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Undiagnosed ADHD

I'm not diagnosing myself with ADHD, because that would be stupid and unnecessary, since I can easily go to my GP and ask them to refer me to a specialist, which I plan on doing, by the way. However, I noticed that I have A LOT of the symptoms that you would often find with a person that has ADHD.

The symptoms I have:

- I make careless mistakes
- I find it difficult to prioritize tasks
- I have a short attention span and I find it difficult to concentrate
- I am unable to stick to tasks that are considered tedious or time-consuming
- I talk too much or excessively
- I often take action without thinking
- I have extreme impatience


I think I find really upsetting is that in the summertime of 2024, I graduated university with a 2:1, but I am extremely disappointed with myself, because a lot of my grades were very much inconsistent, where there were times where I'd score highly, and other times, not so highly.


I was already in the disability department for other diagnosed disabilities, and I only found it nearing the end of 3rd Year that they could offer me extended extensions on assignments, without the need of evidence. I feel so unbelievably stupid, because if I did this from the start, then maybe there would be less inconsistency within my grades? I also wish I got a 1st, instead of a 2:1.


I feel so sad, lonely and stupid.
A lot of those are also part of the normal human experience... No one here will be able to tell you whether or not you have ADHD, go and see your GP and ask to be referred for assessment.

You have been posting a lot recently about what sounds like rumination (or it least there have been a lot of posts with similar content, and I am guessing they were made by the same person - if not, apologies) and I wonder whether speaking to a counsellor might be helpful?
Reply 2
Original post by black tea
A lot of those are also part of the normal human experience... No one here will be able to tell you whether or not you have ADHD, go and see your GP and ask to be referred for assessment.
You have been posting a lot recently about what sounds like rumination (or it least there have been a lot of posts with similar content, and I am guessing they were made by the same person - if not, apologies) and I wonder whether speaking to a counsellor might be helpful?


I was never asking for someone to diagnose me on TSR, especially because no one is qualify to do so, and they wouldn't be able to do so, without actually meeting me. I said in my original post, "I can easily go to my GP and ask them to refer me to a specialist, which I plan on doing."


As to your other question about similar posts/content and rumination. You would be right that they were written by the same person. Well, I guess I proved the "rumination" part of my life.


Lastly, you do make a very interesting point about my symptoms being apart of the "Normal human experience," but I am not normal, unfortunately. Being born prematurely and at a low birth weight led me to become permanently disabled, so thinking I might have ADHD isn't uncanny, especially considering that premature birth is a common risk factor of ADHD as well.


I have considered counselling too, and I very much happy to take it on!
Original post by Anonymous
I was never asking for someone to diagnose me on TSR, especially because no one is qualify to do so, and they wouldn't be able to do so, without actually meeting me. I said in my original post, "I can easily go to my GP and ask them to refer me to a specialist, which I plan on doing."
As to your other question about similar posts/content and rumination. You would be right that they were written by the same person. Well, I guess I proved the "rumination" part of my life.
Lastly, you do make a very interesting point about my symptoms being apart of the "Normal human experience," but I am not normal, unfortunately. Being born prematurely and at a low birth weight led me to become permanently disabled, so thinking I might have ADHD isn't uncanny, especially considering that premature birth is a common risk factor of ADHD as well.
I have considered counselling too, and I very much happy to take it on!

Even if you were born premature and have disabilities, you are still human! I'm in no position to say whether or not you have ADHD, just saying that just because someone can relate to some of the symptoms, doesn't necessarily mean they are neurodivergent and self-labelling isn't necessarily helpful.

If you haven't already checked them out already, have a look at NHS talking therapies . You can self-refer directly without needing to speak to your GP if you are in England.
(edited 1 month ago)
Hey there! I see you're wrestling with some ADHD-like symptoms—careless mistakes, trouble prioritizing, short attention span, and the like. First off, kudos for planning to chat with your GP about this. Getting a professional assessment is a solid move.​

