"You come to realize, ‘Oh, these aren't personal shortcomings. It's not about trying harder; my brain just functions differently,’” Diane Macedo shares.
Diane Macedo, an ABC News Live anchor, is opening up about her adult ADHD diagnosis.
At 42, Macedo explains the relief and clarity that came with understanding her long-standing mental struggles.
“I’m thankful for the diagnosis, even if it came later in life. It’s incredible to address challenges that I previously thought were flaws in my character,” Macedo says. “It changes not only your approach but also your self-perception.”
ADHD, or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is defined by the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology as displaying symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, causing functional impairment in various settings, with symptoms beginning by age 12.
Macedo also discussed her diagnosis on the July 10 episode of Good Morning America. She was initially “surprised” because ADHD was typically described by doctors as affecting people who were “rambunctious,” couldn’t “sit still” or “study well.” Macedo, on the other hand, was an “honor student” who “excelled at work.”
However, she always struggled with “organization,” “forgetting,” and “misplacing” things. “Some of it was mistaken for laziness or just being ‘a bit scattered,’” she explained.
Macedo highlighted that these perceptions often lead individuals with ADHD to view themselves negatively, despite their symptoms being rooted in brain chemistry.
“You create a different self-image and realize, ‘These aren’t flaws. It’s not about trying harder; my brain works differently,’” Macedo continued.
“This understanding helps you to troubleshoot,” she added. “For instance, why is something challenging for me? Because I have a short-term memory problem. What can I do to remember? This has helped me make significant changes.”
Macedo’s disclosure comes as ADHD diagnoses in the U.S. are on the rise. A study published in May by the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology found that in 2022, 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers suggest that this increase might be due to heightened awareness and pursuit of care for ADHD, or it could reflect the poor mental health of children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Macedo’s story will be featured in the new ABC News Live series, “Inside ADHD,” premiering on Thursday, July 11, on ABC News Live "Prime" at 7 p.m. ET.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Mujadila : 11
O believers! When you are told to make room in gatherings, then do so. Allah will make room for you ˹in His grace˺. And if you are told to rise, then do so. Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
