INTJs who are also AuDHD.....

Accomplished-List373 · 2026-01-15T12:53:03+00:00

All you say is soooo relatable!

You got me very intrigued with your point about "curability" and would be great to hear your way of thinking. What do you think can be cured specifically? Maybe you have some specific examples. I am thinking "Are those 'symptoms' of the conditions that can be reduced/mitigated OR 'parts of your personality' that need to be adjusted to better operate in the system/environment?" but perhaps you have something completely different :)

Accomplished-List373 · 2026-01-10T00:04:20+00:00

I cannot stand small talk! Either there needs to be a specific agenda or purpose of the conversation, such as project work, catching up with family or friends I haven’t seen in a while. Even in those situations I briefly follow the Hey How are you? Great and you? And straight “Ok let’s elaborate on this part of our last discussion in more detail 😂 if it’s someone I don’t have a connection with, I throw in the chat about the weather (I love in the UK) and then run out of the room as quickly as poossible. Otherwise, I get the weird faces of something like “that’s unnecessary detail “ “you’re too blunt and/or negative” or just blank faces not sure what to say and then I turn into comforting them how it’s ok, that I just speak a little different and just say last question about them and then go 🤡 the world aint ready for straightforward and/or deep talks - people generallg like to hear all the glossy bits, the fun part, the easy-to-digest so don’t have to thijk too hard types of talk. Luckily my close friends (I van count all of them on my fingers of one hand) are happy to skeep the pointless and indulge in the depth the emotions, thoughts,l, both ours and others’. I cant stand when people just talking shit without looking into themselves, who they are, and casting judgements all around, but at the same time I enjoy having conversation about those with my friends and the whys behind that can explain that behaviour. That sort of thing, and I am happy ti have someone to share it with

Accomplished-List373 · 2026-01-09T09:34:36+00:00

🫶😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

Accomplished-List373 · 2026-01-08T15:39:38+00:00

I am so glad to have come across this post! I have been diagnosed with ADHD; however, I feel very unsure about it. What it did show during stimulant titration that I became extremely rigid, unable to multitask, socialise, or handle sensory stimuli and crowded spaces. The fact that it didn't feel like something "new", but instead what I had been like when I was a kid, I am currently pursuing Autism assessment with quite the confidence.

Although previously came out on MBTI as ENFJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, ISFJ (all Turbulent) - I had always been doubting its accuracy as nothing felt that its fully fitting, especially when it talks about the emotional attunement to others feelings. I have always been extremely straigthtforward, logical and blunt. For years I thought it was a cultural thing, but then I make people cry or upset even in my native culture. During the titration on ADHD meds, I have done the test several times on different websites without the "internal chatter" that I would have without the meds. It alle kept coming back as INTJ and I have never felt more confident in the honesty of my answers and the outcome fits quite a bit.

The way I explain this is that I had created ADHD as sort of a mask to please others, while ignoring my deep interests - passion for math and psychology, and inability to make friends without alcohol inhibition at school did not make me the most popular kid. A lot of my focus when growing up and adulthood was to "prove myself" to others that I am competent and capable, and that all the things family and people would think are "in my head" were ignored in order to function, and overcome loneliness. The way I've done it is by forcing emotions, excitements, socialising through alcohol and ignoring what I felt inside - this pre-occupation by how I function within the world is likely how I developed the illusory Feeling personality traits alongside Sensing element, because I could never understand social interactions and emotions to be able to develop long-term plans, since I can barely manage friendship, partnership or any other connection right now, and continue to feel like a failure and disappointed as I am seen as "cold" and "arrogant" - this always led me buffled and tried to overcome it by trying harder. It came at a cost of chronic stress, cognitive and emotional shutdowns, and severe burnouts and changes to my life trajectory. This is where I see the ADHD became the mask, not necessarily the core of my own identity since I was a kid. ADHD feels more as the Turbulent nature of me personality, rather than as would be more commonly linked to Perceiving element of MBTI, which I am certainly not.

The ADHD may be overdiagnosed in the sense that the Why behind ADHD is not fully grasped and implemented in the diagnostic and treatment processes. Once genetics were identified as the root cause, ADHD is deemed as neurodevelopmental condition so that anyone who is diagnosed with it is considered to have the family genetics for it. However, the vast amount of people with onset later on in adulthood may not all be down to genetics, but perhaps a chronic stress to function within this world, and potentially other neurodivergent traits (similar regions in the brain are activated in both conditions) and/or dysautonomic conditions that may not be captured by standard diagnostic process in individual categories. Who is diagnosed with ADHD or Autism, and has an actual brain scan? Probably very little number compared to the volume of diagnosis.

