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Comment by keyle | Hacker News Reader

That's a very rash assumption. I'd go easy on diagnosing people with ADHD based on 4 paragraphs when it can be explained with either unrealistic expectations or lack of discipline.

I'm not saying it's not ADHD, I'm saying it's a risky thing to imply it.

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As someone with ADHD, the author’s issues sound very much like ADHD. I have yet to hear of someone who has a “lack of discipline” to this degree who does not have ADHD. I used quotes because the concept of discipline is also very relative.

I have yet to hear of anyone being told by a medical professional that they don’t have ADHD but instead simply lack self-discipline. Yet probably many people become depressed or feel hopeless because of comments like this.

except OP and everyone else that didn’t get an ADHD diagnosis right

Paradoxical standard

Also sounds like anxiety. One could lead to the other. This is why you should not self-diagnose

>I have yet to hear of anyone being told by a medical professional that they don’t have ADHD but instead simply lack self-discipline.

So you're saying that everyone who feels like this who goes to a medical professional, 100% of the people, will get told they have ADHD?

Well obviously not, since ADHD is not the only mental health disorder that could cause the symptoms being discussed here.

The OP is clearly dealing with the symptoms commonly associated with ADHD. Whether or not they would be formally diagnosed by a psychiatrist is actually irrelevant. People with ADHD have coping strategies for these symptoms. It is wise to share in and learn from those strategies. Note that GP did not recommend a pharmaceutical treatment. But, when we notice that somebody has the symptoms of ADHD, it's common to recommend they see a doctor to have it checked out.

I think you're overreacting. I didn't read that comment as "you definitely have ADHD." More like "this behavior is a trait many with ADHD have, so it is worth considering seeing a psychologist."

I agree, but I don't think I diagnosed anybody, or at least that was not my intention. I simply stated that it's a trait and gave advice that I consider to be valid regardless.

I agree. He could have just cut out the first paragraph and it would have been decent advice. Some people have health anxiety and suggesting something like this can trigger them to obsessively worry about whether this have this or not.

I do not think this is that risky, it sounds quite clear from the parent's description of their life.

Does it matter if it is or isn't ADHD if the suggestion works?

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