I've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, now what?
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the first step in reversing a destructive belief system: it offers a neurological explanation for why certain aspects of our lives are so difficult. And, most importantly, it helps us reconcile with ourselves.
Having ADHD isn't easy; the problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity interfere with our daily lives in an overwhelming way. However, it's much more difficult to have it without a diagnosis that explains the chaotic course of our lives or offers us the possibility of treatment and the tools to manage the most troublesome aspects of the condition.
This is the bleak outlook for people who have ADHD without knowing it, approximately 50% of them. So, seen in this light, the diagnosis is good news , as it allows us to be part of the percentage that holds the key to an easier life.
The diagnosis offers us a neurological explanation for why certain aspects of our lives are so difficult. And, more importantly, it helps us reconcile with ourselves.
Despite this, receiving a diagnosis isn't always easy and can trigger very intense and diverse emotions. For some, it will be accompanied by profound sadness for not having known sooner that the history of difficulties, frustration, guilt, and shame that have always accompanied them had a simple explanation. Usually, after this sadness comes the relief and joy of being able to find a solution . But it can also be overwhelming if it's unexpected, it can provoke fear of having to communicate it to a group that may not understand or take it seriously, and, in some cases, disbelief and shame.
Ana Gómez Salcedo
Once we have the diagnosis, what can we do?
The medical community agrees that the most effective way to address ADHD is through a multimodal approach that combines different complementary intervention methods, given that it is a complex condition affecting various aspects of life. Therefore, it is essential to work from multiple perspectives . These are the most important:
- Assimilate the diagnosis. Whatever emotion it triggers, the first thing we need to do is process it. Receiving a mental health diagnosis can send us on an emotional rollercoaster, so characteristic of our condition. So, the most important thing is to give ourselves time to understand the flood of information we receive, because it will change our daily lives. In short, become aware of the problem in order to learn to manage it, and reflect on the consequences of our actions from then on.
- Psychoeducation allows both those affected and their support network to better understand the disorder and establish concrete strategies for coping with it in daily life. It offers clear and validated information about the causes, manifestations, and possible treatments for ADHD—in other words, answers about what we have experienced throughout our lives and keys to understanding what awaits us in the future. The more we know about our condition, the greater our sense of competence and control over our symptoms. Just as important as our own understanding is that those around us understand it, so this psychoeducation will be much more effective if shared with those closest to us.
- Pharmacological treatment . The pharmacological option is a personal choice that often frightens people because it's surrounded by myths and misinformation, but it provides significant help in managing our condition on a daily basis. In any case, it will be the healthcare professional treating us who should prescribe the most appropriate medication for each individual case.
Pharmacological treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents
- Behavioral therapy is very effective in reinforcing positive behavior and raising awareness of our mental processes. Recognizing what motivates us and how we function is the first step in developing strategies for managing difficulties and improving our psychosocial well-being.
- Environmental adaptations , at home, school or work, to accommodate the context to our specific needs and facilitate the performance of our tasks.
- Coaching can be a valuable support in addressing the daily challenges of ADHD. Proper guidance will help us lead a more organized life, increase productivity, and achieve our goals. Ultimately, it will help us stay focused and translate goals into action.
- Support . Talk to someone close to you about how you feel and what your needs are. Someone who won't judge you and with whom you don't need to hide your symptoms. You can also contact one of the many ADHD support groups to share your daily life, your doubts, but mainly to understand that you are not alone.
Strengthening the strengths of ADHD
Despite everything said so far, ADHD hides some abilities that, when properly harnessed, become unique strengths —qualities that, in the right environment, can be simply brilliant. For example:
- We are very curious and impatient to know everything possible about something.
- We are creative, as we find innovative solutions to problems.
- We are tireless, we don't stop when everyone else does.
- We have hyperfocus.
- We have a deep empathy.
From divergent minds like ours emerge great entrepreneurs, with a broad perspective and out-of-the-box thinking. And, undoubtedly, with tremendous resilience in the face of adversity.
What occupations are most suitable if you have ADHD?
There's still a long way to go before we, as people with ADHD, can make the necessary adjustments to showcase our strengths and stop having to mask our symptoms in a constant and exhausting attempt to be like everyone else. But, through accurate information and education about neurodivergence, ADHD will gradually be seen as an opportunity to harness the potential of a brain that functions differently. It's not about fitting in, but about being able to show ourselves as we truly are.
And to understand that an ADHD diagnosis is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new time in which to discover how our mind works and to deal with the symptoms with the right treatment and tools.
