Hi Not_Batman,
I would definitely see a different doctor for a second opinion. I’ve been looking into these things myself as I also suspect adhd in myself. I was actually speaking with my psychologist about it yesterday. I was talking to my optometrist last week and she was telling me about her adhd diagnosis. She was booked in to see a psychiatrist but had a year long wait to see her. She was wanting something sooner so decided to try another psychiatrist in the meantime. That psychiatrist dismissed her in a similar manner to the way it sounds your doctor did. She found it quite distressing. So she waited to see the next psychiatrist and that one was very supportive, insightful and gave her an adhd diagnosis. So I think it’s very important to make sure you are heard and taken seriously. While it’s yet to be confirmed if that’s your diagnosis, your own hunches and those of your family are important.
I’m unsure myself based on the cost of diagnosis and the fact I’m not at the severe end. I swing between strong hyperfocus and being very scattered and I’ve always been that way. I am diagnosed with complex ptsd which can present with adhd-like symptoms, so I’m also trying to tease apart different elements and work out what is what.
I think the process can take quite a while, so getting the ball rolling now might be helpful, starting with trying a different doctor for a referral first. There are adhd support organisations in different states, so it could be worth investigating the ones in your state for some info and advice. There are some support groups too, many of which I don’t think would require you to be diagnosed to attend. So that could be a way of meeting others and getting more of a sense if that is your tribe, so to speak.
Another thing that may be helpful is listening to podcasts on adhd. There’s a lot out there and it may be a source of useful info plus help you get more of a sense if you fit an adhd profile. I find listening to podcasts in general a helpful way for me to stay more on task when doing mundane chores, where my scatteredness would otherwise distract me and make it hard to stay on task. I even use podcasts to help me go to sleep at night.
Anyway, those are just some thoughts. While adhd presents challenges there can also be strengths in it too.
All the best,
ER
