Is ADHD really a thing?
Discussion
I don't mean to belittle this, so please excuse the title. I'm from a generation where this kind of thing was generally dismissed by my elders in the same way as dyslexia, etc. However, it was pointed out to me by a friend I respect ( a Dr, with a background in such things ), that I have a tendency to display many of the symptoms. Subsequently, I've rather reluctantly looked up what these symptoms represent, and even more reluctantly have had to concede the point that the observation may have some merit.
There's a side to this that is making me feel like I understand myself, and my sometimes seemingly unique behaviour and approach and reaction to life better, but I'm also slightly depressed at the realisation that if such a thing really does carry so much influence on ones behaviour, that I'm only just starting to have to accept it as a cause. There's also the feeling that the whole thing feels slightly narcissistic.
I'm reading this post back to myself, and even to me it seems like an excuse for how I behave, but in all seriousness, if the symptoms are accurate, it would explain a lot. I'm strangely conflicted about this, it's put me slightly off balance and at odds with the person I thought I was.
There's a side to this that is making me feel like I understand myself, and my sometimes seemingly unique behaviour and approach and reaction to life better, but I'm also slightly depressed at the realisation that if such a thing really does carry so much influence on ones behaviour, that I'm only just starting to have to accept it as a cause. There's also the feeling that the whole thing feels slightly narcissistic.
I'm reading this post back to myself, and even to me it seems like an excuse for how I behave, but in all seriousness, if the symptoms are accurate, it would explain a lot. I'm strangely conflicted about this, it's put me slightly off balance and at odds with the person I thought I was.
First of all, good on you for talking about it and hopefully accepting it and hopefully you start to find life easier because of it. Its not an 'excuse', it is just who you are.
It's absolutely a thing, although I have no formal diagnosis, id absolutely consider my self to be 'neurodiverse' having read at great length about autism and ADHD when I began to question myself more in recent years. Understanding these has allowed me to be at peace with things that I've said and done (nothing bad) and the way ive conducted my self through life, ways and things that has raised eye brows at times. Ive always thought my behaviour was, at times, quite different to that of my peers, that I was often going against the grain or a square peg in a round hole, but understanding and being open and transparent with who I am brings me great comfort and allows me to fit in to life and follow MY path, rather than a one society used to make me feel I should follow.
My parents generation were not ones to be open about or understanding of such things, it was very much brushed under the carpet, which I feel is why so many people of my age (born in the 80s) are being diagnosed or starting to understand later in life that they are perhaps 'different' to their friends.
Since I've accepted who I am, I've found life far less stressful and feel much less pressure. Im happy and content.
I dont mean to make it all about me but just want to share my experience with you mate.
It's absolutely a thing, although I have no formal diagnosis, id absolutely consider my self to be 'neurodiverse' having read at great length about autism and ADHD when I began to question myself more in recent years. Understanding these has allowed me to be at peace with things that I've said and done (nothing bad) and the way ive conducted my self through life, ways and things that has raised eye brows at times. Ive always thought my behaviour was, at times, quite different to that of my peers, that I was often going against the grain or a square peg in a round hole, but understanding and being open and transparent with who I am brings me great comfort and allows me to fit in to life and follow MY path, rather than a one society used to make me feel I should follow.
My parents generation were not ones to be open about or understanding of such things, it was very much brushed under the carpet, which I feel is why so many people of my age (born in the 80s) are being diagnosed or starting to understand later in life that they are perhaps 'different' to their friends.
Since I've accepted who I am, I've found life far less stressful and feel much less pressure. Im happy and content.
I dont mean to make it all about me but just want to share my experience with you mate.
It's an interesting question and the difficulty is because so much of the neurodivergent label really does embody a multitude of things across many spectrums.
I think that spectrum really does do a lot of heavy lifting in this respect as there are so many miniscule shifts in how things materialise.
No diagnosis of autism or ADHD personally, not even properly investigated. About 30 years ago a nephew showed behaviour that seemed off. Was sitting in the in-laws lounge with a sister-in-law, like me married into the family, her husband and my wife were brother and sister, the young son of the youngest family sister walked into the room. He was hitherto also undiagnosed but was a bit of a problem infant. Remarked to sis-in-law, a nurse, that sometimes I wondered if this child had elements of autistic behaviour and she replied that was just wondering the same. Sure enough later came a diagnosis of extremely autistic. As far as we thought the only one in the family.
