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.
There are very few cases where this would ever come up without your consent, and fewer still it would matter, so you’re likely over thinking it.
The only case I’m aware of is being a pilot. ADHD is a limiting factor, and while you can still become a pilot, it becomes harder with more hoops to jump through. Stimulant medication is also completely off the table if you’re a pilot.
I am sure there are similar professions out there. But barring those, you’ll likely never be forced to disclose your diagnosis at all.