Some say it’s overdiagnosis, others say it’s greater recognition. But it’s clear we must think about how our society is impacting human development, says author and retired physician Gabor Maté
It took me almost 4 years to seek a diagnosis after learning what ADHD actually was because I kept questioning myself.
When I finally did, the provider paused in the middle of the evaluation and said normally we’d have you get some responses from your family and coworkers too, but that won’t be necessary since you clearly have it.
Got put on medication and the difference in being able to do even the most basic things is like night and day.
A bit of an elevated pulse for a short while immediately after taking it. Suppressed appetite, though I’d describe it more as “forgetting” that I’m hungry. Like sometimes it doesn’t register enough for me to get up and eat something, which has resulted in some weight loss, but I’m also in much better physical shape now.
None of which outweigh the true mental clarity I get and the lowered barrier to task initiation.
I’ve never gone off of it, but every once in a while I take a day or two off. Mostly if I’m anticipating a big meal or a lot of physical activity that day.
This is partly what prevents me seeking a diagnosis.
It took me almost 4 years to seek a diagnosis after learning what ADHD actually was because I kept questioning myself.
When I finally did, the provider paused in the middle of the evaluation and said normally we’d have you get some responses from your family and coworkers too, but that won’t be necessary since you clearly have it.
Got put on medication and the difference in being able to do even the most basic things is like night and day.
Thanks, that’s good to know. And have you experienced any side-effects of the medication while taking it or after coming off it?
A bit of an elevated pulse for a short while immediately after taking it. Suppressed appetite, though I’d describe it more as “forgetting” that I’m hungry. Like sometimes it doesn’t register enough for me to get up and eat something, which has resulted in some weight loss, but I’m also in much better physical shape now.
None of which outweigh the true mental clarity I get and the lowered barrier to task initiation.
I’ve never gone off of it, but every once in a while I take a day or two off. Mostly if I’m anticipating a big meal or a lot of physical activity that day.
Honestly, talk to your doctor. Tell them why you think you might have it and why you’re worried you might be imagining it.
They’ll give you a test, and you’ll be evaluated by someone who is trained to tell if you might have it or not.
I didn’t ask about it for a long time bc the same reason but life has been so much more manageable now.
Thank you.
What has made it more manageable for you, if you don’t mind me asking?