Years later after a significant event my brother-in-law and I were discussing stuff following an incident between child and mother, he was now a teenager. Jokingly the b-i-l came out with that looking at his family traits he'd wondered how many of his family were very slightly on the spectrum due to particular quirks. It was said and meant as a bit of a joke but thinking about it more deeply one could see the point being made, but away from that context everyone operated as, pardon the expression, a normal member of society. See later.
Again years later still daughter and I were chatting about her self discovery and she had realised suffered from ADHD, which answered a lot of behavioural things which had arisen over the years and still manifest today. Yet operates as above, again I'll not repeat the expression re normal.
As part of this commented about the autism spectrum comment from b-i-l, her uncle, to which she commented she thought I was on the autism spectrum somewhere. Odd little things, but the ones that really made me think, stopped me in tracks, were on face of it silly little questions about insignificant little things. Such as, do you have favourite cutlery, and is it and particular are the spoons smaller than 'usual', trying to avoid the normal word here. YES!!!!!
Which led to a light bulb moment and explained some other stuff that had never considered or wondered over.
Which made me realise that maybe we are all on a spectrum somewhere, and it's just a normal thing. Where you sit on that spectrum in relation to others can determine how interaction goes, and sometimes it's really no issue and other times you just want to tell some to F Off You Giant C, but don't because that's not acceptable 'normal' behaviour.
So for example I might look at these grown adults who are, at least to me, completely obsessed with all things Disney and repeatedly visit the various theme parks around the globe. Part of me wants to say, "Grow up you childish twonks" but actually it's their special interest so why not, they're happy and doing no harm.
What I'm getting to is saying neurodivergent behaviours are actually just normal really. It's how the individual and society deals with it.
The original question, is ADHD a thing? Yes it is and for some people it really intrudes on their life. Controversially are there some people claiming ADHD diagnosis, where frankly it's an excuse to drag some money from the state? Looking at the numbers quite possibly, but I'm not qualified to comment so will keep in my lane on that.
Final thing, if someone is wondering about the spoon size thing one short piece is here
I think that spectrum really does do a lot of heavy lifting in this respect as there are so many miniscule shifts in how things materialise.
No diagnosis of autism or ADHD personally, not even properly investigated. About 30 years ago a nephew showed behaviour that seemed off. Was sitting in the in-laws lounge with a sister-in-law, like me married into the family, her husband and my wife were brother and sister, the young son of the youngest family sister walked into the room. He was hitherto also undiagnosed but was a bit of a problem infant. Remarked to sis-in-law, a nurse, that sometimes I wondered if this child had elements of autistic behaviour and she replied that was just wondering the same. Sure enough later came a diagnosis of extremely autistic. As far as we thought the only one in the family.
Years later after a significant event my brother-in-law and I were discussing stuff following an incident between child and mother, he was now a teenager. Jokingly the b-i-l came out with that looking at his family traits he'd wondered how many of his family were very slightly on the spectrum due to particular quirks. It was said and meant as a bit of a joke but thinking about it more deeply one could see the point being made, but away from that context everyone operated as, pardon the expression, a normal member of society. See later.
Again years later still daughter and I were chatting about her self discovery and she had realised suffered from ADHD, which answered a lot of behavioural things which had arisen over the years and still manifest today. Yet operates as above, again I'll not repeat the expression re normal.
As part of this commented about the autism spectrum comment from b-i-l, her uncle, to which she commented she thought I was on the autism spectrum somewhere. Odd little things, but the ones that really made me think, stopped me in tracks, were on face of it silly little questions about insignificant little things. Such as, do you have favourite cutlery, and is it and particular are the spoons smaller than 'usual', trying to avoid the normal word here. YES!!!!!
Which led to a light bulb moment and explained some other stuff that had never considered or wondered over.
Which made me realise that maybe we are all on a spectrum somewhere, and it's just a normal thing. Where you sit on that spectrum in relation to others can determine how interaction goes, and sometimes it's really no issue and other times you just want to tell some to F Off You Giant C, but don't because that's not acceptable 'normal' behaviour.