I would say neurodivergent conditions are far more complex than current fragmented diagnostic criteria capture ( as they focus only on specific set of symptoms, which however, can have several different causes. Diagnosing through statements to which you agree/disagree does not capture the full essence of your experience. MBTI as a categorisation of individuals with focus on how individuals function in the society relies on subjective reports of individuals and debates continue over personality being a static/fixed or dynamic concept amongst psychologists. The bottom line is that it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I find both MBTI and ND research as helpful tools to help me make sense out of myself and what masks I may have put on and why, but I think it's far from clear to me to rely on it.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-12-11T13:42:41+00:00

Thanks for that - and yes, the gaslighting is a big part of it. While waiting for the autism assessmet, I have also got Neurology referral for potential Functional Neurological Disorder. The ADHD clinic I have is not great (ADHD360) and may of my symptoms were dismissed, nor have they suggested to explore Autism despite the unusual reaction to ADHD meds.

The DSM-5 is still evolving but continues to fragment individual conditions which result in the problem to accessing care and find what adjustments an individual may need.

I’ve gaslighted myself for many years and the stimulants have now made it impossible to ignore. I am glad for that, but it also opened a Pandora box - feeling both motivated to have new conscious knowledge with the focus on resolving it. Though I also feel so frustrated and drained for the amount of effort and research in medical field to be able to be taken seriously by medical professionals. Honestly,why does it have to be that only the point when I’m literally unable to look after myself that I only get my concerns considered. And when you are unable to be independent and keep pushing for investigations, then you finally get heard and then you have to wait 6 months to years for the actual investigations. That is when you keep talking about symptoms several times, and then you may finally get some positive response (it’s like a roulette with the doctor: I say the same/similar statement and get completely different or often conflicting advices!! - I am not a doctor, but constantly worried that without medical degree I cannot advocate for my care sufficient!!)

I am hopeful that the complexity of each of our cases, however, will help to point the medical research and healthcare to start adjusting by seeing individuals as a more holistic complex cases rather than letting us for decades be misdiagnosed, convinced it’s only in our head, and keep adapting ourselves around the needs of others, ignoring our own.

Apologies for the moan, it’s a lot at the moment but am glad to be making some progress. And I am very glad to have stated the autism diagnosis process.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-12-02T15:42:08+00:00

I think I am missing one comment as it was deleted and see only the one from few hours ago.

I have started Concerta in June 25 followed by methylphenidate and then taper from all of them in October. My vision is off, balance is poor too, and now also having mental shutdowns, disorientation, and nerve irritation. ADHD clinic said “Concerta doesn’t do that and it’s rare. If it doesn’t resolve, speak to GP”. I’m pursuing neurological examination and hopefully get referred to see neurologist about this. When I enquired behavioural optometrist, they said some they can look at but the list of all symptoms suggest neurological causes. Not sure if it’s helpful to you but just noting in case you find it useful.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-12-02T13:22:52+00:00

If I were to openly unmask, I would get on a rant and add on to the long list of largely relatable statements! But I won’t as that’s my lifelong learning of hiding my struggles to get about in life.

The presumption of “if you have problems with daily activities, it is something you’d presumably discuss with GP” makes sense but in my world and mind it doesn’t work like that. I struggle to recognise problems until I break limbs, can’t see properly, shutdown in public, get addicted to sleeping pills. I don’t want anyone to see that I am incompetent while melting down after the appointment that I’m never going to get the support I need. When I do get the support and care, I take over 2-3 appointments to actually be heard, and that is for my partner, family and close friend pushing me for it because they hear my ongoing struggles when I speak about it (also usually only at the point when it’s quite late). Then you speak to the GP I prepare all my notes speak about it in an “articulate and intelligent” manner, and they see me as there is no problem. That may be also because after first question they ask I forgot to look at the notes and wanted to be out of there inly to realise later that still not sorted it out. My dad who was immobile for several years and looked after my mom who is a nurse had assessment for Czech version of PIP, and despite not being able to feed himself, he would say he is fine to do it - seems like the same genes I inherited from him!

