What if you’re wrong about your ADHD self diagnosis?
Maybe I am. Perhaps my symptoms can be better explained by trauma, migraine or a secret third thing I haven’t researched yet.
But I know my own experience. ADHD explains my unique strengths and struggles I’ve had my whole life.
I also know that I have complex trauma. And yet c-PTSD is not a “valid diagnosis” as it is not in the current DSM-V (the diagnostic manual for mental conditions).
A formal diagnosis is not necessary in order to give myself accommodations and thrive.
You should still seek expert advice
Psychologists and psychiatrists are not infallible. They get diagnoses wrong too. Often.
The internet is littered with stories of people (especially women, AFAB and other marginalised folk) being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, BPD and OCD before finally being diagnosed with ADHD or autism.
Many therapists are also generalists. They have to be. This also means they may not be up to date with the current information about how ADHD presents in adults and women.
Everyone has ADHD these days, don’t they?
Not everyone but many do, yes. Because huge cohorts of people have been struggling for decades while experts didn’t think girls or adults could have it.
Doesn’t self diagnosis mean you’re taking away resources from people who actually have ADHD?
What resources? Medication?
I can’t access ADHD medication with a self-diagnosis.
Therapy?
I’m not in therapy.
Accommodations? Like permission to stim, use noise-cancelling headphones or access to flexible work arrangements?
These are things that anyone should be provided with if they feel they need them. Disability access is a human right. And giving people what they need expands resourcefulness, not reduce it.
ADHD isn’t real. You should just get rid of your phone
I grew up in the 80s and 90s. I had ADHD long before I got a smartphone.
Why do you even need a label?
Many people are happy to live their lives without putting labels on the way they operate.
But for me, I was languishing without any understanding of why. Having a label helps me understand myself better, so I can care for myself better.
For me, a label is just information. It enables me to research ways I can support myself. And communicate with others the support I need.
ADHD isn’t real. People are just lazy
Have you ever noticed that things that are considered disorders under the DSM are only skills that are valued under capitalism?
Like I’m quite talented at music. And yet someone else who can’t sing doesn’t have “Tuneful Music Disorder”.
And this concept of laziness is steeped in toxic capitalism. Because under capitalism our worth is tied to our output. Our productivity is what makes us “good”.
And yet, if we lived in a world where productivity didn’t matter, or capitalism had never existed, then the concept of ADHD as a disorder wouldn’t exist either.
Because my strengths and struggles would be considered morally neutral.
Executive functions around planning, prioritisation and detail would be irrelevant. My fluctuating energy, motivation, and emotional states would be supported. And my ability to hyperfocus on my special interest would be encouraged.
At the end of the day, I support self-diagnosis because people who aren’t struggling in life don’t sit around and wonder if they have ADHD all day.
Or any other condition for that matter.
They just get on with life.
Self-diagnosis is an important step for many people to:
understand themselves,
take care of themselves better,
communicate their needs to others,
find community, and even
take the next steps towards formal diagnosis
Your diagnosis is valid, even if it’s only from you to you.
Find Calm. Effortlessly.
The Restful app is a library of meditones to help you feel calm and restful without having to do a thing. No meditation needed! Just music that works...