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Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

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Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#251

Post by sadhd »

jasonladuke0311 wrote: post #54
WXLCKNO wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Same. As someone well off with inattentive type ADHD, 99$ is money I wouldn't mind throwing away for a shot at getting better with the daily issues I face. And then if it works progressing to something more expensive is also not a problem. In my case the issue is that despite having a growth mindset for learning pretty much anything, in the case of ADHD stuff I've been trying for so long to fix myself that it feels l…

> In my case the issue is that despite having a growth mindset for learning pretty much anything, in the case of ADHD stuff I've been trying for so long to fix myself that it feels like I'll never be able to. Oh man this hits too close

Half a century brother. It doesn't get any better but life is still worth living. You can reach your potential with accommodations.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#252

Post by sadhd »

aught wrote: post #225

I’ve been in a special program for adhd through Duke University. Treatment is not supposed to be meds OR coaching, it’s meds AND coaching. While I do appreciate having a team psychiatrist, psychologist, and medical the biggest asset is the flexibility of treatment. CBT techniques did not work for me and the workbook was not a good fit, having a team of specialists that I can contact at any time has been key. Some peo…

CBT has to be focused with an understanding that any effort--notebooks, sticky notes, etc--is going to exhaust your already precious executive function.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#253

Post by TheTaytay »

TheTaytay wrote: post #87
treeman79 wrote: post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

ADHD runs very strong in my family. My mom never learned to control it and lets it ruin her interactions. Changing topics 2-3 times in a sentience is not uncommon. My career was a mix of major success and failures. Basically depending how routine or novel the problem set was. Took medication at 40 for the first time. First time in my life I was able to work on something boring where it didn’t feel physically painful…

My mom is similar, but I am not. I can stay on topic quite well and inability to do so is bothersome to me, so I see that and think, “I don’t have any of that.” But when you said boring tasks are painful, and wanting someone to tap you on the shoulder when you get off task, I was nodding along vigorously. My best solution to this (so far) is to ensure my way of contributing meaningfully to things doesn’t require rote…

This hit HN two days after my comment, so for anyone else who stumbles across this thread, here is a link to another HN thread where people discuss “body doubling” and similar websites/services to help: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33478562

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#254

Post by sadhd »

sadhd wrote: post #249
LocalH wrote: post #212

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I propose we either call it "Focus Control Disorder" or where the context would be appropriate, "dopamine dysfunction". If someone is unable to function and it turns out they had a vitamin D or potassium deficiency, we don't call it "sunlight rejection disorder" or "bananaphobia", ya know? The very name of ADHD is ableist, it defines neurodivergent life in neurotypical terms (in this context, "neurotypical" merely me…

The prefrontal cortex mediates executive function and working memory. It sends signals into the center of the brain which in turn reciprocated through dopamine neurons. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake and breakdown of dopamine by MAO. Amphetamine stimulates the receptors on the other brain cells dendritic surface that dopamine stimulates. The middle of the brain then tells the front which tasks to focus on, what…

Seems snap-25 also causes issues alongside d2. It helps pop out dopamine bubbles, in layman's terms. Dopamine is made in the nerve cell, then it is released outside the cell by a bubble called a synaptic vessel that basically goes inside out. It crosses the gap between cells and attaches to one of 4 dopamine receptors, the most important of which is d2 for adhd and amphetamine. It is then vacuumed up from that gap between cells by a set of proteins that can be blocked by ritalin, just like zoloft blocks the vacuum for serotonin. It then gets broken down by monoamine oxidase, another potential target for lots of therapies. This stuff is real folks and backed by knockout studies and fMRI scans.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#255

Post by ttul »

jazz_from_hell wrote: post #102
ttul wrote: post #98

This is definitely a service that needed to exist, so I'm really glad that someone finally did it. That being said, if you have ADHD or suspect you might have ADHD, I highly recommend seeing a medical professional to get diagnosed first before beginning any form of treatment. ADHD is caused by poor functioning of the connections between neurons in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for impulse control an…

It’s entirely possibly to have ADHD and opt out of medication. If it’s appropriate or not is very individual though, probably not something we can settle on a message board.

Opting out of meds is a valid personal choice, for sure.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#256

Post by s-video »

christalwang wrote: post #114
s-video wrote: post #42

I'm an adult with ADHD but this doesn't appeal to me because I've already found behavioral techniques that work really well for ~free. I'll try and describe one briefly: I use a free app called Virtual Motivaider[1] to make my phone vibrate every 2 to 6 minutes. I'll print a sheet[2] that has a table with two columns. Every row is the same: the first column has the text "Am I on Task?" and the second column has two c…

Wow, thank you for sharing these super specific systems you have put in place that work for you! With your permission, I'd love to share these tools and tips with our coaches, in case they haven't seen them before (they are new to me!) and may be relevant to their members. I'm excited that you have found your exact mix, and our mission is exactly to help other folks just like us found their unique mix of tools & syst…

>With your permission, I'd love to share these tools and tips with our coaches,

Well, sure, it's not like I own them!

I guess the first line of my post came off a bit jaded. After having people paid to deal with my ADHD not come up with anything truly effective in my whole education since high school, it was both relieving and disappointing to end up figuring out something myself. If your app helps people figure out what works for them, then best of luck to you.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#257

Post by TurkishPoptart »

sadhd wrote: post #236
TurkishPoptart wrote: post #223

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I work with a psych and take the stimulants, and still struggle. Medication is only half the battle. I would recommend checking out Andrew Huberman's podcast episode on ADHD. Basically, as I understand, the medication "smooths out" the pathways that are "blocked" in the dopamine system. Once medicated, I think a treatment plan like this would be very helpful for me and for others.

Have you watched Dr. Russell Barkleys series? https://youtu.be/sPFmKu2S5XY . I have actually done professional research into executive function and working memory--not a PhD but have one masters and nearly through another. His explanation lines up with the physiological psychology that I have learned.

Thank you, will check this out!

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#259

Post by adidiner »

My personal journey with ADHD- I was diagnosed over a decade ago during my Ph.D. I am taking stimulant medication. I have a family, held good jobs and am a founder. However, my journey to find the right medication as well managing life's challenges is ongoing. How do I deal with the endless to-do list? How should I manage those bad days where I can't seem to get anything done? How do I deal with my strong emotional responses to negative feedback?

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#260

Post by adidiner »

I am shocked by the responses on this thread. It is clear just by reading this thread that there is a problem with treating ADHD. Research shows that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral coaching. However, most people can not afford behavioral coaching, and insurance usually does not cover it. A founder encountered a problem that affects many people and set out to solve it. They are not making another AI/NFT/Marketplace solution to make a few bucks but are actually trying to make the world better. We need more people like Chris in the world.
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