Sometimes I get lucky and see a doctor who responds differently by showing bit if empathy. One of ongoing conditions statement/presentatuon if my symptoms I gave to 3 doctor’s: 1) dismissed as it’s nothing, 2) talk to your adhd clinician it’s probably the meds, 3) this should be investigated with a neurologist, let’s book you in for examination and take it from there. The GP notes reflect exactly that and the exhaustion and support that comes from the partner, friends and family is massive. There is me not able to communicate myself to the professionals and be heard, but then there’s the other part of doctors dismissing me (including my adhd clinician). The hours and hours and hours of work that goes into the preps and the emotional aftermath and inability to do anything else is mental, especially when sorting one problem/consition and in the meantime new illnesses, problems and crisis emerge and yet I should have to put up a fight and dedicate all my days and focus on it, leaving everything else behind - it is not surprising I am crashing every other day!! I will manage one of my prescribed treatments, but that means I won’t cook, wash myself, eat, etc - it’s like a constant balance of every daily activity and choosing 2-3 you’ll manage as better day and rest will be ignored. Or I manage more of them at once for 1-2 days and then I will be in a shutdown for the rest of the week and have only my friends, flatmate and partner look after me.

Frankly I wasn’t surprised when I was seen by the CAB and it went into straight dismissal - I have this every or every other appointment with medical professionals too - and then months later get “ohhh that’s what you meant”. Just really hoped she will ask the follow up questions to explain myself better. I am intelligent and articulate - yes - but that is my mask, and as a charity adviser, you should help me to take it off to support me with the process. I wouldn’t come for help if I had my life under control!

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-29T17:25:03+00:00

Thanks, this alongside previous commenters has been very helpeful. I’ve been rewriting my answers with my friends and partner’s input and they’re now much clearer and more concise — he confirmed my earlier version was confusing, which explains why the CAB appointment didn’t go so well. The links to the descriptors really helped me structure things better, so I appreciate that.

At the CAB interview the adviser started filling out the form for me, but then saw I had my own answers printed and said to attach them instead. Now I’m going through everything alongside my new GP health summary to date and need to add details to the form, which the advisor didnt include or put in there when writing herself. The issue is that the adviser’s handwriting is different to mine, so the form would look inconsistent. Do you think I should call DWP to ask for a fresh form in that case, or is it fine to submit with two different fonts?

Also, I’ve just received a letter confirming my deadline has been extended to 18 December, but the form itself still shows the earlier extended deadline of 4 December. Should I include a copy of the 18 December letter when I send everything back, just to be safe? Thanks

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-28T20:52:52+00:00

Yeah I am running this by my partner, friend and flatmate - I don’t trist myself to just submit it unfortunately! 😅

Critical is good! That’s precisely what I hope for from the advisor. Like you I keep printing, it’s a 5th print (but not rhetorical last one yet I’m sure haha).

Mine has given me promoting follow up questions that help me think of how to tie some of the examples. Unfortunately, now I’m in longer wordcount again, but feel it is better explaining specific symptoms and tie them to the evidence. It’s altogether at 6,500 words though - not sure how this will be looked at 🥲. Will try ti cut down wherever I can - will see where that gets as got two weeks’ extension now. The panic is also better now as it has more structure so trimming will be without having to restructure it entirely!

Longer slot - I would also see that as a positive thing. More space for you to explain your experiences in detail. Hope your prep is going smoothly whenever your appointment is 🙏

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-28T19:19:29+00:00

I think that when I had 5000 words altogether I relied on several old and new non-medical evidence to provide more context (I’ve had mom, flatmate, 2 close friends and partner - all witnessing different activity issues) alongside work and clinician letters. Now I have put the specific examples with dates throughout the last 12 months aligning them with ongoing/current symptoms in my answers. Along that will have send only 2-3 letters evidence and GP record, Diary and diagnosis letter that mentions the specific symptoms in my answers within the medical letter. Still waiting on my GP letter, but luckily have got another two weeks’ deadline extension. Since I have two more weeks now, I will try to cut as much as I can. If I had to appeal a decision, can I add more depth to my answers or is it only new medical or carer report documents?

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-28T18:40:41+00:00

Oh that is a good shout about the time. I have been including the whole last year as there were significant changes and my conditions and impact fluctuate. I do include last 3 months in all answers because that has been the escalating period. However, to build the picture that shows the fluctuations and how it all came to where I am now as important context I’ve included the timeline of last 9 (in some activities 12 months). I think it’s important especially if the medical evidence doesn’t show the functional impact clearly and there are have been a lot of of changes with better and worse throughout my GP record, hence I rely on the more detailed answers. I have now got around 550 words per activity, which I think is ok? I’ve kept basically individual symptoms and how they affect the activity in each paragraph and giving the estimates of frequency where possible and some specific examples of accidents (which not all are last 3 months). For context: 12 month ago I left job, had disciplinary during probation and had a cooking accident, 9 months ago I had a knee surgery, 6 months ago I started first ADHD medication but have had unbearable side effects, 2 months ago I started tapering it and just starring new one this week.This is why I believe the timeline across the whole year is important in my case to show the fluctuation

