Tip #2:

“Stay curious…”

I am yet to speak to anyone with a late ADHD or AuDHD diagnosis who HASN’T had another (often incorrect) mental health diagnosis first, or significant issues with addiction, disordered eating or other issue that just wouldn’t go away. It might not always be the case but, as a counsellor, my clients sometimes come with one of the above and have never considered ADHD or Autism.

What does this mean?

1. You may have a diagnosis of ‘Depression’ from a GP. Job done! You may have done the nine-question PHQ-9 test directly (NHS test), or subtly, with your GP. You may have an SSRI prescription. You may get some, or no, benefit from these medications. But, Depression can actually be a biproduct of unrecognised ADHD, AuDHD and Autism and your GP may not be sufficiently trained or aware to spot the bigger issue. Ask your GP what training and awareness they have in neurodiversity maybe. And be curious.
2. You may have a diagnosis of Bipolar, and a prescription for Lithium, or other go-to medication. Again, many of the behaviours and “symptoms” fit. I know psychiatrists who have changed Bipolar & BPD diagnoses to an AuDHD diagnosis (actually there is still no such thing as an “AuDHD diagnosis”, it’s ADHD & Autism [but then only since 2013]) with more consideration and evidence.
3. You may be upset that medication and Talkworks/CBT/DBT have not solved your depression or mood disorder. Which then makes you feel even worse. The diagnosis may, of course, be correct. But it also may not be.
4. For ADHD & AuDHD there are a limited number of medications. Look them up. Ask about them.
5. A suspicion of ADHD, AuDHD or Autism, particularly later in life, can often explain so much. This makes neurodiversity-informed counselling and therapy to work out what about you is and isn’t part of these conditions gold-dust. Maybe this alone helps relieve your depression and would-be mood disorder. It happens. Often.
6. So many addictive and reckless (or seemingly healthy but compulsive) behaviour patterns can be due to ADHD, AuDHD and Autism. Maybe it’s how you cope? Maybe you’ve got a great career, family and friends. Maybe you have to run hard every single day (that’s great, commendable obviously, but has it caused other issues?). Maybe you’ve achieved great things. But something isn’t right?

This post is really just asking questions and you may want to discuss what comes up for you with a medical professional, counsellor or therapist. Do that. But be aware that you may have spent longer studying neurodiversity than they have! Hopefully not. Be curious and explore. Don’t go thinking that I am saying “all roads lead to neurodiversity”… they don’t. 

This post is not medical advice, nor am I a qualified prescriber etc. I have life experience of AuDHD, the assessment process, working with clients living with ADHD/AuDHD/Autism (whether diagnosed or not) and am continuously developing my knowledge base.

If you have 15 minutes free, for free, then I’d be happy to discuss my own lived experience and a little of what I have seen in my practice. If you find it chimes, then maybe we can work together. I don’t really have an angle or axe to grind on neurodiversity. Just a strong awareness and many clients who have travelled this journey.

Angus