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My Amazing ADHD Brain đź§
How I discovered I have ADHD as an adult. Part of a series of blog posts about living with and managing ADHD by harnessing your inner microbiome.
Dr Cam Rogers
April 23, 2025
The last 12 months have been a profound journey of self-discovery, revealing that many of my quirks finally have explanations.In the past three years, since my son turned three and began showing signs of ADHD, I’ve embarked on a path of understanding not just his brain, but my own as well. What I've uncovered is that both of us share the ADHD diagnosis, and while we have striking similarities, we also possess unique strengths and challenges that shape our experiences. | Find out more about my lightbulb moments below —> |
I always knew I was different...
As a child, I was headstrong, fiercely competitive with myself, and sensitive to criticism—often my own worst critic.
Me in the 1990's. The term "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)" was introduced in 1987 with the DSM-III-R, combining inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity under one diagnosis
Despite facing numerous socioeconomic barriers throughout my childhood and education, I was determined to succeed. I pursued a career as a doctor, constantly pushing against the glass ceiling that loomed over me. My ADHD "superpowers" fueled my determination, driving me to prove my teachers wrong when they said, “You will only get a C in English,” or “You won’t get into medical school; you need all As in your GCSEs.” Those words only ignited my resolve.
Recently, I discovered the concepts of Hyperfocus and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). These revelations were lightbulb moments that illuminated many past experiences—my struggles with anxiety, burnout, and overwhelming feelings, along with those occasional low moods that seemed to come out of nowhere. Understanding these aspects of ADHD has not only validated my experiences but has also empowered me to embrace my journey with newfound clarity and compassion.
I love my ADHD brain, but it certainly has its moments that test me. This is where insight becomes a valuable tool.Here’s how I discovered I have ADHD, even when it wasn’t obvious as a child. | As a bright female, ADHD can often be overlooked because it's not always apparent. Although I've always felt "restless," I have been able to sit still when necessary, such as in lessons or at the cinema. However, at home, I rarely manage to sit and truly relax—unless I am seriously engrossed in a series or book, in which case I find it hard to stop until I finish... hence my discovery of hyperfocus. | Like me, was this term new to you? |
Hyperfocus
Refers to an intense state of concentration on a particular task or interest, often leading to high productivity.
For me, it means I can be incredibly productive when I am genuinely interested in something. It’s how I achieved 100% in so many exams at school and university, as I could easily sit and revise solidly for 15-hour days for weeks at a time. I truly enjoy medicine. To me, humans are like one giant jigsaw puzzle, and I love figuring out how the "pieces"—i.e., symptoms—fit together within the context of an individual's psychosocial determinants of health. |  As a GP, I have 10 minute appointments to take a history, examine, diagnose, write a prescription and write my notes…not long right? Luckily this way of working suits me especially having ADHD as my brain moves quickly, shifting through collections of symptoms I have learnt from Uni and fitting the puzzle pieces together in a systematic way. I have always been curious and able to ask questions like, "Why now?" "What’s worrying you?" and "How does this impact you at work or at home?" I excelled in vivas and communication skills because human behavior fascinates me. Therefore, work has never really felt like a chore, allowing me to hyperfocus on it and achieve success. Especially now I am a GP, I often feel I am in my element and staff comment on how I have so much energy and passion for it. | However, I did fail one exam, and believe me, my ADHD brain did not cope well with this. I demanded a meeting with the exam lead to understand why, and while he was sympathetic, he also said, "Sometimes people do fail." This brings us to another feature of ADHD—Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). |
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
RSD refers to an extreme emotional sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism, often leading to intense feelings of anxiety, shame, or frustration.
Yes, my disappointment and intense feeling of injustice at failing an exam could definitely be an example of RSD)
. I often find that I experience heightened emotional responses to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure.
In this case, the disappointment I felt after failing the exam, along with the overwhelming sense of unfairness, likely stemmed from my fear of judgment and not meeting my own expectations.
This sensitivity can lead to intense emotions, anxiety, and frustration, making it difficult for me to cope with setbacks.
Recognizing these feelings as part of RSD has helped me better understand my emotional responses. I remind myself that experiencing failure is a common part of life and that it doesn’t define my worth or abilities. BUT it has taken me 36 years to get to this point with many examples of how RSD impacts me.
A Final Note:
“OK so my brain isn't always amazing! Living with ADHD certainly has its ups and downs. More so if you are living with ADHD not knowing you are living with ADHD.”
I have not yet persued a diagnosis for myself or my son but I am considering doing so.
Its only in the last 6 months that I feel so energized from the lifestyle changes I have made to optimize my microbiome that I have had the energy to be productive and learn this about myself. Learning this has been extraordinary and I suspect will protect me more from the side effects of living with ADHD which I have already lived through - anxiety, burnout, self doubt and stress.
Until next time,
Dr Cam
Over and out.
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