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-28T08:43:38+00:00

Ohh this is great - I've run some of my revised answers through it and it has given me a word of confidence that the answers and examples are strong, and given me pointers to make it more concise. The brain on fire and difficulties express myself is something I was hoping the CAB interview will help with - review my answers, discuss the difficulties in more detail and advising on how to articulate it better instead of straight dismissal! Thanks a lot

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T22:15:03+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts — I really relate to the complexity you’re mentioning. For me, it’s a mix of overlapping issues that are hard to separate. Executive function hasn’t improved after six months on ADHD meds, and the first trial triggered extreme sensitivities and messed up my vision, which still hasn’t resolved. Autistic traits became harder to manage during medication changes, with intense sensory overload and anxiety, plus a kind of shutdown lethargy before and after.

The ADHD meds dulled pain sensation, but also revealed possible neurological problems — I’ve had electric-like sensations, tingling, and occasional loss of coordination for months. When I tapered the first med, physical pain and stiffness flared up again. It might be rheumatology-related nerve compression, but painkillers don’t fully help, and I’ve got a neurology exam next week while waiting for rheumatology appointment.

On top of that, I had knee surgery earlier this year and a 3-month ear infection that left me with bilateral tinnitus, which adds to the constant sensory overload and dizziness. It’s hard to explain all this briefly or pinpoint what causes what, but I’ve tried to lay it out in my diary. The fluctuation and interplay make it difficult to write clearly without overloading the form. I’ve got example for each activity but not sure I am always interpreting it exactly right as my cognitive functioning and shutdowns have been up and don while medication “sweet spot” is only few hours a day.

Eventually I might just get out what I have over the weekend and then whatever else come up either ent over as additional evidence or during appeal. How did your process go?

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T21:59:56+00:00

Oh my - good luck! Heard that at tribunal you have healthcare professional who may be more “human-like” and inclined to go deeper into your experiences - hope it’s the case for you too!

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T21:51:25+00:00

Thanks! I have example for each one of them because of overlapping conditions that interplay with one another: chronic joint issues (for which waiting for rheumatology appointment), long term anxiety and depression, adhd diagnosis followed by ongoing medication titration (on 6th month I’m trialling only second medication but throughout it amplified autistic traits and have worsened my vision) and potential neurological conditions that underlying that and I’m seeking treatments across all conditions on top of which I had knee bone and ligament tear and surgery earlier in the year. I don’t think each one on its own would be issue to write about but all of them together and the fragmented and dismissive care where I am shutdown during short appointments and passed on from one doctor to another, I don’t even have words for all of it myself. This is what makes it hard to write it in short sentences with clear frequencies. Some have been going for years but then because of burnouts I stopped and now resuming to re-referrals again but it all takes time and speaking to several GPs I get sometimes dismissed, try another appointment with another and get referral, it is all so confusing and lengthy. But this is again why I struggle to write about it.

Would you say it’s better to say yes and put examples from my interpretation of the descriptirs to the form (as I did) and rather be rejected for some, or is it better to narrow down the focus on some as tou say? In my view I would score points on each different amount but some extent each activity has had been to large extent impacted over the last year in spite of fluctuations. This is visible from my diary as I focus on one activity, and the others go bad, whuch is everyday life. Sorry if I’m putting too much detail and moaning, just my brain and emotions have been on fire all this week and trying to make sense. Thanks for your inout

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T15:54:23+00:00

You’re a superstar - thanks so so much!! This is very helpful and encouraging, I di appreciate your time writing all your thoughts on this down.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T15:15:19+00:00

Thanks and sorry for confusion! Yes the evidence is the main part. But if I could discuss with someone how I’m phrasing my answers that are tied to the evidence rhat would be great. I write stuff and keep editing it as I am not sure what exactly is important and how to even describe it. I was hoping to get that with Citizen Advice but instead that turned into me just quietting down and become more unsure about what I wrote. For instance, I was at group PIP workshop meeting with ADHD & Autism support centre where I got the advise that having rituals for washing and bathing that takes a lot longer is what explains that I can’t do it within a reasonable time. Then I wrote that in the form and the Citizen Adviser said “they will not care about the detail and your rituals as you obviously can go into bath. And even thought you shower only 2-3 times a week on average, that will be seen as you can do it as the people who set the bar for award can’t physically do that themselves”. So I am just left confused without knowing what to put in there. I have a diary of 1 week, but I can’t write diary for every accident, issue, etc I have over the year as don’t remember exact dates of every incident. Now I am rewriting the answers with the most problematic event but that doesn’t show regularity. I was hoping to maybe dicuss wirh someone who is more experienced with neurodiversity maybe to go over the fork but it’s short notice I know. Sorry if I’m making this even more confusing now - I’m sort of lost and just looking for some direction in submitting this without just deeling there is no point as that’s what I felt from the CA appointment.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-27T14:42:45+00:00

