Do I Have ADHD?

Photo by Irene Giunta on Unsplash

I was 36 years old when someone first suggested I might have ADHD.

“No way — I can spend hours focused on something if I’m interested in it,” I said. Turns out that’s called hyperfocus, a symptom of ADHD.

After reading about more all-too-familiar symptoms, I decided to get an official diagnosis.

“I can spend hours focused … if I’m interested”

Why Get Diagnosed?

ADHD can be a “good news” diagnosis because life often improves once you know that you have it. There are many treatments that can help including:

• Medication.
  ADHD meds have a bad reputation because they can often be abused, but they are life-changing for many.
• Coaching/counseling.
  A coach can help you find strategies and behavior methods to manage your symptoms.
• School or workplace accommodation.
  U.S. federal law recognizes ADHD as a disability, meaning you may be eligible for accommodations.

Who Can Diagnose?

In the United States, you can be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, clinical social worker, or physician (including psychologist, neurologist, or family doctor). Find someone that specializes in ADHD.