The Benefits of an ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood

Adults are increasingly choosing to pursue assessments to understand whether their lifelong differences and struggles may be explained by undiagnosed ADHD.

Despite this, it is estimated that over two million people with ADHD are undiagnosed in the UK alone. If you have begun to realise that ADHD might provide an explanation for your difficulties, you may be wondering whether it is worth pursuing a formal assessment. In this article, we explore several potential benefits for adults receiving confirmation of their ADHD.

Validation and Understanding

The most important reason to pursue an ADHD assessment is, in my opinion, the potential for validation and understanding this may allow. I have lost count of the amount of people I have assessed who feel misunderstood, lacking an explanation for their struggles and desperately wanting answers.

Time and time again I work with people who are extremely self-critical, showing themselves little-to-no compassion, kindness, or forgiveness for their difficulties. Through the process of an ADHD assessment, adults can make sense of themselves and their struggles through a new lens, and with this, self-compassion and kindness often follows.

Helping Others to Understand You

It is no secret that ADHD features can strain relationships. By understanding and recognising when ADHD is present, you can help others to understand why you struggle with certain tasks, or why you do things in the way that you do. Certain behaviours, such as impulsive actions, or disorganization, may have previously been attributed to carelessness or lack of discipline. By formally recognising ADHD, these difficulties can be framed within the context of neurodivergence, encouraging empathy, understanding and patience.

Equality Act and Reasonable Adjustments

The 2010 UK Equality Act offers legal protection against discrimination for people with ADHD. Under the Act, ADHD is recognised as a disability, if it has significant, long-term impact on a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life. This recognition means that individuals with ADHD are legally entitled to reasonable adjustments in the workplace, in education and in public services, so that they are not unfairly disadvantaged compared to people without ADHD.

What constitutes as a reasonable adjustment varies from person to person and from setting to setting, but ultimately it is designed to level the playing field. Examples of reasonable adjustments include flexible working patterns, protected time for administrative tasks, or support to work from home where possible.

Access to ADHD Medication

Medication isn’t for everyone, but a lot of people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD decide to try ADHD medication at some point. People are often eager to try all options available to them in attempts to manage their difficulties. Most medications used for ADHD are controlled substances and are prescribed by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or nurse prescriber. This means that you cannot access ADHD medication without your ADHD being formally recognised.

Access to Targeted Support

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD not only opens the possibility of accessing ADHD medication, but also a range of therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to ADHD. This might include ADHD coaching or skills training, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Accessing tailored support can enhance wellbeing and confidence and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms on day-to-day life. In addition, some people find it helpful to have a space to process the impact of struggling to navigate life previously with undiagnosed ADHD.

Finding Your Tribe

Coming to understand that you have ADHD can provide a gateway to finding a supportive and likeminded community of other neurodivergent people. This can provide a sense of belonging and understanding and can be incredibly validating.

In 2024, there is an abundance of resources out there to connect you with others with ADHD. From social media communities where you can share your story, seek advice, and learn from others to online forums and support groups, you will never be short of places to ‘find your tribe’.

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Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a transformative experience, offering benefits that extend far beyond a simple label. From gaining validation and understanding to helping others better understand your unique challenges, a diagnosis provides a foundation for more empathetic and supportive relationships. The legal protections under the Equality Act can ensure that you have access to necessary accommodations, levelling the playing field in various aspects of life.

Moreover, a formal diagnosis opens doors to a range of treatments, including medication and targeted therapeutic interventions, which can significantly enhance your quality of life. Finally, discovering your ADHD can connect you with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding. If you suspect that ADHD might be a part of your life, pursuing a formal assessment could be the key to unlocking a more compassionate and fulfilling future.