Ask HN: Developers with ADHD/ADD, how do you cope?

the most helpful thing youll do is getting that diagnosis and finding the medication that suits you which was a game changer for me (initially i tried methylphenidate (ritalin) but it was a little too "up and down" for me, it seemed to tail off before my next dose was due but i then switched to lisdexamphetamine (Elvanse/Vyvanse) which has proven incredibly effective)

before this i generally got through by having multiple tasks on the go at once, pick a reasonably simple task and a complex one and regularly drop from the complex task to the easier one, a good example for me is updating my commenting on other bits as im pretty terrible at adding it as i go, i cant say this will work for you but it helped me.

the only other thing i can suggest is to try and reduce your possible distractions for which headphones are helpful ideally with instrumental music, background conversations and words can trigger your mind to go off on a different path

basically try and reduce things that may distract you and try and keep other tasks ready so that if you do get distracted youll fall onto other work which keeps you productive but as i said before i cant promise these tricks will work for you as everyone finds different coping mechanisms work for them

What are actual symptoms of ADHD/ADD? How do you know you have ADHD?

I am asking because I read recently ADHD is very difficult to detect.

It's similar to colourblindness, in that it's really hard to tell because it's all you've ever known. Your best bet is probably to try an online test and go to see a doctor if it suggests there could be something there.

This one looks good: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-test-adults/

I also have this problem. Here are some tips I've found useful.

-- When possible, do things that you're passionate about. Develop your passions and try to work within those constraints.

-- Have a single monitor

-- Create a TODO list. Also start the day or working session with planning.

-- When tackling new problems, try to do the easiest tasks first to build momentum, before tackling harder tasks

-- Break down tasks into the smallest components and do them one at a time

-- Give yourself a reward for doing a small section of tasks (ie. watch a YT video)

-- Develop your self confidence and create a strong passion for competition, that's driven me past a lot of my attention problems

Lists, logs, writing, post-its, Todo lists etcetcetc.

I tend to forget stuff even while I'm doing it, so it helps a million if what I'm doing is written on a Post-It right in front of me.

Also, to keep track of tasks, problems, todos etc, I have a huge text file that is bound to the ctrl-` keybinding (autohotkey script opens a file in sublime text).

I think the most important thing is to externalize your mind into your environment, you might forget, but your table or text files won't.

Also, make sure to watch Russel Barkley. This man is literally ADHD Jesus. https://youtu.be/_tpB-B8BXk0