ADHD? Self diagnosed, ?

I have just had a conversation with someone I have never met on WhatsApp, she has adult ADHD, she diagnosed me and I've just looked at Healthline.com and I tick all the boxes!

healthline.com/health/adhd/...

Is there any point in getting a doctor to agree, what good would it do?

I was liken my symptoms to being on the autism scale and now this 🙄. It does help to give a name so that I can heal it better.

All my best X

[Painting-girl]

Hi Driad, well I know that ADHD makes it more likely to have prolonged symptoms after TBI - and that in children the treatment is often Ritalin / methylphenidate - which is also mentioned as a med for chronic fatigue in the US I think, so it might be worth exploring, and possibly also discussing it with a neuropsychologist if possible to see where the overlaps are? What about a chat with Headway on a useful path to take this on? Reading that article you posted, a lot of the characteristics might also be a result of a BI though?

I'd long suspected that I had fairly mild dyspraxia, and it feels like this has become heightened since my TBI (which is not unusual apparently) - and it showed up very clearly on my neuropsychological tests, post TBI.

I think anything that helps you understand where you are is useful?

Have a good Christmas

Jen x

[Glenquoich]

I'm going through a diagnosis just now while in hospital and 3 days into meds (methylphenadine), my Bi is 36 years old but the questionnaires my mother/siblings got as well as my own and my wife's more than confirmed some major evidence of a pre existing condition. I've also got a dyspraxia assessment at the end of January through my occupational therapist.I agree about giving it a name, even if they use the 'looks like', 'slightly' or 'showing characteristics of' before it. I think because the old labels of malingering and fecklessness that were common around my struggle were really unhelpful.

At least now I have an idea of what I'm dealing with and can be a good bit more self accepting and self forgiving.

[MelaniaTaylor]

I wouldn't say that this is a very good idea considering how a lot of the symptoms of ADHD intertwine with symptoms of several other disorders. There are numerous conditions that have almost the same symptoms as ADHD; even if you feel like you have those symptoms, I would recommend you to go through this article (mangoclinic.com/add-vs-adhd... ) to learn about the difference in ADD, ADHD and the other types of these disorders.

[Plenty]

Interesting, ADHD post Brain injury.

Yes possibly everybody is on the autism scale at some level, but the BI would exasperate the symptoms.

I think it’s worth knowing if there is knowledge that may help with BI rehabilitation.

Keep us updated 👍🏻

[ActiveGirl]

Hi Driad,

I also basically self diagnosed and felt better knowing the name, but now I'm talking to a neuropsychologist and getting a full examination and I think it was a great idea for me. The neuropsychologist hasn't just do test to tell me if I have ADHD or not, but also is analizing what areas of my brain need more help and what areas are thriving.

I'm not sure I want medication, since I have managed this long and don't see ADHD as a "problem", but just a different wiring as the majority.

[Hidden in reply to ActiveGirl]

Thanks ActiveGirl for the prompt to update on my journey.😁It is indeed a great help to have a diagnosis just to understand your particular neuro-divergence, with that you can find therapies and medication to help us and loved ones understand too.

So as of last week I was diagnosed with adult ADHD hyperactive/inattentive type!

And the whole of my 43 year life has made complete sense

🤯

And yes having a brain injury has compounded some effects, having thoroughly deep dived into this world, mostly with peer reviewed data and physicians, ADHD affects the brain through slower growing/ development in 5 areas, one of which is the frontal lobe, with which my BI is centred, this effects emotional regulation and working memory to name just two!!

I now have a collection of post-nominal acronyms to my name along with a post BI BSc,PTSD,CFS!!!

ADHD affects about 8% of people with 50% of children diagnosed 'growing out of it's in adulthood, fortunately it is the only neurological disorder that CAN be treated (not cured)! Unlike autism etc.

I am going to try the medication and hopefully will finally find a therapist that actually understands the ADHD and similar BI brain...wish me luck

🤞

And I wish you the best of luck too

🥰

[MarimerCruz]

What are the issues you are dealing as someone with adhd?

[Hidden in reply to MarimerCruz]

Hi, the major issues are dealing with Emotional Disregulation and a strong cognitive dissonance; see Cassandra Syndrome. Which is constantly ruining relationships.My hyperactivity takes on many projects and consistently fails to complete in good time or indeed at all. Compounded by my debilitating Fatigue!

My impulsivity has me constantly buying things that 'I need' without due diligence and looking at the bank balance.

Visit YouTube, watch Dr Russell Berkeley (and then read his books) and the Totally ADHD channel for starters, Google ADHD TEST and complete the simple online form if you think you have it!

Damaging my frontal lobe has definitely compounded my ADHD symptoms and just knowing that is helping me to understand and specifically treat it.

Good luck