So for example I might look at these grown adults who are, at least to me, completely obsessed with all things Disney and repeatedly visit the various theme parks around the globe. Part of me wants to say, "Grow up you childish twonks" but actually it's their special interest so why not, they're happy and doing no harm.
What I'm getting to is saying neurodivergent behaviours are actually just normal really. It's how the individual and society deals with it.
The original question, is ADHD a thing? Yes it is and for some people it really intrudes on their life. Controversially are there some people claiming ADHD diagnosis, where frankly it's an excuse to drag some money from the state? Looking at the numbers quite possibly, but I'm not qualified to comment so will keep in my lane on that.
Final thing, if someone is wondering about the spoon size thing one short piece is here
I've just been diagnosed as a 46 year man as during marriage counselling the counsellor spotted signs and suggested I look into it further. To be honest I had already done an online questionnaire back in September and it came back as a high score so it was something that was in the back of my mind.
Not everyone has all the classic symptoms, for me the big one is regulating my emotions, I have massive RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and since having kids and definitely over the last 10 years this has played a big part in my marriage nearly breaking down which came to a head in January.
Then there's the paralysing procrastination, unfinished DIY bit around the house which I look at and want / need to get done but just can't! Then there's the getting so frustrated with a dirty bathroom, being unable to give a quick once over but one morning getting so hyperfocused on cleaning it that it takes 4 hours.
I start my 12 week titration of medication this weekend, so I'm excited/apprehensive/interested to see what changes/improvement there is
So in answer to your question, yes it is real, I always knew there was something not quite right in my behaviours even as a kid but never suspected ADHD.
Because you have it from birth you never know any different.
Not everyone has all the classic symptoms, for me the big one is regulating my emotions, I have massive RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and since having kids and definitely over the last 10 years this has played a big part in my marriage nearly breaking down which came to a head in January.
Then there's the paralysing procrastination, unfinished DIY bit around the house which I look at and want / need to get done but just can't! Then there's the getting so frustrated with a dirty bathroom, being unable to give a quick once over but one morning getting so hyperfocused on cleaning it that it takes 4 hours.
I start my 12 week titration of medication this weekend, so I'm excited/apprehensive/interested to see what changes/improvement there is
So in answer to your question, yes it is real, I always knew there was something not quite right in my behaviours even as a kid but never suspected ADHD.
Because you have it from birth you never know any different.
Another thing to look into is old fashioned trauma. I did loads of online tests/ read books on autism/ADHD to try & unpick my mercurial behaviour that's bothered me for decades but I was always lukewarm on results.
I ended up, unrelatedly, finding a therapist as a means of reducing my tendency to binge drink like I'm still 21, and ended up finding that I mapped almost perfectly with some trauma types which completely rewrote how I saw myself & gave me a ton of understanding into how my family & I function. Or don't function.
I ended up, unrelatedly, finding a therapist as a means of reducing my tendency to binge drink like I'm still 21, and ended up finding that I mapped almost perfectly with some trauma types which completely rewrote how I saw myself & gave me a ton of understanding into how my family & I function. Or don't function.
Thank you all for the replies, and thanks also for understanding that the op title was not meant as anything remotely derogatory. There are some enlightening and concerning things for me to consider, given what’s been said.
I’m left handed. I’m also a Scorpio. Those two things alone have had people mark me out as “ different “, and I’ve rightly or wrongly come to assume and accept those observations as being reasonable and probably accurate.
I’m a very poor sleeper, I can’t shut my thoughts down, and lie awake reliving moments that haven’t gone as planned or expected. I’m OCD. Very. Helps me in my job, and in my approach to maintaining the cars. Not so much the rest of the time. Being criticised, especially about something I’m generally good at, is not something I handle well, although I keep that reaction private. If I’m interested in something, it becomes a hyperfocus issue. I often have to ask others to repeat something they’ve said, or wing it and pretend I’ve heard them. Injustice infuriates me. I’m colossally impatient. Little things not going to plan infuriate me out of all proportion. I chose not to have children partly because I didn’t think I’d make a good parent due to my lack of patience, yet am completely different with animals.
