Diagnosed with ADHD at 26 — looking for advice

I was just diagnosed with ADHD at 26, and honestly, it’s hit me like a freight train. This past week I’ve started noticing things I’ve apparently been compensating for my entire life.

My psychologist found that I have above-average verbal abilities but below-average processing speed. She was surprised by how well I’ve been able to function and succeed despite that and said I have high endurance.

I’ve graduated college and have a very social, detail-oriented career. I think my verbal skills have masked some of my struggles. I can communicate well and appear to be following along, while internally I’m still processing what was said. Sometimes I need things repeated, ask several questions, or piece things together afterward.

The evaluation also noted that the way I interact can sometimes resemble someone with autism, although I don’t have an autism diagnosis. I also have an anxiety disorder.

At work, I often take notes because I can lose details or the intent behind instructions. I’m also realizing how strange my sense of time is—boring tasks feel incredibly long, while interesting things can make hours disappear.

I’m nervous about medication because I really like who I am and don’t want to feel like a different person. My wife is supportive and simply wants me to consider it as an option if it could help.

For those who have been through this, what was medication like when you started, did you still feel like yourself, and did it help with processing, working memory, organization, or conversations? What questions did you ask your doctor, and what worked or didn’t work for you?

I’ll make the decision with my doctor. I’m just looking for real experiences from people who understand.

I don’t want to change who I am—I just want to function at my best.