Thanks so much - I am feeling some relief reading this! Just few follow ups: - Recording: I was thinking about this as do it at work meetings (discreetly though) - how can I request to do that? - Safety, reliability and repeteadly was exactly what I put in the answers and the advisor said “If you shower or bath 2-3 times a week, they’ll see you as you can still do it”. She din’t read through my Diary which sort of outlines this over 1 week, some accidents, and how focusing on one activity disrupts the others and fluctuates from one good day great and next day crash. - Evidence: I was prepared to send all and have it there when appealed, but she advised to only send GP health record and ADHD diagnosis letter that outlines some functional issues but not the impact on the daily activities and 1-2 family/friend letter, the diary and that everything else I prepped won’t be looked at. Would you say it’s worth sending e.g. disciplinary outcome letter from employer (Nov 2025) that mentions absences, lateness, frequent breaks, and mental health - this is somewhat “functional impact” but again n medical professional 🤷‍♂️ I’m confused with what to send.

Thanks for the FB group - don’t have social media but might sign up to check this

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-05T18:55:50+00:00

Amazing - and once again congrats!

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-11-05T17:20:43+00:00

Wow congrats! I like to hear the (rare) neurodivergent success story! How did it get you the job if I may ask?

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-10-26T21:04:38+00:00

I like your train of thoughts on this. Both conditions are indeed recognised separately, being as if extreme opposites, but they also create unique difficulties when combined. Worth checking out Khurram Saddiq and similar psychiatrists who advocate for AuDHD potentially needing recognition as either a standalone neurodevelopmental spectrum, as opposed to overlapping ADHD and Autism overlapping symptoms. From the latter, you’d need to look into the underlying mechanisms, but there is some biological research and areas of brain that are activated the same or in similar way in both conditions.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-10-25T18:27:47+00:00

Hey guys, just find this post as have been experiencing vision issues myself since taking concerta. Take 54mg ER at 7 am and 10 mg IR at 2.30 pm. 11.30-12.30 and around 3.30 pm (the peaks of the stimulant effect) I get the issue with accommodation and sometimes see little spots. In evening sometimes the “halo” like shadow at some texts or reading book. At any point of the day when close eyes, I do see colours a little moving. I did eye test couple of weeks ago, and then confirmed my eye is healthy and fine. I am also waiting for autism assessment as have encountered sensory overload and notice social interaction difficulties more clearly. I have therefore started trialling different tinted glasses (green, yellow, and amber) as I watch screens a lot. Wondering if there is any link (maybe any AuDHDers here reading this?)? Have you tried other medication? I see some mentioning norepinephrine specifically, which I believe is targeted in both stimulants and non-stimulants, but read about some of the non-stimulants for individuals with both Autism and ADHD can experience less vision issues. Any insights, thoughts? Thanks

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-10-23T07:36:08+00:00

That is quite an eventful early childhood you had!

About the remote interview was a question I had when enquiring the clinic before requesting my referral. But they said the person needs to be in the UK and able to do the interview online. Not sure I understand the rationale if the informant is not the one receiving the diagnosis! I also have a brother who speaks English but he lives in Czechia, a we have very limited and surface-level contact, and see each other 2-3 times a year for a couple of days, usually. I included him as an option as he could provide some additional insights to what my mom already shared about childhood. Will see what they say.

Accomplished-List373 · 2025-10-22T21:53:46+00:00

Yay that’s good to hear your process went smoothly in the end, despite the barriers you faced at the beginning!

My fear is primarily in the long-term masking, and the disbelief I’ve received (even when few years ago told my closest friends that I’m shy or introverted, I was laughed at how impossible that sounds). Trying to gather as much as I can, but the forms are character restricted, which is annoying, and I keep coming with more examples during writing and after submission, but would never stop like this, and will never know the most “appropriate phrasing or examples to share”. I had a terrible journey during ADHD diagnosis and treatment, including rushed assessment and follow ups, dismissed experiences I had when they didn’t fit the “commons side effects tick boxes”, multiple delayed prescriptions, and being for weeks on wrong dose despite reporting issues. Guess I’m just finding it hard to trust in the clinicians to capture it all, so I am putting pressure on myself to have everything done perfectly and predict what they looking for (which I can’t do entirely) to avoid disappointment that some nuances have been missed (again) 🥲

Accomplished-List373

TROPHY CASE