Self-diagnosing: What it is and what it isn't
If you’ve ever googled “Do I have ADHD?”, you know that what comes up is a bevy of at-home quizzes and assessments boasting a quick diagnosis! You can click on a test, answer some questions, and boom! Three minutes later, it’s confirmed that you have ADHD. Simple, right? Not so fast. Although these online forums and quizzes can help you get clear on your symptoms and lead you towards a correct diagnosis, they can also mislead you into seeking treatment for the wrong problem. Self-diagnosis should serve as the start of your journey, not the end.
The Pro’s and Con’s of Self-Diagnosis
Reading up on ADHD symptoms and seeing how they line up with certain behaviors you exhibit is an excellent beginning to understanding yourself. It’s also extremely helpful when you’re trying to make a detailed list of your symptoms. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that I behavior we thought was normal is actually caused by ADHD or something greater, until we research.
With that being said, self-diagnosis should be taken with a grain of salt. A multitude of conditions have symptoms that mimic those of ADHD. You could end up ignoring a bigger problem by deciding too quickly that you have ADHD and not taking anything else into consideration. Additionally, about half of individuals diagnosed with ADHD, also struggle with a mental health condition. Even if your ADHD assumption is correct, you could be overlooking another issue at play.
What do you do if you’ve self-diagnosed yourself with ADHD?
Yes, taking a quiz on the couch is undeniably easier and more fun, but that diagnosis can only take you so far. If you’ve done your research and feel like you likely have ADHD, take your findings to a specialist. A medical professional can take a look at your symptoms and help determine if you’ve properly diagnosed yourself.
The next step is treatment. A lot of people self-diagnose with ADHD, feel relieved to understand their behaviors, and then move on before ever seeking help. Once you and your doctors have determined that you have ADHD, figure out what approach you want to take. Whether it’s medication, a change of diet, behavioral therapy, or something else, feeling like you can manage your ADHD is essential.
