I’m in kind of a weird situation. I’m past my 40’s, and a close younger relative of mine got diagnosed with ADHD and I was talking with their psych and she said “uh it’s pretty clear you have this too., and you’ve been masking.”
So I was already seeing a psychiatrist, for anxiety, paying out of pocket because I didn’t want people in my profession or the health insurance company to know.
I told my own psych about the ADHD idea and she started prescribing stimulant meds to see if it helps.
It’s been amazing. My anxiety has practically melted away and just everything has gotten better for me.
Should I get diagnosed officially now?
On one hand I like the privacy.
On the other hand, my current psychiatrist might retire soon, and also if I have to change jobs, I think I’m required to list any pre-existing conditions.
I’d really like to hear other people’s experiences either way.
Unless your seeking work accomodations, your employer has no right to that information. The only exception might be for some government jobs.
I personally have never disclosed my diagnosis to an employer. I’ve even gotten some level of accomodations just by telling them it works best for my work style.
Don’t believe they can’t fire you for a disability. If the job description says that the job requires “attention to detail” or a “self starter” they can argue that accomodations aren’t possible.