Normal enough for adhd that it was even one of my assessment questions!

Only way that worked for me was specifically seeking out psychs who specifically treat adult adhd. You unfortunately have to rely on either word of mouth or rating websites for doctors, and neither are reliably available.

Yeah I’ve heard before that in some place, adhd was just a label slapped on unruly kids in some places. That’s certainly part of where the stigma comes from and why some parents are so against their child getting diagnosed. But adhd is a genuine issue, and two wrongs (misdiagnoses and refusal to diagnose those who actually have it) don’t make a right.

I don’t know you, but the way you’re wondering about it seems like a sign you’re a good parent. Especially in combination with the knowledge of what your parents did wrong (whether or not they meant to).

That last thing you said is SO spot on. If you don’t already pretty much know that you have adhd (or other types of neurodivergence that you can somewhat mask), there’s no way anyone else will ever consider it. Doctors and teachers aren’t usually trained for it, and even if they are, parents are likely to reject the possibility because of the stigma. Plus, adult adhd hasn’t been recognized for all that long, so plenty of doctors that don’t keep up with science after they graduate just insist that it’s not a thing.

You basically have to specifically know that you have adhd and that you want treatment, and then you can start to look for professionals who specifically diagnose treat adult adhd. They’re few and far between pretty much everywhere. If you’re in a place where you need a referral, good luck also convincing your GP (I never told mine I needed the referral for adhd, I let him assume it’s depression again. Though my psych said I don’t HAVE to have a referral, it’ll just be easier for them, insurance-paperwork wise).

My psychologist did say that most people with untreated adhd have depression!

My experience on meds is pretty similar. Holy shit is it nice when it’s quiet in your head. I get so fucking much done. And I can rest more productively, I actually have some energy left over at the end of the day to exercise, read or draw. I knew I was exhausted all the time, but I never knew how much easier it could be if you don’t use up so much energy for every tiny task.