Me and ADHD • Hacker News Board

Re: Me and ADHD

#291

Post by still_grokking » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:31 AM UTC

xyzzy_plugh wrote: post #93

A lot of comments here are warning about the addictive properties of stimulant medications. For folks without ADHD, you should know that stimulants, like Ritalin and Adderall, do not usually cause the same response as in non-ADHD people. I've spoken with many people on stimulants, and none of them enjoy taking the medication, beyond what it has done to improve their lives. Furthermore, most ADHD people develop tolera…

I would question that there is a substantial difference. Amphetamine does not necessary make you "high", even without having ADHD.

Only if you're not used to it there is this "bouncing off the fucking walls" effect. But it goes away if you know this effect already.

Than amphetamines can increase focus, and make you chill instead of hyper-active. That's why people take it to study for example actually.

After a few days of continual use only the increased focus effect stays. But it doesn't have almost any effect on one's mood any more. Actually it can even cause a significant drop in mood.

Still it's addictive. Like tee or coffee, which won't make you feel full of energy any more when your addicted, it just becomes a necessity to "function". You can show all physical symptoms of "being sky-high on speed" like pupil dilation and such, but just go to sleep for example.

I don't question that the effects of stimulants like amphetamines may help overcome some medical conditions, only that I don't think that the effects are much different in otherwise healthy individuals.

Re: Me and ADHD

#292

Post by rubicon33 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:34 AM UTC

null000 wrote: post #210

xyzzy_plugh wrote: post #93

A lot of comments here are warning about the addictive properties of stimulant medications. For folks without ADHD, you should know that stimulants, like Ritalin and Adderall, do not usually cause the same response as in non-ADHD people. I've spoken with many people on stimulants, and none of them enjoy taking the medication, beyond what it has done to improve their lives. Furthermore, most ADHD people develop tolera…

Counter-anecdote: I was diagnosed sixish months ago, prescribed medication about 3 months ago. The meds don't have the same high of alcohol or weed, but there's definitely an occasional deep sense of calm and wellness - one that's hard not to want, being my chronically depressed self. Definitely enough to set off my "never abuse this, it will end badly" mental alarm Otherwise though, it checks all the usual boxes - w…

> occasional deep sense of calm and wellness

I've always assumed that this is the "right" response?

When people talk about stimulant medication and ADHD, the reactions tend to fall into two categories: Hypes you up, stimulates you, makes you talk fast and move fast, etc... Or calms you down, soothes you, allows you to think clearly, methodically, etc....

I bring this up because it's concerning to me that the "right" response is setting off "never abuse this" alarms. Is it the right response, or is it not?

Personally, I get that same sense of calm and wellbeing. It's why the drug works. My mind quiets down, my ability to hold attention increases dramatically, and my sense of well being ensues. I speak slower and calmer. I am less likely to argue with my spouse. Yes, I feel "good" but I've always assumed that's what its like to feel normal. Normal people get their prefrontal cortex for free, mine is unlocked through a drug.

Re: Me and ADHD

#293

Post by rubicon33 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:38 AM UTC

treeman79 wrote: post #266

PragmaticPulp wrote: post #223

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As always, the only real answer is to consult with your doctor. Taking breaks from medication isn't a terrible idea, especially if you hate it. The real problem is the people who associate taking the pill with getting work done, to the point that they forget how to accomplish anything without first reaching for the medication. The key is to break that connection before it becomes a craving for medication. > I don't l…

started Guanfacine Recently. Helps focus. Zero boost to energy. It’s kind of like when it’s really late at night and your mind quiets and you get into the zone for a couple hours.

How does it pair with coffee / caffeine?

Re: Me and ADHD

#294

Post by justasidenote2 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:41 AM UTC

knorrie wrote: post #217

justasidenote2 wrote: post #130

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm working on ADHD diagnosis now and my doctor was kind enough to let me begin taking Ritalin and then switch to Vyvanse. Medication is literally, demonstrably changing my life for the better. I used to drink multiple cups of coffee a day and felt like it was almost baseline requirement just to attempt to focus. Actual ADHD medication makes coffee almost obsolete. The first time I took Ritalin it was almost scary to…

Hi justasidenote2, I'm at 60% scrolling down this whole hacker news crap thing, and I finally found a post that I think makes any sense at all. First of all, make sure you get that diagnosis. Don't go wild with the medication thing, because the first thing that the medication should do is bring you from the "giving up in advance" level to the "ooh, I can learn about and try some things that might help me to take cont…

I 100% agree with not just relying on the meds and moving on, even though the new ability to maintain focus and context switch without overwhelm is so novel in its own right. But yeah, I'm currently on a waitlist for the diagnostic testing and am seeing a therapist who specializes in the condition.

The most fascinating part of this journey is finally understanding myself better. I've been spending hours every week reading others experiences with ADHD, watching videos (Dr. Russell Barkley is awesome), and in general just figuring out who I am and why I'm that way. I'm beginning to understand that habits I've had, such as being "hyper organized" (actually, being utterly dependent on my calendar) were just coping mechanisms needed to get things done. It almost warrants an entire self-evaluation.

Your description of the stress response seems plausible. All my life I've oscillated pretty strictly between hyper-anxious and utterly indifferent, the latter probably serving as a coping mechanism. Suddenly now I'm able to comfortably live in the middle ground. I'll do what needs done today, and know that what needs done next week/month/year will get addressed when it's time.

Anyway, I really appreciate the feedback and wisdom. Wishing you the best of luck.

Re: Me and ADHD

#295

Post by rubicon33 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:46 AM UTC

AnthonBerg wrote: post #172

ehwhyreally wrote: post #157

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For me, Ritalin works as it should, just focusing. dextroamphetamine on the other hand gets me all hyped up.

