| I was diagnosed with ADHD 7 months ago. The diagnosis and medication have been life-changing. I was 'high-functioning', in much the same way as OP: stable marriage, successful career, not much savings but at least not in any debt. But I also suffered from depression, anxiety, extreme procrastination, substance abuse, risky and impulsive behaviour. Of course I saw psychiatrists, and they stopped listening the moment I said "depression" and prescribed the usual drugs, which did nothing for me. Luckily my 3rd psychiatrist listened a bit better and referred me for tests. Since diagnosis I have started medication (methylphenidate/Ritalin, the only real option in the country I live in) my life has significantly improved. My procrastination is almost entirely gone (now maybe 4 hours a week "wasted" instead of 3+ days of being unable to do anything productive), my work performance is drastically improved, I'm losing weight (no longer dopamine-hunting with food), my wife says I'm doing more 'chores' and forgetting little things (spoon in the sink instead of the dishwasher) less often. My depression and anxiety have disappeared. I still get overwhelmed in loud/busy environments. I still have emotional overreactions to small annoyances. I still forget things, and procrastinate a little. But the key thing is acceptance. I understand why these things are happening now, and that understanding makes them less hard to do live with. Even if you don't start medication (and I suggest you do, it's provably incredibly effective for most cases) the biggest thing you can do is learn. You will be amazed for the first 6 months at least that such a massive amount of your life has truly been affected and so much of your 'unique personality' is shared with other ADHD adults. My psychiatrist answered my same question "How can I have ADHD if my life is like this?" with "But how hard was it?". Success despite ADHD doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It just means you developed coping strategies for your deficiencies. And if you're in therapy for family issues then clearly those strategies are not working sufficiently. |