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Getting diagnosed with ADHD: my emotional journey

MommaSleepyBear

444d

I actually got diagnosed properly with ADHD. 😭😭😭 I'm in shock over this. I never once doubted I had ADHD once I started researching, but now having it confirmed... I also have many symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, but further testing is needed before an official diagnosis. How did you all feel after getting confirmation on a diagnosis you never thought you'd actually receive? I'm a 22 year old female with no history of IEPs, school issues or any records of getting into trouble with law enforcement or drugs or anything. also anyone with AD/HD complex? I've never heard of it and would love to learn more. that's what I was diagnosed with.

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15

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Generalized pain

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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    • RyeRyeBread

      441d

      i had the same feelings with my ME and POTS diagnoses, lol started doubting only after it was confirmed

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    • RyeRyeBread

      441d

      i had the same feelings with my ME and POTS diagnoses, lol started doubting only after it was confirmed

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      Reply
    • moon.stars.oceans

      441d

      I relate. It is such a relief to have a diagnosis. Hoping you get more answers and understand yourself better! ❤️

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    • Igglepiggle

      441d

      I’m 19 and have combined adhd, I think I felt much the same as you I knew for certain I had it but felt so good to get it confirmed as was nervous it would be dismissed as I’ve never been a naughty kid or anything I later got diagnosed with autism too

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    • alldeadalldead

      441d

      congrats!! im so happy that you were able to get that, that's huge!! I got diagnosed with chronic insomnia about a year ago, and it was so crazy because like. of course I knew I had it, I would go a full week without a wink of sleep, and I'd likely be running off of maybe 4 hours on a good night. but when my doctor diagnosed me it was a total relief because I felt seen and like someone was finally taking me seriously (I was 17, I'm almost 19 now) and I had been complaint about issue with sleeping/overheating/pain (which I have now learned the pain is a symptom of my EDS) since I was like 6. im now on meds and I'm learning how to help myself sleep by myself and it's honestly been a lot better. I am also pretty sure im on the spectrum, and i did like a years worth of research in a month, i brought it up to my psychiatrist and to my primary doctor, they both agreed and I got referred to a few different clinics. unfortunately they clinics they sent me to only treated up to 17 and I had just turned 18, so I am still trying to find somewhere that does adults and I can afford. i have recently found somewhere and I will hopefully be getting a diagnosis soon! in all honesty, just having my doctor and psychiatrist agree and tell me they were also pretty sure, but that I needed a formal evaluation, was incredibly validating and made me feel like I was on the right path. you're doing amazing!! remember that if you're experiencing it, it's real, even if it might seem a bit odd <33

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    • Ddraig

      444d

      I've not heard of complex ADHD before, but from a quick Google it looks like it's ADHD with one or more comorbid conditions relating to learning/behaviour/mood (maybe being autistic in your case?) It would be worth asking the person who diagnosed you if you can, to get them to explain it to you - either that or there may be information about it in your diagnostic report?

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      • MommaSleepyBear

        443d

        @Ddraig so sorry, I meant combined ADHD 😅😅 And yes I definitely will, just unfortunately I have to wait to speak to the psychologist who diagnosed me, so they sent over a hard copy of my report.

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    • Ddraig

      444d

      Congrats on getting the diagnosis! I got diagnosed late as well, when I was 21 (I'm now 23). When I was diagnosed, I mainly felt relieved, because I knew that having a diagnosis meant I could get the support I needed and get reasonable adjustments at work. I also felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders, because I finally had a word to explain wtf was going on in my head 😂 I didn't just have positive emotions though, I also had a bit of a grieving process (relating to how my life could have been so much easier to cope with if I was diagnosed sooner) - that's completely normal, so don't worry if it happens to you too! Having a diagnosis is positive, but it can still bring up difficult thoughts and feelings like that.

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      • MommaSleepyBear

        443d

        @Ddraig wow this could have been me writing your comment! This is exactly how I feel. Growing up I was ridiculed for being different from my older siblings and not having the attention span or getting schoolwork like they did. I struggled a lot with learning and sitting still, and was told I was stupid and not good enough, "if I just tried harder" I could be better. But I was never enough. Getting this diagnosis for me was finally like a comforting hug, telling me I wasn't stupid that whole time. My brain is different. That's all. ❤️❤️

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    • tonysvision

      444d

      Okay 1st off, IM SO PROUD OF YOU. Second off, yeah I’m in the same boat as you, not with the diagnosis with adhd late, but with dermatillomania. I begged 14 years to get them to test me for it, because if I did have it I’d get ocd meds, well it turns out, when I was 16, I was finally diagnosed with it. Such a relief!! I guess a step you could take in being diagnosed (this isn’t a requirement, really whatever suits you) is if you can’t work or if you have troubles working full time, you COULD apply to disability insurance, to help out, I will warn you if you do that though you most likely won’t get accepted the first go around. Sorry my wording is all over the place. But I understand you deeply. I’m so happy you got a diagnosis!

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      • MommaSleepyBear

        444d

        @tonysvision hey thank you so so much! Congrats to you as well for getting a diagnosis! I feel so all over the place with my emotions right now about getting diagnosed. 😅😅 Is there a way to get disability for PTSD, ADHD combined, and shaken baby syndrome? Those are the major conditions I have that severely affect my work life and don't allow me to work full time and only work at specific jobs that allow me to take breaks and other specific needs. ❤️

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        • tonysvision

          444d

          @MommaSleepyBear But yeah, disability insurance is nice!

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        • tonysvision

          444d

          @MommaSleepyBear Yes actually, any disorder is qualified as a disability.

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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