So, today I want to tell you about ADHD. Because I didn't call myself the 'queen of chaos' in my pinned tweet just because it's a nice alliteration with cats and crochet. 1/

A lot of people still think about hyperactive boys when they think of ADHD. And they're WRONG!

Prepare yourself for a long thread!

Also, disclaimer. I am in no way suggesting that everything in this thread is the be-all end-all of ADHD. 2/

ADHD is a lot more than just hyperactivity for starters.
It's a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects executive functions (impuls control, emotional control, planning) for instance. It can even affect your short term memory. And don't get me started on hyperfocus. 3/

There are 3 types of ADHD:
1. Hyperactive-impulsive type
2. Inattentive type (formerly known as ADD)
3. Combined type

People with hyperactive-impulsive type tend to be 'on'all the time. They can't sit still, they talk at inappropriate times, are impulsive and impatient. 4/

People with innatentive type tend to have difficulty focusing. It's not that they have a lack of focus, they just can't control their focus for a long period of time. They're easily distracted and tend to lose things (key's, hone, etc.). They are usually seen as daydreamers. 5/

To keep everybody busy this afternoon while I have a three hour meeting, here's a thread about my personal journey with ADHD.

I got diagnosed in August 2019, at age 33.

I was struggling with my job, I could meet deadlines, but the amount of stress that went into meeting it was rediculous.
I had trouble planning, I couldn't maintain any overview and constantly forgot things or at least didn't do ALL the steps.

Coincidentally, my mother got her diagnose a year before that and I remembered looking up what it meant and recognising so many things!

I made an appointment with my GP, who first referred me to the 'pratijkondersteuner' (psychologist-light sort of).

They referred me to ADHD Centraal, a Dutch organisation that specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD.

I started medication and a 12 week program of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

The first time I took my mediaction, I didn't know what was happening! The noice just went down! No more constant thoughts and impulses.

Like being in a very noisy room and suddenly everything gets quiet.