Not sure how much of any of the above is relevant. This is all a very recent realisation, and it feels raw and disorientating to have to suddenly consider I’m something I had previously been dismissive of. My main concern is that I don’t allow this aspect of my personality to become something I use as an excuse for behaving unacceptably, or letting it intrude on the things I was previously happy with about myself.
Thanks for reading. I’m sorry so many of you seem to have been living with this for so long. I may well have been myself, but I’m almost relieved to have found out what may have been going on with me relatively late in life. However, there’s regret at the fact that I may have been able to live life differently and possibly better had I figured it out sooner.
I’m left handed. I’m also a Scorpio. Those two things alone have had people mark me out as “ different “, and I’ve rightly or wrongly come to assume and accept those observations as being reasonable and probably accurate.
I’m a very poor sleeper, I can’t shut my thoughts down, and lie awake reliving moments that haven’t gone as planned or expected. I’m OCD. Very. Helps me in my job, and in my approach to maintaining the cars. Not so much the rest of the time. Being criticised, especially about something I’m generally good at, is not something I handle well, although I keep that reaction private. If I’m interested in something, it becomes a hyperfocus issue. I often have to ask others to repeat something they’ve said, or wing it and pretend I’ve heard them. Injustice infuriates me. I’m colossally impatient. Little things not going to plan infuriate me out of all proportion. I chose not to have children partly because I didn’t think I’d make a good parent due to my lack of patience, yet am completely different with animals.
Not sure how much of any of the above is relevant. This is all a very recent realisation, and it feels raw and disorientating to have to suddenly consider I’m something I had previously been dismissive of. My main concern is that I don’t allow this aspect of my personality to become something I use as an excuse for behaving unacceptably, or letting it intrude on the things I was previously happy with about myself.
Thanks for reading. I’m sorry so many of you seem to have been living with this for so long. I may well have been myself, but I’m almost relieved to have found out what may have been going on with me relatively late in life. However, there’s regret at the fact that I may have been able to live life differently and possibly better had I figured it out sooner.
Dunclane said:
I've just been diagnosed as a 46 year man as during marriage counselling the counsellor spotted signs and suggested I look into it further. To be honest I had already done an online questionnaire back in September and it came back as a high score so it was something that was in the back of my mind.
Not everyone has all the classic symptoms, for me the big one is regulating my emotions, I have massive RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and since having kids and definitely over the last 10 years this has played a big part in my marriage nearly breaking down which came to a head in January.
Then there's the paralysing procrastination, unfinished DIY bit around the house which I look at and want / need to get done but just can't! Then there's the getting so frustrated with a dirty bathroom, being unable to give a quick once over but one morning getting so hyperfocused on cleaning it that it takes 4 hours.
I start my 12 week titration of medication this weekend, so I'm excited/apprehensive/interested to see what changes/improvement there is
So in answer to your question, yes it is real, I always knew there was something not quite right in my behaviours even as a kid but never suspected ADHD.
Because you have it from birth you never know any different.
I haven't been diagnosed but have a lot of the same issues and two broken marriages. Not everyone has all the classic symptoms, for me the big one is regulating my emotions, I have massive RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and since having kids and definitely over the last 10 years this has played a big part in my marriage nearly breaking down which came to a head in January.
Then there's the paralysing procrastination, unfinished DIY bit around the house which I look at and want / need to get done but just can't! Then there's the getting so frustrated with a dirty bathroom, being unable to give a quick once over but one morning getting so hyperfocused on cleaning it that it takes 4 hours.
I start my 12 week titration of medication this weekend, so I'm excited/apprehensive/interested to see what changes/improvement there is
So in answer to your question, yes it is real, I always knew there was something not quite right in my behaviours even as a kid but never suspected ADHD.
Because you have it from birth you never know any different.
My current partner pointed it out as soon as we began dating, she works with sen kids, it actually wasn't a shock, I was aware of issues after a complete mental breakdown that took years to deal with.
It did cast doubt in my mind about our relationship and whether her reading of me was something she could live with. So, I took the bull by the horns and had that discussion.
She said everyone has some tendency, is somewhere on the scale, including her with mild autism, if we accept neither of us are perfect, accept criticism of behaviour when needed, give one another space when having a moment, or not if that is what is needed and adjust when needed, let's give it a go.
