sunrise,

I'm never surprised anymore about the sheer ignorance that abounds regarding the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

One of the more common reactions I have run across as an adult with other adults who don't have the disorder, is that they ignorantly believe that ADHD is simply a moral failing, and that the behaviors (which they have stereotyped in their minds) that a person with ADHD has, is something within their control. That it is simply laziness or stupidity on the part of the adult with ADHD. In other words, that the ADHD adult isn't TRYING hard enough, and in their minds, that makes them a failure.

That is why they do not want to associate anything in any way with the ADHD "label." Another type of ignorant adult would be the one that thinks ADHD is only a disorder of childhood, not adults. Obviously, this is just arrogance and ignorance on their part, and it's easily shot down. Other common reactions are based off of the advertising of the drug Ritalin, and the false perception that the stimulants are bad for you, that they are addictive, and that adults are drug seeking.

I do have ADHD, and since the time I was diagnosed, I've taken it upon myself to become as educated as I possibly can be about ADHD.
I don't often share the fact that I have ADHD with others, simply because I don't always have the energy to go into an explanation with someone. I figure they can read a book or two before they try to tell me what they think ADHD is. Your boss is just another of these people who have neither the skill, or knowledge to even begin to tell you what they think ADHD (or some other mental disorder) is. I'd shrug her comment off, and say good riddance.

Personally, I think ADHD has some good aspects. For instance, I think far faster than most people, and when I can control this, I can do really good things and can be really productive and creative.

If you think you might have ADHD sunrise, I would certainly get tested for it with a professional in diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are hard to find, but well worth it. Not every mental health professional has the skills to diagnose such a complicated disorder in adults. It's not like with children.
If you ever want any resources, let me know.