I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but the symptoms faded by around age 10. I'm now 22, and after talking to a friend who had been diagnosed with adult ADHD, I discovered that I had a whole lot of the symptoms that he had, most notably the zoning out/hyperfocus. I also feel as if I overthink social situations when I'm in them, which causes me not to interact in the usual non-thinking way, if that makes any sense; for example, I'm not much into small talk, cos I'm always thinking of the purpose behind it. Recently, I've been doing a fair bit of research on the internet, which has confirmed in my mind that I've still got ADHD. 

Anyway, back to the main point. My friend is taking meds for his ADHD. It's got me wondering whether I should see a doctor about it. But I'm extremely hesitant. I feel as if I'd be giving in if I took meds. I know that many people would just tell me to swallow my pride, but it's not a matter of pride. Well, it's not JUST a matter of pride. Allow me to explain: I'd never get a nose job. I'd never get lyposuction. I'd never take steroids. And I think that many people would be in the same boat as me with those things. So, if I wouldn't alter my physical appearance with modern medicine, how could I even possibly think of altering my personality? That's where the pride comes in. I think my self-esteem would take a major blow if I was relying on artificial chemicals to function socially. I've noticed that about 99% of the forumers here seem to be on meds. Did anyone else feel the same way as me before looking into them?

I guess I'd also feel like I was giving in if I saw a doctor at all, due to the stigma that surrounds it, which I know is the last reason to not go. But still, self-esteem would plummet, that's inevitable, and that would defeat the purpose of seeing someone in the first place. And can cognitive therapy actually do all that much on its own? I posted a message a few days ago on the "More on Hyperfocus" thread asking if anyone knew of any self-help techniques, but so far my query has gone unanswered.

The 3 examples you gave (nose job, lipo, and steroids)are, in my opinion, optional and involve a certain amount of  vanity. I think compairing ADD meds to them is apples to oranges. I understand the hesitaion to try the meds. No one wants to lose who they are. I take the meds and my personality changes because I can get more accomplished and therefore my personal attitude changes for the better. I think a better comaprison would be if you wore glasses with a strong perscription. You can function without them but It helps you level the playing field with people who don't need them. The personality side effects are not always negitive and will go away if you simply decide to stop taking your meds.

I would probably ask my self, " Am I willing to try meds to see how they affect me?"

As far as a stigma, whats more important? What people think of you or did you do what thought was best for you.

ADHD meds aren't to help you look better or more together. They help you to be more together and in control of your life. ADHD can hold you back in so many ways.

The meds can level the playing field and enable you to compete in the job market, be more organized at home, etc. It isn't a question of pride or vanity. Its about improving the  quality of your life and the difference between possibly being successful or living hand to mouth.

After I got diagnosed, I tried to stay off meds but ept getting increasingly frustrated. I was in the same boat, the stigma, the peronsality changes, I didn't take them before, so why now etc etc. I tried for a year but still struggled at work.

When I finally exhausted my 'self help' ideas, i thought:

a. who is going to know unless I told them?

b. if my personality changed, those who i chose to tell would tell me if i asked them

c. if it helps, why the helll not?

I decided to try them, if I didn't like it, i could stop using them. If i didn't try, I wouldn't know if i would do better on them.

My panic attacks have stopped, my thinking is sharper and my confidence has soared. for me they work, but its only because I decieded to try them out and help myself. I'm still a hyper lady some days, but not so often and I enjoy it! :)

It took me a recent realisation that for me being on meds is like moon doggie said, a need to survive, just remember all of us who take meds, myself included have had to put up with years full of distress, sadnness, frustration, due to adhd, and it is a neurobiological fault, so our chemical imbalance is to blame, then does not make you weak for needing meds.

It took me to reach rock bottom in depression to realise if i was ever to survive this life, I would need to take meds as barb mentioned ''a level playing field', unfortunately life is tough and even tougher for us lot with adhd/ depression /anxiety disorders, we need to compete with others to get where we want to be.

The bottom line is it is a matter of acceptance, I used to be in denial about my depression, social anxiety, ocd, and (alledged adhd-still waiting for diagnosis),

I am learning like you will to find the courage to accept yourself with whatever god gave you, I am wanting to reach to others to help ease their pain.

take care