[PragmaticPulp]

The pop-science definition of ADHD has started to stray very far from the science.

There’s a growing tendency for newly diagnosed ADHD patients to try to explain all of their mental habits and preferences through the lens of ADHD. Some times they have helpful feedback for other people with similar habits, but other times they just paint ADHD with an overly broad brush. They often have unrealistically lofty ideals of what a non-ADHD person looks like, or describe basic human nature as ADHD (for example: it's perfectly normal if you'd prefer to play video games than do your homework. We've all been there, ADHD or not)

One thing I would recommend: Don’t let an ADHD diagnosis define your personality. A diagnosis is simply a guide map for treatment. It shouldn’t become a stereotype that defines you as a person. Use the diagnosis to learn techniques to overcome difficulties, but don’t let the diagnosis become a convenient excuse to let yourself off the hook or explain away concerns that would be better served by some personal growth.

[rubicon33]

"Don’t let an ADHD diagnosis define your personality."

"... but don’t let the diagnosis become a convenient excuse to let yourself off the hook or explain away concerns that would be better served by some personal growth"

I totally understand this perspective and I do think it's a healthy one, but, where do you draw the line?

I've been diagnosed with ADHD but personally hate the diagnosis. I don't want to be viewed through that lens, nor do I want to view myself that way.

That said, there's just no denying that I'm a different (better) person when I'm treating the condition. I get more work done. I fight less with my wife. I'm way less frustrated angry on a daily basis, etc. Small tasks that normally seem like mountains, become mole hills.

I've done counseling and I've done exercise, diet, sleep. I've seen the most dramatic results when I've just accepted I have ADHD and taken medication. Yet comments like yours re-ignite my desire quit taking the medications, and return to what feels normal ... even if feeling normal was so bad for me.

What I'm trying to say is ... I think some people DO need to lean into the diagnosis. Accept that it's part of their life. If treatment improves your life, don't shy away from it.

I don't know. I'm still just trying to figure it all out myself. I hate the idea of being "ADHD" but I'm starting to form the belief that I need to do what's right for my future, and my family, even if it means accepting I have a condition that requires something as dramatic as taking medication.

[throwawaydhd]

> I've been diagnosed with ADHD but personally hate the diagnosis. I don't want to be viewed through that lens, nor do I want to view myself that way.

Totally with you on this. And I think I understand why some people make it their entire personality, but that just feels all wrong to me. To be honest, I regret telling anyone at all about it (outside of anonymised discussions such as this).

The way I see it, it's okay to feel really bad about being afflicted with this condition, and coy about acknowledging it publicly, while still quietly continuing to take the medication to mitigate it somewhat.

But it's difficult to come to terms with even so. I sincerely hope you find peace of mind.

[throwawaydhd]

> There’s a growing tendency for newly diagnosed ADHD patients to try to explain all of their mental habits and preferences through the lens of ADHD.

I've noticed this a lot on the ADHD forums. Agreed, it's uncomfortable to read.

Personally, I'm very embarrassed and ashamed of my ADHD (hence the throwaway account here), so I try to minimise what I consider its scope as much as I can. When I was eventually diagnosed, even though I sought out being investigated for ADHD, I was disappointed! I said to the psychiatrist, I was hoping you'd tell me it's something else. But no, it was ADHD, and the medication does help.

Also if I am explaining it to someone for whatever reason, I'll make sure to point out that it might be a reason for some things, but not an excuse. I hate the thought of not taking responsibility. I mean, it's still my broken brain at fault, even if I didn't break it myself.

[Cthulhu_]

Just to add to your comment, another trend is that people, when mentioning they have a condition like ADHD, OCD, etc, others will pitch in with an "Oh I'm a little OCD too, tee hee!" or "Everybody can be a bit down sometimes!", which is one, not helpful, and two, showing ignorance.

A lot of conditions are normal human traits, but amplified / exaggerated. This makes them understandable to neurotypical people, but also easily trivialized and misunderstood.

[barraclough]

I've have created a Hacker News account specifically for the purpose of agreeing with you. Your post really nails it.

I follow some ADHD accounts on Twitter, and to parody a little:

"A dog with floppy ears barked at me. It think this is a typical ADHD trait - dogs with floppy ears never bark at neurotypicals."