I need a fairly high dose of Concerta (methylphenidate extended release, Ritalin is methylphenidate immediate release and does NOT work well for me), and non stimulant meds do less than nothing. I’d recommend trying a higher dose first (or giving it time to build up in your system if it’s one of those), and go from there. Good luck!

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