Why would you go the route of "self-diagnosing"? If this were truly the case, you likely would have been flagged back in elementary school—if not even earlier—given that a clinical diagnosis typically involves an extensive battery of screenings and observations by various specialists. It seems more likely that you simply need more eyes on the situation and some actual testing performed; besides, there is always the possibility of a misdiagnosis, which happens quite frequently in these types of cases. 😉
There is a significant amount of symptomatic overlap, where the presentation looks nearly identical, yet the underlying cause is usually something else entirely.
ADHD/ADD is generally noticeable in children (especially within the school system), though there are certain developmental stages where distinguishing the "H" from the acronym becomes difficult. There are plenty of kids whose hyperactivity is merely a passing phase—speaking from experience here—so the question often arises: is it just high energy, or is it actually ADHD?
In any event, a pilot with such a disorder probably shouldn't be in the cockpit; the profession demands intense focus, concentration, a specific level of composure, and timely accountability for minute details. Above all, self-control is paramount.
@MrPolice, if you have already learned to navigate life with this—assuming you were diagnosed at a young age and have since been "trained" through strict rules, structured routines, and rigorous self-organization—then perhaps many tasks won't pose much of an obstacle. However, it is vital to identify your specific subtype: are you primarily dealing with the first two letters (Attention Deficit), or is it the "H" (Hyperactivity) that disrupts your focus? Or perhaps you fall into the combined type. I suppose I don't know how you’re managing high school assignments lately; are you running into learning difficulties? Is that a major hurdle, or do you feel like the symptoms are gradually tapering off? That might be plausible, though they tend to persist in some capacity, even if they feel less acute. 🤷
As for medications, I am not particularly well-versed in the specifics; I know psychostimulants are prescribed to some, but I am not sure about the full range of options or how the regulatory landscape works here in the States. I haven't personally encountered anyone currently on those therapies, though I do encounter children who have received an ADHD/ADD diagnosis. Generally speaking, the approach to treatment (or symptom management) isn't one-dimensional; it doesn't rely exclusively on medication.
I truly don't know the exact policies held by major airlines, but I do know that as a pilot, you are required to undergo numerous screenings—some of which are quite rigorous—and it wouldn't be wise to overlook the fact that you have this diagnosis. For some people with ADHD/ADD, it may not be a significant issue because the symptoms aren't as pronounced, while for others, it can become a genuine struggle that interferes with their work performance, ultimately leading to poor outcomes. I don't mean to discourage you in the slightest, but I only want you to try and view the situation realistically from several different angles. 🙂