I’m in kind of a weird situation. I’m past my 40’s, and a close younger relative of mine got diagnosed with ADHD and I was talking with their psych and she said “uh it’s pretty clear you have this too., and you’ve been masking.”
So I was already seeing a psychiatrist, for anxiety, paying out of pocket because I didn’t want people in my profession or the health insurance company to know.
I told my own psych about the ADHD idea and she started prescribing stimulant meds to see if it helps.
It’s been amazing. My anxiety has practically melted away and just everything has gotten better for me.
Should I get diagnosed officially now?
On one hand I like the privacy.
On the other hand, my current psychiatrist might retire soon, and also if I have to change jobs, I think I’m required to list any pre-existing conditions.
I’d really like to hear other people’s experiences either way.
You must log in or register to comment.
First off, how would anyone else ever find out? Second off, fuck anyone that judges you for it.
I guess I’m more concerned about the insurance side. I’ve spent a few years being paranoid about anxiety/depression because that can put you in a tough spot. ADHD does not feel stigmatized? Maybe that’s what I’m asking.
I used to feel this way too but then it started affecting my life to a point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore. All of a sudden I only wanted to feel better and I didn’t care what the insurance company knew. It took me decades before I started taking meds. It changed my life. Just do it!! It’ll be ok!
You’re over thinking this. Neither health insurance companies nor any employer that isn’t a complete pile of shit cares if you have ADHD. The only time an employer has even had an official record that I have it is when they have mandatory drug testing and mine comes back positive for amphetamines. If they ask about it at all, usually “I take Vyvanse for ADHD” ends the conversation and it never comes up again.
Do what’s best for your health and well being.
isn’t a complete pile of shit
So they must all care if you have adhd, cause they’re all complete pieces of shit…
Unless your seeking work accomodations, your employer has no right to that information. The only exception might be for some government jobs.
I personally have never disclosed my diagnosis to an employer. I’ve even gotten some level of accomodations just by telling them it works best for my work style.
Don’t believe they can’t fire you for a disability. If the job description says that the job requires “attention to detail” or a “self starter” they can argue that accomodations aren’t possible.