It is actually bloody fantastic when these things are understood, when someone points out behaviour that could be really annoying before it gets really annoying and turns into full blown battles, and learning to listen without reacting is something that to me has been eye and mind opening for my own mental health.
Talking about it is nothing to be ashamed of, being aware of issues in a relationship and addressing them is something that should change your life, if you open your mind to acceptance of your flaws. It actually lifts a weight fron your shoulders and replaces negativity in your head with positivity.
At the age of 63 my life changed dramatically for the better, if I can change and not be scared to address issues, I have always and still do have avoidance issues, at my age, anyone can if they want and need to.
Good luck OP and to everyone else in a similar situation.
Like you, I've recently thought i should try to understand why I'm the way i am (and why I feel different to others). My first thought was that I was on the Autism spectrum and, after a conversation with a really helpful GP who I saw for anxiety (which has got progressively worse over the last few years) I was persuaded to get assessed.
Having done several AQ tests online, it seemed that I had significant Autism traits but, while discussing this with my wife, she pointed out that my behaviour was also typical of ADHD (she dealt with our nephew a great deal who has ADHD). At the GP's suggestion, I opted for the 'Right to Choose' route and contacted Psychiatry UK through the GP in September last year and, to my surprise, had a consultation with an ADHD specialist just over 4 months later. The psychiatrist diagnosed me with ADHD and put me on the waiting list for the titration process to establish the right medication (a 10 month wait!!), but also referred me to an Autism speciallist who I saw a month later.
He and his colleague agreed that Autism traits were present, but have attributed it to childhood trauma, for which counselling is sometimes recommended, but I declined as I've lived it for so long. They also acknowledged that every individual who is neurodivergent is unique and they only put labels on the things they recognise (childhood trauma has been mis-diagnosed Autism until recently). The most positive outcome for me out of all of this is that I can now accept who i am and have an explanation for how I am and how I feel. It also explains the 'moments' I have which are triggered by events in my childhood and may be PTSD. It's also meant I can talk everything through with my wife (who is incredibly supportive) and it helps her to accept some of my behavior and respond to things like emotional out
bursts in a different way now she understands where they come from.
I strongly recommend getting a referral and discussing your uniqueness with a professional, if nothing else, it allows you to forgive yourself for being the person you are. It's never too late, I'm 73. All the best on your journey
Andy
Having done several AQ tests online, it seemed that I had significant Autism traits but, while discussing this with my wife, she pointed out that my behaviour was also typical of ADHD (she dealt with our nephew a great deal who has ADHD). At the GP's suggestion, I opted for the 'Right to Choose' route and contacted Psychiatry UK through the GP in September last year and, to my surprise, had a consultation with an ADHD specialist just over 4 months later. The psychiatrist diagnosed me with ADHD and put me on the waiting list for the titration process to establish the right medication (a 10 month wait!!), but also referred me to an Autism speciallist who I saw a month later.
He and his colleague agreed that Autism traits were present, but have attributed it to childhood trauma, for which counselling is sometimes recommended, but I declined as I've lived it for so long. They also acknowledged that every individual who is neurodivergent is unique and they only put labels on the things they recognise (childhood trauma has been mis-diagnosed Autism until recently). The most positive outcome for me out of all of this is that I can now accept who i am and have an explanation for how I am and how I feel. It also explains the 'moments' I have which are triggered by events in my childhood and may be PTSD. It's also meant I can talk everything through with my wife (who is incredibly supportive) and it helps her to accept some of my behavior and respond to things like emotional out
bursts in a different way now she understands where they come from.
I strongly recommend getting a referral and discussing your uniqueness with a professional, if nothing else, it allows you to forgive yourself for being the person you are. It's never too late, I'm 73. All the best on your journey
Andy
I'm 53, a good friend I've known since I was 13 has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and is on medication which he says has transformed his life.
He's very open about it, and since he diagnosis he has been able to unpack a lot of trauma and previous 'bad behaviour' that had led to some catastrophic situations in his life. I'm talking cocaine addiction, nasty divorce, banned from seeing his kid etc etc.
Ever since he got his diagnosis and treatment everything has changed. He's calmed down massively, is off the drugs, has a new wife, calm relationship, and has rebuilt his relationship with his child.