In the meantime, if you're looking for resources to help manage these symptoms, you might want to check out Primed Pharmacy's mental health section. They offer various support options that could be beneficial.​
Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Keep pushing forward!
Original post by Anonymous
I'm not diagnosing myself with ADHD, because that would be stupid and unnecessary, since I can easily go to my GP and ask them to refer me to a specialist, which I plan on doing, by the way. However, I noticed that I have A LOT of the symptoms that you would often find with a person that has ADHD.
The symptoms I have:
- I make careless mistakes
- I find it difficult to prioritize tasks
- I have a short attention span and I find it difficult to concentrate
- I am unable to stick to tasks that are considered tedious or time-consuming
- I talk too much or excessively
- I often take action without thinking
- I have extreme impatience
I think I find really upsetting is that in the summertime of 2024, I graduated university with a 2:1, but I am extremely disappointed with myself, because a lot of my grades were very much inconsistent, where there were times where I'd score highly, and other times, not so highly.
I was already in the disability department for other diagnosed disabilities, and I only found it nearing the end of 3rd Year that they could offer me extended extensions on assignments, without the need of evidence. I feel so unbelievably stupid, because if I did this from the start, then maybe there would be less inconsistency within my grades? I also wish I got a 1st, instead of a 2:1.
I feel so sad, lonely and stupid.
Honestly, my advice is just: find community. If you identify with the ADHD/neurodivergent experience, then why not see if you can find people you might relate to? If you have any friends or people close to you who have ADHD, maybe you can ask if they'd be up for having a conversation about it with you? Or find a group meetup or just a facebook group. Often it's when we feel less alone that our problems seem more manageable.

I do recommend going to the GP. Because if you're finding that you're struggling with ADHD symptoms to the point that it's harming your life, then it is definitely worth talking to someone and seeing if you can get some answers. But seeing as how adult ADHD services are not the best and waiting for an assessment can take years, sometimes you need to just do the best you can in the meantime. Make sure you're not alone. And you don't need to have ADHD to try ADHD tips if you're struggling with symptoms! There is SO much information/advice out there (to the point it can be overwhelming).

And look, chances are you did the best you could with the resources/information available to you at the time. So try not to beat yourself up over not getting a first. You still passed - and if you did it while possibly having ADHD or at least struggling with some of the symptoms, then you deserve an extra pat on the back. To struggle doesn't mean being "stupid". You said you didn't know about extensions you could've gotten: it is not your fault, maybe you should have been told you could get extended assignments in the first place!

Good luck with everything. If you find yourself really struggling with your mental health, then please do reach out to someone; a friend, a family member, a helpline. There is someone out there who can listen.

Rooting for you! <33
Original post by Kathy89
Getting a diagnosis is very important because you can understand your situation better and get treatment. I am not saying you have ADHD but if you do and you know it you can work much better on solutions.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/983669929961848?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz
^ I'm 6 out of 8 with it. I was diagnosed at 16-17 but up to my 30's I act and was thinking I'm a neurotypical. The moment I realized that most of my struggles are ADHD it made things so much easier. Now I can notice signs of burnout very fast and can even prevent them. When I stopped masking some things I was taught to mask all my life it became much easier to function.
If you struggle with work and studying you have to find the solution. ADHD is very common and you can get tested for it. Most likely it is ADHD, if it is not look for other things.

That video is highly non-specific. I'm also 6/8 on there and I do not have ADHD (I score a grand total of 1 on the adult ADHD self-report scale and knowing a number of people with ADHD, including a step-sibling, I am 99.9% sure I do not have it). OP may well have ADHD, none of us are in a position to say either way, but I'm not sure it's helpful to direct them to random resources like this that will make anyone think they have ADHD.
(edited 1 week ago)
Original post by black tea
That video is highly non-specific. I'm also 6/8 on there and I do not have ADHD (I score a grand total of 1 on the adult ADHD self-report scale and knowing a number of people with ADHD, including a step-sibling, I am 99.9% sure I do not have it). OP may well have ADHD, none of us are in a position to say either way, but I'm not sure it's helpful to direct them to random resources like this that will make anyone think they have ADHD.

Read my first sentence. I said OP should get a diagnosis, no matter if it is ADHD or anything else... a diagnosis will make life much easier in the long run. You will understand what is going on with you and how and why...
Original post by Kathy89
Read my first sentence. I said OP should get a diagnosis, no matter if it is ADHD or anything else... a diagnosis will make life much easier in the long run. You will understand what is going on with you and how and why...


Quite ironic, I hear from this thread again, as my GP has said that they will refer to an ADHD specalist, after I had an appointment with them today. They warned me that it will take me a long time for me to hear from the ADHD specialists, as there is a massive waitlist.
Reply 9
Original post by Anonymous
Quite ironic, I hear from this thread again, as my GP has said that they will refer to an ADHD specalist, after I had an appointment with them today. They warned me that it will take me a long time for me to hear from the ADHD specialists, as there is a massive waitlist.

I'm a little late to the post but please asked them for a right to choose referral. UK waiting times for NHS referrals are ridiculous at the moment. Have a look on the ADHD UK website about right to choose options and what their wait times are. I can guarantee they are all shorter than the NHS lists. Don't do what I did and sit on the NHS list for nearly 2 years too be told that it would be a further 5 years to be diagnoses. I went with ADHD 360 and they were very helpful.

Feel free to reach out if you need any help with the whole right to choose system as at this point I'm a pro 😕 I work in a GP surgery and I am the first point of contact for people with these issues.

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