Comment on How to Read Books When You Have ADHD
Hey there! Sorry for the delay – it's not a dumb question at all first off and a lot of solid responses were posted below.
Here's what worked for me (EU) after suspecting ADHD early last year:
1. I searched for and found a local psychotherapist who is specialized in ADHD and had experience with adults[^1]
2. We met and went through several weeks of testing that resulted in a specific diagnosis[^2]
3. She referred me to a local psychiatrist who I've since worked with in regards to medication[^3] As stated below, psychotherapists can NOT (EU) prescribe medication.
Things I had wished I knew before:
1. To work with a psychotherapist in parallel because the diagnosis was both, very liberating and de-stabilizing and needed space to discuss. In my experience, the psychiatrist is NOT your talking buddy but a professional who you work together to find a treatment that works for you.
2. To not expect family or friends to understand the (positive) impact diagnosis and treatment have on you.
Hope this helps!
- [^1] While I also think that it's important to highlight and discuss "Adult" ADHD because we're adults here, it's the same underlying neuro-genetic disorder, so I don't personally make the distinction often
- [^2] See "Types" at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
- [^3] I'm intentionally vague here mostly to not suggest or recommend a specific class or product.