He recently said to me rather candidly "I just hate it took so long to be diagnosed. When I was a teenager I was walking down the road and saw a brick lying on the pavement, I picked it up and lobbed it through the window of the nearest house, just to see what would happen. As soon as the brick left my hand I knew it was the wrong thing to do, but I just had to do it, and I couldn't explain why. Obviously I got in trouble for it and my dad had to pay for the repairs but I just could not explain why I did it. It was like there was a devil on my shoulder telling me to do it. I'm mortified by it now.
So, OP, my advice is to go and get properly assessed.
He's very open about it, and since he diagnosis he has been able to unpack a lot of trauma and previous 'bad behaviour' that had led to some catastrophic situations in his life. I'm talking cocaine addiction, nasty divorce, banned from seeing his kid etc etc.
Ever since he got his diagnosis and treatment everything has changed. He's calmed down massively, is off the drugs, has a new wife, calm relationship, and has rebuilt his relationship with his child.
He recently said to me rather candidly "I just hate it took so long to be diagnosed. When I was a teenager I was walking down the road and saw a brick lying on the pavement, I picked it up and lobbed it through the window of the nearest house, just to see what would happen. As soon as the brick left my hand I knew it was the wrong thing to do, but I just had to do it, and I couldn't explain why. Obviously I got in trouble for it and my dad had to pay for the repairs but I just could not explain why I did it. It was like there was a devil on my shoulder telling me to do it. I'm mortified by it now.
So, OP, my advice is to go and get properly assessed.
Heaveho said:
There's a side to this that is making me feel like I understand myself, and my sometimes seemingly unique behaviour and approach and reaction to life better, but I'm also slightly depressed at the realisation that if such a thing really does carry so much influence on ones behaviour, that I'm only just starting to have to accept it as a cause.
It might be a cause but rather than feeling depressed, it's about accepting who you are and how you operate. When you understand how you are, you can use it to your advantage. For instance, I'm more introvert with a degree of autism. This works well for me as someone who can hide behind a keyboard for hours at a time; send me out in the field as a sale rep and I'll be a disaster, but if it's about analysis, systems, processes, problem solving on my own then that's me. Lockdown was a killer for many. I f
king loved it. Not having to see anyone except on Zoom. I truely thrived and developed a lot more online services than I would have done had bats not been eaten.So once you figure out where you thrive and where you die, then you can take advantage of this.
It's also worthwhile noting that everyone's behaviour is influenced by something internal - whether it's values, religion, beliefs, location, society, upbringing, abuse, family, education, etc.
I think my self-destructive traits and behaviour were likely ADHD. So much about it make sense, but again different to how the OP expresses their 'symptoms'. Messing up my life, through substance, infidelity or whatever became an addiction in itself - I made a proper mess of school and growing up. I'm still horribly impulsive, but I've mostly learned to keep the devil in me at bay.
BUT... what makes me hopeless in some situations has been my super power in others. I don't think I'm ready to fix things just yet (mid fifties).
BUT... what makes me hopeless in some situations has been my super power in others. I don't think I'm ready to fix things just yet (mid fifties).
unzippy said:
Doesitdrive said:
She said everyone has some tendency, is somewhere on the scale,
My dad was a children's educational psychologist all his career. His saying was:We are all on the scale, just that some are further along it than others
She replied that it is true and she has always known it.
There isn't a cure. But there are ways to learn to live with other people and control your behaviour. You have to talk and want to listen before you can get to that point.
Is it a thing?
I don't know if it is very well defined or named.
I have had some atypical behaviour all of my life, but have been very fortunate to be able to present myself well where and when it matters. Mostly....
My behaviour has caused me some difficulties, and I have often under-achieved based on my own and others' expectations, although I would regard myself as having been very fortunate in life overall.
My daughter displays stronger (not visibly hyperactive in public) ADHD symptoms and behaviours. My son does not. Various members of both sides of my extended family have a range of ADHD and autism traits.
I was diagnosed a few years ago, on two different occasions. The second time was better , but I was not convinced that the strong dose of medication was helping me after a while.
Be warned:
I stopped taking medication, but tried to resume prescriptions over 1 year later to have another go, and was kicked back onto the multi-year NHS waiting list for re-assessment....
There is a big Adult ADHD thread on here that is worth a read.
I don't know if it is very well defined or named.
