Mastodawn

Dan Jones Oct 3, 2025

Yesterday, I took an online version of the Adult ADHD screener (Self Report Scale, aka ASRS-v1.1).

It said that I show a high consistency in my scores for inattentive ADHD, and that I have a strong interest-driven focus pattern.

None of this was at all a surprise to me. I've been suspecting that I have ADHD for some time, but since this is a self-screener, it's not surprising that it shows the exact results that I expected to get, based on what I've seen in myself.

But I've been meaning to get a proper assessment for some time. Getting an official diagnosis might help me. I've got three kids with ADHD, so me having it would be no surprise. And getting this unofficial assessment is certainly encouraging me to get a proper assessment from a psychologist.

But now, I'm starting to question stuff about myself. If I start my day with a caffeinated beverage, am I self-medicating as a substitute for something like Adderall? When my mind starts to wander, am I bored, or is it my ADHD, or both?

#ADHD #Neurodivergent #SelfDiagnosis

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Jeff Oct 3, 2025

@danjones000 The most important thing I have learned when dealing with my own ADHD is to give myself some grace.

The second most important thing is that it has and will continue to impact my entire life. So many behaviors, challenges, patterns, etc. are interconnected. The more I learn, the more normal I feel, when compared to others with ADHD.

Does it matter if a morning caffeine drink is self-medicating, part of your routine, or just a little treat you enjoy? Is it hurting you?

You are you. You are no less or more you now that you have started your assessment journey. This may lead to medication or other treatments that might help or it might just give you the knowledge to accept that you have challenges and give you the ability to forgive yourself when they rear up.

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Dan Jones Oct 3, 2025

Thank you for that thoughtful response. I've been questioning myself about whether it even matters if I get a diagnosis or not.

I'm 43 years old, and if I have ADHD, I've lived with it my entire life, and must have learned to cope with it. I do well at work (am regularly praised by my boss), and am happy in my family, so I must've developed some decent coping skills.

But your answer was exactly what I needed to hear. Even if nothing else, understanding myself is important in and of itself, if only to be able to give myself a bit more grace.

Thank you.

Of course!

I'm in a similar boat. I'm 46, officially diagnosed a few years ago, unofficially diagnosed in my early-mid 20s.

I've tried medications to treat my ADHD. Stimulants work well for the short time, but I quickly build up a tolerance. I haven't gotten deep into other kinds of medications because, like you, I cope well enough. My biggest issue is chronic insomnia, and I've discovered a mixture of OTC medications that work well enough for me.

The cats don't help though...

For me, educating myself on the entire ADHD package, as I refer to it, helps me understand why I do what I do and how much ties into my general behaviors.

Knowing that it's not my fault helps me. I give myself more time to get things done and I give myself mental break times during the day so I don't burnout.