Why Do I Have All the Symptoms of ADHD but the Doctor Said I Don’t Have ADHD?
It is not uncommon to question a diagnosis given by a medical professional, especially when it conflicts with one's own diagnosis or understanding. If you've always shown signs of ADHD and feel like you have the disorder, but your psychologist says you don’t have it, there are a few possible explanations. Let's explore why this might be happening and what you can do about it.
Self-Diagnosis vs. Professional Diagnosis
First, there are two possibilities: your self-diagnosis could be inaccurate, or your doctor might be right. People can make mistakes, and doctors are no exception. The best course of action is to seek a second opinion. However, it's also important to reflect on why you think you might have ADHD. You could also be wrong in your self-assessment or symptoms may not be as severe as you think.
Common Misunderstandings About ADHD
It's easy to fall into the trap of believing what you read on the internet about ADHD. There are numerous quizzes and tests available that can lead people to believe they have the disorder. In reality, these tools are not always accurate and can skew results.
Treatment Considerations and Diagnoses
Treating ADHD can be complex and regulated, particularly due to the use of stimulants. Clinicians often see many people presenting with typical ADHD symptoms, leading them to diagnose based on more common presentations. Many people are surprised to learn that not everyone with ADHD-like symptoms actually has the disorder. This is similar to how fatigue can be a symptom of cancer, yet not everyone who experiences fatigue has cancer.
Understanding ADHD as an In-Born Disorder
ADHD is an in-born neurological disorder. Symptoms appear from early childhood and are present from birth. It is not something that can develop as an adult or teenager. Adults or teens must have a clear history of severe and impairing symptoms from early childhood to be diagnosed with ADHD. For those who study and work with ADHD, it's common to come across individuals who are surprised to learn that their symptoms are not indicative of ADHD.
Normalizing Symptoms of ADHD
Many of the symptoms of ADHD are actually normal and experienced by everyone. However, when these symptoms are severe, frequent, and impairing, they may indicate ADHD. For example, poor focus, hyperactivity, and impulse control issues, if severe enough, can significantly impact daily life. These issues are not just about struggling to focus; they can also manifest in severe impairments such as difficulty caring for oneself, academic or job failure, and disciplinary problems at school. The severity and frequency of these symptoms distinguish ADHD from normal behavior.
Alternative Explanations for Symptoms
If you have symptoms similar to ADHD but do not receive a diagnosis, there are other potential causes to consider. Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoglycaemia, lead poisoning, hearing or vision issues, food allergies, or sleep apnoea could produce symptoms similar to ADHD. Learning differences, mood disorders, other psychiatric disorders, brain injuries, substance abuse, PTSD, or long-term illness like encephalitis can also result in ADHD-like symptoms. In some cases, the issue might not be a disorder at all but a lifestyle issue, such as poor diet, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, insomnia, screen time, or lack of exercise.
Conclusion
When you have overlapping symptoms but no diagnosis, it's important to explore multiple possibilities. Seek a second opinion from a trusted healthcare provider who understands ADHD and other potential causes. By doing so, you can better understand and address the root cause of your symptoms, whether it's ADHD or another condition.