Hi,

Im 20 years old and at uni. I have recently found out that I have ADD. As I researched it more and more I came to understand how far ADD goes to effect my life; from my work to my moods, to my negative thoughts all the way to my eating habits! Here I thought I was just a grumpy git...

I don't know if I feel relieved that so many of my problems can be explained with this one answer, or rubbish because I feel controlled by it.

I was basically wondering how long it took everyone to realise there was a problem and whether or not they had as much trouble adjusting to the news?

I am petrified that I won't recieve enough help before it comes to exams/dissertations. How long did it take between being diagnosed and having some active treatment?

Well, I was diagnosed at 20, and was relieved that my lifelong history of terrible grades could be explained and that I wasn't "stupid". My grades dramatically improved after I started taking the meds. From what I know, unis are VERY helpful when it comes to accommodating those who have ADD, all you have to do is talk to the appropriate department and they'll do everything they can to help you - I've never heard of anything different happening. Good luck.

it doesn't take long between those two steps.
but I can tell you your mind is still going to be seperated from you lots and the meds can only do so much. How much? you'll have to see for yourself, but you're the disciplinary.

I realized in graduate school.

I was really severe (am severe). It took a lot of hyperfocusing just to get to grad school. It was hard. Once dx and on meds in grad school, life became a lot easier for me. I still am learning what works and what doesn't. After going through five different dayplanners and a palm pilot (a while ago), I found an organizational system that works. I was also able to get accommodations in graduate school. That helped a lot as well.

Hang in there.