Thread by @AdhdAngsty

What to do if you think you might have ADHD: a (very long) thread ➡️

Lots of people are asking me this atm, so I've thrown some advice together. Please note, these are just some things I found helpful during my diagnosis process- they might not work for you.

1. Reassure yourself.

It's easy to start hyperfocusing on ADHD and catastrophizing in the early stages. You are still who you were yesterday. You don’t have to find out everything instantly, and if you're on here, you've found a community that can help you through this journey.

2. Don't make an appointment with your doctor (yet).

I know this is controversial, but not all doctors have the expertise to assess ADHD. I recommend seeing one after you've learnt more about ADHD, so you can figure out whether they know their stuff or not.

3. Learn what ADHD ACTUALLY is:

You may have internalised a lot of incorrect information, which will make it much harder for you to figure things out. Follow people on #adhdtwitter and see if their content resonates. This thread is relevant too:

https://twitter.com/AdhdAngsty/status/1335889408126382080?s=19

4. Find relevant ADHD representation

Mainstream understandings of ADHD are based on a white hyperactive young boy standard. If you are not that, find people that are like YOU to learn from. This link has some good resources: self.com/story/adult-ad…

5. Make a list (mental or literal) of how the ADHD experiences you’ve discovered align with your own.

Remember, it’s not just about how much you exhibit ADHD symptoms, but also about how much effort it takes you to not exhibit them.

6. Talk to someone you can trust.

You deserve support as you process this. Unfortunately many of your friends and family will not understand ADHD, and some might even be ADHDers without realizing and think your experience is normal (continued in next tweet).

If you don't have people irl that you can talk to, remember, we are here. Post using the hashtags #adhdtwitter #ADHD and #neurodiversesquad, and you'll be able to reach a whole community of people who understand what you're going through.

7. Decide if you want to pursue an official diagnosis.

A diagnosis gives you access to medication, as well as accommodations if applicable to your situation. However, it’s not always accessible- and there are lots of good ADHD strategies you can use outside of medication.

8. If you want to pursue diagnosis, join a online support group in your area.

ADHD treatment differs so much country to country that I can't give specific advice. I've found facebook groups to be a great resource in figuring out the process, and getting doctor recommendations.

9. Go see a doctor (based on the knowledge from that group).

Every doctor is different, so there’s no “fail-safe” advice for this. I recommend you bringing your list, and asking them to talk through ADHD in relation to you.

10. Dismiss doctors that don't know their stuff.

“but you did well in school”, “but you’re not hyperactive” “but adults don’t have ADHD” “you’re just depressed/anxious” .

Doctors that say the above don't know enough to properly assess you. MANY doctors don't understand ADHD.

11. Get a second opinion if necessary and possible.

If your doctor is dismissing an ADHD diagnosis, make sure they explain why, and give a sound reasoning. Racism and sexism especially are rife regarding ADHD and result in under diagnosis. A second opinion might be helpful.

12. Lastly, there’s no shame on you if you don't get an ADHD diagnosis.

You're reflecting on who you are, and what you need, which is good regardless of the outcome. If you can't get a diagnosis, but know you are an ADHDer, self diagnosis is valid here. We believe you.

I tend not to do recommendations because I always forget someone, but it's SO VITAL that you have ADHD representation that's relevant to you. If you want to follow people who share your identity, feel free to ask for it here, and I'll retweet so people can give you their recs.