The difference between people is so subtle and so profound. For me, dextroamphetamine brings a still and composed calmness upon the world. Not euphora, just a calmness.

How about heart rate and blood pressure?

I get the same reaction as you - I'm calm, still, patient. Much more "present" with my wife and far less likely to argue. If I need to plan, or organize something, the initial feeling of "oof" is no longer there. I just do the task.

I have however noticed that my heart rate (normally in the low 50s) hovers in the low 60s. I assume (but have not checked) that my blood pressure is also increasing. Both of these things are concerning.

Re: Me and ADHD

#296

Post by jklinger410 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:49 AM UTC

xyzzy_plugh wrote: post #93

A lot of comments here are warning about the addictive properties of stimulant medications. For folks without ADHD, you should know that stimulants, like Ritalin and Adderall, do not usually cause the same response as in non-ADHD people. I've spoken with many people on stimulants, and none of them enjoy taking the medication, beyond what it has done to improve their lives. Furthermore, most ADHD people develop tolera…

>I let some non-ADHD friends try a low dose of Ritalin when I had switched off of it and had some left over, and they were bouncing off the fucking walls -- I would strongly not recommend taking stimulants unless medically necessary.

>For people with ADHD, they can be truly life saving. For recreational use, avoid.

Just so you are aware, amphetamines are and have been used widely, and successfully, by people without ADD/ADHD. It has addictive qualities for sure, but I appreciate that people are allowed to try whatever substances they would like to try.

Re: Me and ADHD

#297

Post by rubicon33 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 2:54 AM UTC

PragmaticPulp wrote: post #207

throwaway713 wrote: post #2

> Minimizing menial tasks. Menial tasks really suck. I know everyone must hate doing these, but to put it into perspective, I would rather do 20 hours of really really hard work on a tough project than do 5 hours of menial tasks Interesting. I have ADHD (inattentive subtype) and am quite the opposite. My apartment is never cleaner than when I have an extremely important, open-ended project with multiple stakeholders…

The pop-science definition of ADHD has started to stray very far from the science. There’s a growing tendency for newly diagnosed ADHD patients to try to explain all of their mental habits and preferences through the lens of ADHD. Some times they have helpful feedback for other people with similar habits, but other times they just paint ADHD with an overly broad brush. They often have unrealistically lofty ideals of…

"Don’t let an ADHD diagnosis define your personality."

"... but don’t let the diagnosis become a convenient excuse to let yourself off the hook or explain away concerns that would be better served by some personal growth"

I totally understand this perspective and I do think it's a healthy one, but, where do you draw the line?

I've been diagnosed with ADHD but personally hate the diagnosis. I don't want to be viewed through that lens, nor do I want to view myself that way.

That said, there's just no denying that I'm a different (better) person when I'm treating the condition. I get more work done. I fight less with my wife. I'm way less frustrated angry on a daily basis, etc. Small tasks that normally seem like mountains, become mole hills.

I've done counseling and I've done exercise, diet, sleep. I've seen the most dramatic results when I've just accepted I have ADHD and taken medication. Yet comments like yours re-ignite my desire quit taking the medications, and return to what feels normal ... even if feeling normal was so bad for me.

What I'm trying to say is ... I think some people DO need to lean into the diagnosis. Accept that it's part of their life. If treatment improves your life, don't shy away from it.

I don't know. I'm still just trying to figure it all out myself. I hate the idea of being "ADHD" but I'm starting to form the belief that I need to do what's right for my future, and my family, even if it means accepting I have a condition that requires something as dramatic as taking medication.

Re: Me and ADHD

#298

Post by taneq » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 3:02 AM UTC

Igelau wrote: post #270

ThrustVectoring wrote: post #7

Not surprised at all that caffeine helps. ADHD is, bar none, the mental health diagnosis most amenable to medication. Specifically, stimulant therapy. There's no principled distinction between self-medicating and prescriptions here, other than various legal risks, costs, and side effect profiles. Caffeine is particularly poorly suited to this due to adaptation and anxiety, but it's certainly something , especially if…

I unknowingly self-medicated with ludicrous amounts of coffee before my diagnosis, but my tolerance got way too high. After that, realizing that my preferred decongestant was not only helping my cold symptoms, but also allowing me to pay attention when people were talking and complete plans in a "this seems like that thing other people are really good at, but I'm not" kind of way... that was a major tell.

What decongestant was that? Amphetamines originally entered the market as decongestants, and it was the observation that these drugs allowed unruly kids to focus that lead to modern ADHD medication.

Re: Me and ADHD

#299

Post by username90 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 3:03 AM UTC

zrail wrote: post #283

username90 wrote: post #269

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you really need to do that on a weekend though?

Yes? Kids don’t stop just because the name of the day starts with “S”.

But most of the import places you have to visit stops during weekends.

Edit: For example, when I was a kid I spent most of my time at home playing with toys during weekends. I don't see why that would be a bad life for a kid. When they get older to 8-10 they can get around on their own so no need to baby sit them any longer, at least if you live in an European city.

Re: Me and ADHD

#300

Post by treeman79 » Tue, Feb 02, 2021, 3:03 AM UTC

rubicon33 wrote: post #293

treeman79 wrote: post #266

Earlier quoted context omitted.

started Guanfacine Recently. Helps focus. Zero boost to energy. It’s kind of like when it’s really late at night and your mind quiets and you get into the zone for a couple hours.

How does it pair with coffee / caffeine?

Caffeine keeps trigging small strokes for me. So, not well.

Factor 5 leiden, so different then most people.