What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Though I’d class it as a Difference rather than Disorder. It comes under the umbrella of Neurodiversity.
My ADHD Journey
Who am I? I’m @meljcode and I was diagnosed with ADHD at 25 last year. I am currently a Software Engineer. Before diagnosis, I achieved an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, and I am currently aspiring to start my Masters in Psychology.
Since my diagnosis, my sense of self worth has increased exponentially, I am more self-aware and I feel more courageous.
But it’s not an easy road to diagnosis… especially for women who look like me. Firstly, the majority of research to do with ADHD in children was primarily based around research on young white boys (click here for Gender Differences in ADHD Prevalence).
Some ADHD symptoms found in adults, with real life examples…
Hyperfocus — getting completely engrossed in something to the point you lose sight of time and/or anything around you.
Life Example: I work in the Tech industry. So hyperfocus for me can look like me having a problem that needs to be solved, and not being able to focus on anything that is not a part of the problem.
Disorganisation — difficulty with organisation (relating to time, physical surroundings, thoughts…)
Life Example: I often have so many ideas in my head, that it leads to a lack in the ability to organise (or even start!) anything.
Impulsivity — tendency to act without thinking.
Life Example: In conversations with close ones, I can sometimes interrupt to get my point across in fear that I might forget (when relating to a specific point).
Emotional dysregulation — overreaction to ‘minor’ setbacks or challenges.
Life Example: I failed my practical driving test last year. I was not able to regulate my emotions and had an extreme emotional reaction to something that others probably would not have found a big enough deal to cry about… the thing is I knew this too, but I cannot control the emotions when they come in the moment.
More ADHD Symptoms in Adults
If you think you may have ADHD, speak to your GP, they may be able to make a referral to Psychiatric UK. They also offer private services.
Useful links: