Does this sound familiar: I suspect I might have ADHD. If yes, do I need a diagnosis? What happens if I get diagnosed? Does it come with drawbacks?

To answer these questions short: Whether or not you need a diagnosis depends on what you aim for.

• As long as you lead a happy and content life and don’t need any psychological help, you’re fine without a diagnosis.
• If you want a tangible “proof” for your suspicion it’s best to arrange a date for an ADHD assessment.
• If you struggle with your day-to-day life and/or have co-morbidities like depression or anxiety, I’d surely recommend getting a diagnosis because it opens up new pathways to improve your well-being.

Are there any drawbacks on getting diagnosed?

There are many questions, like “Do I need to tell my boss that I have ADHD? Or, “Do I need to tell this in a job interview? Do I need to reveal my diagnosis when taking out an insurance?” I’m no expert in legal questions and regulations will surely vary between countries. So I can’t answer this in any certain way but these are my two cents.

• Job: In Germany, there is no obligation to share any details of your health in a job, the decision is up to you. Honesty is often a good way. Of course it strongly depends on the boss you currently have. If you’re in doubt and rely on the job, it’s best to carefully sound out the situation first. In a job interview however it may be smart to mention your diagnosis. If your potential boss is interested and open and asks questions about your needs, this is a good sign. If your potential boss reacts in a dismissive way, it’s probably better to look for another company because you deserve respect and understanding.
  
• Insurance: In Germany, there are certain types of insurance (life insurance, disability insurance, private health insurance) that require you to answer health questions. If these questions are not answered thruthfully, the insurance may not pay in case you claim it. On the other hand, if you admit to ADHD or mental health issues, some insurances may either refuse to accept you or the fees may rise exorbitantly. It’s best to get an expert’s advise on this if you need a certain type of insurance.

What are the advantages of a diagnosis?

• Validation: The confirmation that you’re not crazy, that you indeed struggle where other people don’t. It often brings relief and a new self-acceptance if you can acknowledge that it is not your fault if you don’t function as society expects you to. This is a very important first step in improving your quality of life. Whether you share your new knowledge with family and friends is completely up to you. The diagnosis is yours and only yours.
  
• Therapy: Once you get a diagnosis, it’s easier to get help. Your therapist can advise on how to proceed after the assessment. You can decide together on a course of action. If validation was all you wanted, it’s okay to just go home with your knowledge. If you feel that you struggle, or the assessment questions brought new insights for you and you want to work on your issues, then the therapist can point you in the right direction.
  
• Disability: Depending on the severity of symptoms, it is possible to apply for a disability card which can help you get additional help in your day-to-day life and in your job. For this however, you need a diagnosis.
  
• Medication: The elephant in the room. There is a whole different set of pros and cons concerning medication. It’s a topic for a future blog post because outlining it in just a few sentences doesn’t do it justice. If you want to at least try it out and see if it’s for you, there is no way around a diagnosis. At least in Germany, the meds fall under the national narcotics law. You can only get them if your doctor prescribes them to you after you are properly diagnosed. This is because of the unique brain chemistry of ADHD: the meds have a totally different effect on neurotypical bodies and may be very harmful if abused.

What’s the bottom line?

I can’t tell what life would be for you if you made an appointment for assessment; it’s your own decision. But from what I experienced I would recommend seeing a professional in any case, especially if you have problems. If your suspicion gets confirmed, it opens new doors for you. If it doesn’t get confirmed, there may be other underlying issues that can also be helped by a professional. Mental health issues are no trivial thing and it’s no shame to ask for help. I’m wishing you all the best on your journey no matter what you decide.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or qualified medical person. If you experience health issues, mental or physical, please get help from a professional. This website is not meant to give medical advice, just some basic information and examples about what it means to live with Autism or ADHD. Symptoms vary strongly between individuals.

My sources

When I’m writing about symptoms of neurodivergent disorders, the information comes from several sources: One of my main sources is ADXS.org, a site available in English and German. I also consult other sites, preferably with professional medical background. I usually don’t consult blogs of private persons where information can’t be verified. Some things are my own observation and have been compared with other sources. I strive for accuracy and verified information. It’s not easy as a lot is still unknown about neurodiversity and many clichés are still being published that have been proven wrong years ago. If you stumble about somethings that you know for a fact is wrong, please get in touch by using either the comment form or the contact form.

Nice to meet you, Myself!

The journey of a late diagnosed adult – all parts of the blog series:

1. Disclosure – You have what?! – Harmful prejudices in society
2. Childhood – Growing up being different – Factors that influence ADHD
3. Hyperfocus – An ADHD superpower that comes with a price
4. Excitement and Connecting – The Ugly Duckling

★ to be continued ★

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