Confirmed: My ADHD Diagnosis – And What That Really Means

A little while ago, I shared that I was going through an ADHD assessment process. Well, after a thorough and lengthy evaluation—over two hours, to be exact—the results are in. It’s official: I have ADHD.

One of the reports I received stated that if your score is over 53, there’s a high chance of having ADHD. Mine? A staggering 96. So, no room for doubt there!

I won’t lie—before the assessment, I was really nervous. It’s one thing to suspect something for years, quite another to have it confirmed. But I have to say, the professionals conducting the assessment were brilliant. They made me feel at ease, explained everything clearly, and I felt like I was really being listened to.

Now, it’s all about the next steps. As part of the process, I have to regularly submit my blood pressure and heart rate readings. The clinic works alongside my GP to make sure everything is monitored and optimised for my health. The problem? My resting heart rate is currently sitting at 120 bpm, which is quite high. I have a follow-up appointment with my GP tomorrow to discuss this, and I can’t deny that I’m a little anxious about it.

The concern is amplified by my family history of cardiac events. While it’s reassuring to know that everything is being closely monitored, it’s also a stark reminder that my health needs to be taken seriously, especially with potential ADHD medication in the picture. There’s a lot to consider, and it’s a mix of emotions—relief at getting answers, frustration at how long it’s taken, and a bit of worry about what this means for my health in the long run.

ADHD: Not a Trend, Not a Fashion Statement

Lately, it seems like ADHD is everywhere—on social media, in casual conversations, and sometimes even treated like a quirky personality trait rather than a serious neurological condition. Let me be clear: ADHD is not a trendy diagnosis. It’s not a fashion statement. It’s not some cool label to wear for fun. It is a debilitating condition that has real and lasting effects on daily life.

For those of us who have lived decades without a diagnosis, there’s a sense of loss and anger alongside the relief. We’re not just finding out we have ADHD—we’re realizing that the struggles we’ve faced for years weren’t personal failings, but a medical condition that went unrecognized.

So why are so many women my age being diagnosed now? The answer is frustrating but simple: ADHD in women was—and still is—widely misunderstood. Many of us didn’t fit the stereotypical image of a hyperactive, disruptive child, so we were overlooked. Instead of being seen as struggling, we were labeled as daydreamers, scatterbrained, emotional, or simply not trying hard enough. The coping mechanisms we built masked the symptoms just enough for us to get by, but at a huge personal cost.

Now, as awareness grows, more women are finally getting the answers they’ve needed their entire lives. But that doesn’t erase the years of exhaustion, burnout, and feeling like we were somehow failing at life when, in reality, our brains were simply wired differently.

For now, I’m taking things one step at a time, trying to focus on the positives, and hoping that the right balance of treatment and health management will help me move forward in the best way possible. I’ll update again once I know more!

Pursuing my master's in psychology is not just an academic endeavor; it is a deeply personal mission. My journey through ADHD and a chronic health condition has given me firsthand experience of the struggles that neurodivergent individuals face daily. I am driven by the need to understand neurodiversity on a deeper level—not only for myself but for others who are navigating similar challenges.

By studying psychology, I aim to bridge the gap between lived experience and academic knowledge, equipping myself with the tools to advocate for and support those who feel unseen and misunderstood. Balancing my studies while managing ADHD and my health has been an immense challenge, but it also reinforces my passion and commitment. If I can turn my challenges into an opportunity to help others, then this journey will have been more than worth it.

Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions, suggest things that would like me to write about.

Love and Light Always Tracey

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