[TheImpossibleGirl]

Hi everyone.

Last year, I took a psychology class and for the first time really learned what ADHD was. (Before, I just thought it meant a hyper kid, and I know a lot of people have that same stereotype). I never knew inattentive ADHD was a thing, but after learning about it, I thought "Hey, that sounds A LOT like me". Now, I know that when you take a class and learn about a disease or disorder, it starts seeming like you have everything. I think this is called "medical student syndrome" or something. So, I took it with a grain of salt, but I started doing more and more research.

Now, here I am, a year later. All of my research has only convinced me more strongly that I have ADHD. My boyfriend has been diagnosed and agrees that I might have ADHD. I fit just about all of the characteristics of ADHD in the DSM. My symptoms have been really getting in the way of school work. My grades have declined this semester and I was told I'm at risk for not being accepted into my program if I don't step it up. This is terrifying to me.

I know I should get help. My university has a counseling center where I can get a free appointment. My boyfriend has practically begged me to go because he hates seeing me torn up like this. I'm scared, though. What if they say I don't have ADHD? That there's no difference between me and everybody else? Then I'm just a lazy, unmotivated girl who can't focus and can't get stuff done. If I would just try a little harder, or work a little faster, or manage my time better, I'd be fine. I don't think I could stand to hear that.

What I'm trying to say, I think, is that I'm scared that the doctors will tell me I have ADHD, but I'm even more scared they'll tell me I don't.

[Miswimmy1]

I think you need to take a deep breath. Just because you don't get a diagnosis does not mean that you are "lazy and unmotivated". I don't think that having an appointment will be a bad thing. It's a win-win situation. If you are diagnosed, then you will have the relief of knowing what is wrong and you can start taking steps to improve aspects of your life that have been negatively affected. If you aren't diagnosed, then you can have the relief of crossing ADHD off the list of what might be "wrong". There may be another source causing your inability to focus and hopefully, whatever professional you end up seeing will be able to help you investigate further what might be causing it. Sure, it's not an immediate answer but it's not a bad thing.

[TheImpossibleGirl]

You're right. I think I was just getting a little panicky.

[Arwen_78]

Just remember that is you are diagnosis it will be like a door opening. I was a kid when I was diagnosed. From what I've been reading it seem psychologist are more open today to diagnosis an adult as ADD/ADHD or there seem to be another (possbliy a new name for the inactive AD|HD) a friend of mine found it EFT (Executive Function Disorder).

Plus, from what you are saying sounds very much like how most adults find out the have ADHD. If they decide to medicate you be open to try anything but be mindful of side effects and things that you think are just not normal. Don't let them say things like "it has worked on almost everyone I treat" or not listen to you because that is what get most medicated people into trouble. Plus, you should find a psychiatrist who will listen to you when you tell them if you feel wiry of drugs and that you wish to stay away from them.

You can function not medicated as you have for years but if you need that help then you need it.

Good Luck

[Hope-Full]

I was diagnosed with ADHD my third year at university, and I remember feeling pretty uneasy about the whole situation, too. I went for therapy and testing because I was feeling like dropping out of university - it was too becoming too hard and too much and I couldn't keep up with my studies.

Once diagnosed, and medicated, it was as if a switch in my brain turned on for the first time! I pulled all A's in all my courses, and learned how to listen and take notes and study. It was life changing! I stuck with therapy and worked with a behaviorist to learn other coping tools and eventually went off the meds while still being able to focus and get my coursework successfully done. Fantastic difference!

I encourage you to push through the fear and anxiety, cause the worst case of not being diagnosed will still give you tools to help you get through things better, and will remove the question mark hanging over you right now.