Yesterday, I took an online version of the Adult ADHD screener (Self Report Scale, aka ASRS-v1.1).
It said that I show a high consistency in my scores for inattentive ADHD, and that I have a strong interest-driven focus pattern.
None of this was at all a surprise to me. I've been suspecting that I have ADHD for some time, but since this is a self-screener, it's not surprising that it shows the exact results that I expected to get, based on what I've seen in myself.
But I've been meaning to get a proper assessment for some time. Getting an official diagnosis might help me. I've got three kids with ADHD, so me having it would be no surprise. And getting this unofficial assessment is certainly encouraging me to get a proper assessment from a psychologist.
But now, I'm starting to question stuff about myself. If I start my day with a caffeinated beverage, am I self-medicating as a substitute for something like Adderall? When my mind starts to wander, am I bored, or is it my ADHD, or both?
@danjones000
One day I found out what Ajvar is, and I kinda like it. It's pretty good sandwich, little bit of cheese, maybe some tomato or lettuce...
I know that about myself now, but that doesn't make me a different person.
@danjones000 Since getting diagnosed with both ADHD and autism Im finding myself questioning everything and over analysis. It does take quite a while to process I guess. I waited till 49 to get a diagnosis. I guess it gives you rational introspection that you cant accurately achive before diagnosis. I've been struggling with meds, they give me a window where its easier to be productive but it doesnt last for long.
@danjones000 FWIW questioning everything seems to be pretty standard, whether it's self-assessment or through "official" channels. Either way, it's a lot to process.
@danjones000 The most important thing I have learned when dealing with my own ADHD is to give myself some grace.
The second most important thing is that it has and will continue to impact my entire life. So many behaviors, challenges, patterns, etc. are interconnected. The more I learn, the more normal I feel, when compared to others with ADHD.
Does it matter if a morning caffeine drink is self-medicating, part of your routine, or just a little treat you enjoy? Is it hurting you?
You are you. You are no less or more you now that you have started your assessment journey. This may lead to medication or other treatments that might help or it might just give you the knowledge to accept that you have challenges and give you the ability to forgive yourself when they rear up.
Thank you for that thoughtful response. I've been questioning myself about whether it even matters if I get a diagnosis or not.
I'm 43 years old, and if I have ADHD, I've lived with it my entire life, and must have learned to cope with it. I do well at work (am regularly praised by my boss), and am happy in my family, so I must've developed some decent coping skills.
But your answer was exactly what I needed to hear. Even if nothing else, understanding myself is important in and of itself, if only to be able to give myself a bit more grace.
Thank you.
Of course!
I'm in a similar boat. I'm 46, officially diagnosed a few years ago, unofficially diagnosed in my early-mid 20s.
I've tried medications to treat my ADHD. Stimulants work well for the short time, but I quickly build up a tolerance. I haven't gotten deep into other kinds of medications because, like you, I cope well enough. My biggest issue is chronic insomnia, and I've discovered a mixture of OTC medications that work well enough for me.
The cats don't help though...
For me, educating myself on the entire ADHD package, as I refer to it, helps me understand why I do what I do and how much ties into my general behaviors.
Knowing that it's not my fault helps me. I give myself more time to get things done and I give myself mental break times during the day so I don't burnout.
@danjones000 I just recently got a diagnosis and started medication a couple of weeks ago. I had suspected I had ADHD for a few years ago, and had spent all that time agonising over “is it ADHD or not?”. Plus, executive dysfunction and overthinking led to a long period of not actually doing anything about it. I’m still processing what it all means now, and revisiting all my past experiences and behavior, and recognizing that so much of it was how my brain works, and I’ve had it all this time.