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.
You’re over thinking this. Neither health insurance companies nor any employer that isn’t a complete pile of shit cares if you have ADHD. The only time an employer has even had an official record that I have it is when they have mandatory drug testing and mine comes back positive for amphetamines. If they ask about it at all, usually “I take Vyvanse for ADHD” ends the conversation and it never comes up again.
Do what’s best for your health and well being.