Long story short, for the last 5 years or so, generally since becoming an adult, I’ve been feeling foggy, with loose memory (I can’t remember a verbal list of more than 3 things for the life of me; grasping for words; etc.), noticed I have a tendency to obsess over new hobbies, inability to do things that need done, general depressive thoughts, etc.
I mentioned to my primary care doctor in a recent visit that I wanted to talk about a possible ADHD diagnosis. The conversation went essentially like this.
“I want to talk about a possible diagnosis of ADHD, or autism, or something of that ilk. I know this isn’t really your area of expertise but I don’t know where else to go.”
“No, it is actually. Did you have trouble at school as a kid?”
“No”
“Are you able to complete your tasks at work?”
“Yes, for the most part”
“Ok, so for adult ADHD I generally recommend just lifestyle changes. Do you drink coffee? Caffeine has been shown to help.”
After suggesting I drink coffee she ended the conversation and moved on to review some other unrelated concerns I’d brought.
Does this sound like a reasonable conversation? How did the conversation go with your doctors when you first brought up the possibility of ADHD? I feel like I was completely written off. She never asked about why I was asking about an ADHD diagnosis. I just feel like after gaining the courage to speak with my doctor about something that seems intimate to me, I was just ignored.
You need to ask for a referral to a psychologist that specializes in ADHD and/or neurodivergence. Your doc asked 2 “impacts my life” questions and brushed it off after hearing the impact to your life was low. But she did not cover all the ways your life can be impacted. You need a real professional to help you take this journey. If you are in a country without free access to one then check what your medical aid/insurance does cover.