I have had some atypical behaviour all of my life, but have been very fortunate to be able to present myself well where and when it matters. Mostly....
My behaviour has caused me some difficulties, and I have often under-achieved based on my own and others' expectations, although I would regard myself as having been very fortunate in life overall.
My daughter displays stronger (not visibly hyperactive in public) ADHD symptoms and behaviours. My son does not. Various members of both sides of my extended family have a range of ADHD and autism traits.
I was diagnosed a few years ago, on two different occasions. The second time was better , but I was not convinced that the strong dose of medication was helping me after a while.
Be warned:
I stopped taking medication, but tried to resume prescriptions over 1 year later to have another go, and was kicked back onto the multi-year NHS waiting list for re-assessment....
There is a big Adult ADHD thread on here that is worth a read.
Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Tuesday 26th May 19:24
Yes it is real. It is also a 'thing' in that it has growing popularity as a topic. Easy to dismiss but also linked to more people getting tested and a realisation that most of us are on a spectrum of sorts, being neurotypical is becoming increasingly atypical. it's an interesting topic, try not to be overly influenced by strong voices on either side.
I was diagnosed in my early 40s. I had long held that something wasn't quite right and had experiences of anxiety and depression going back to my 20s. Nothing seemed to work in terms of treatment, including medication. I just didn't respond in the way they expected the drugs to work.
My psychiatrist put it together initially and referred me to a specialist. After a full diagnosis which included interviewing my parents it turns out that I have inattentive ADHD.
Reading the diagnosis sheet made me tearful tbh. Having all of the things I feel shame over written down. Why I am the way I am. It's been a journey since, its not always easy.
I'd say if it's not bothering you personally/professionally then carry on regardless. If it is, then there's a dedicated thread to read through here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I was diagnosed in my early 40s. I had long held that something wasn't quite right and had experiences of anxiety and depression going back to my 20s. Nothing seemed to work in terms of treatment, including medication. I just didn't respond in the way they expected the drugs to work.
My psychiatrist put it together initially and referred me to a specialist. After a full diagnosis which included interviewing my parents it turns out that I have inattentive ADHD.
Reading the diagnosis sheet made me tearful tbh. Having all of the things I feel shame over written down. Why I am the way I am. It's been a journey since, its not always easy.
I'd say if it's not bothering you personally/professionally then carry on regardless. If it is, then there's a dedicated thread to read through here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
covmutley said:
Yes it's a thing. But over diagnosis is an issue and it's also true (as confirmed by the requests that my wife gets in work) that people want their kid to be diagnosed with it for the extra cash and/or to excuse themselves of poor parenting.
That is a thing too, as confirmed by my partner working in the field, the ex of a friend doing just this with his child. Included in this is a new car every 3 years, plus a taxi to and from school, some 40 odd miles away, and keeping him from his father for too many years, so she could well and truly f
k him up before letting him see him. Hey, our future of the country is in safe hands lol.
I can't disagree with the suggestion that it seems to be a growing phenomenon. It's partly why I feel such a reticence in having to acknowledge the possibility that I'm affected by it. I don't want to be part of a bandwagon. If being ND is starting to be regarded as the new "normal", in some respects, I could live with that more easily than feeling like I'm using it as an excuse for what I myself regard as my sometimes unorthodox behaviour. Perhaps behavioural patterns are changing generationally, and what was regarded as not being normal has now become subject to a shift in perceptions. Or vice versa. Or perhaps I'm talking bks. My biggest concern is that it's just an advanced form of undiagnosed narcissism, and nothing to do with ADHD.
In my defence, I've said on numerous occasions in the past, that I've met very few people who I haven't observed displaying what might be regarded as spectrum type behaviour on some level. Not in my defence is the fact that until very recently, I hadn't consciously had to seriously consider myself to be amongst them. A worryingly un-self aware mindset.
ks. My biggest concern is that it's just an advanced form of undiagnosed narcissism, and nothing to do with ADHD.In my defence, I've said on numerous occasions in the past, that I've met very few people who I haven't observed displaying what might be regarded as spectrum type behaviour on some level. Not in my defence is the fact that until very recently, I hadn't consciously had to seriously consider myself to be amongst them. A worryingly un-self aware mindset.
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