Recently, my mother came to stay with me for a few weeks. I love her dearly, but when it comes to my ADHD, her understanding is like a cactus in a hug contest — well-intended but prickly and a bit misplaced. Her comments, though not meant to harm, often stung and echoed disbelief in my experiences. This situation highlighted a lesser-known challenge in ADHD: the imposter syndrome regarding the legitimacy of the diagnosis.
How I Coped:
These encounters with my mother made me doubt my diagnosis. “Maybe I don’t really have ADHD,” I would think, as the doubts swarmed. I realised that part of coping with this imposter syndrome involved practical, personal strategies like journaling my symptoms and victories and actively countering negative thoughts with facts from my diagnosis and research. Of course, people without ADHD can’t know what it’s like….how could they? Our brains work differently.
Expert Insights:
According to Dr. Roberto Olivardia, PhD, a specialist in ADHD, people with ADHD tend to doubt themselves a lot. He has an interesting podcast about this very subject, which you can find here.
Community Support and Resources:
Finding a community was crucial for me. Online groups for ADHD provided me with a platform to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
The Irony and Paradox of Doubting ADHD:
The irony in doubting an ADHD diagnosis lies in the nature of imposter syndrome itself, where one doubts their abilities or diagnosis despite evidence to the contrary. This was evident when my mother, during a call with my psychiatrist, offhandedly remarked that ADHD seemed “very fashionable” these days.
Recognising ADHD’s Many Faces:
ADHD does not look the same in everyone. Its symptoms and severity vary, which can lead to questioning one’s diagnosis, especially if symptoms don’t align with common perceptions of ADHD.
Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt:
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on your symptoms and how they align with professional medical criteria for ADHD.
- Exploration: Educate yourself about ADHD’s spectrum. Knowledge is power.
- Mindset Shift: Replace negative thoughts with evidence-based understanding.
- Open Communication: Consult healthcare professionals for reassurance and clarity, and set boundaries with those in your life about comments regarding your ADHD.
- Skill Building: Manage your symptoms through personalised strategies.
- Navigating Challenges: Understand that doubting your diagnosis is common.
- Settling In: Embrace your diagnosis as part of your identity.
- Review and Celebrate: Acknowledge and celebrate your journey and progress.
Further Reading:
Hearing about others who have successfully navigated their doubts was inspiring. Books like “The ADHD Advantage” and articles on Mindful.org provided great insights and comfort.
My Final Thoughts:
Navigating imposter syndrome in ADHD is complex. Educating oneself, seeking professional validation, and understanding the diverse nature of ADHD are key steps to acceptance and empowerment.
Your journey with ADHD is unique and valid. Doubts about your diagnosis don’t diminish your experiences. Embrace your path with patience and compassion, knowing that ADHD is a part of your extraordinary life story.
Ready to confidently navigate the waters of an ADHD diagnosis? Don’t let doubt hold you back. Download my FREE eGuide now and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This comprehensive guide is your ally in understanding and embracing the changes that come with ADHD. Take the first step towards a more confident and informed you. Click here to download your free eGuide and transform your ADHD experience today!
