Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#1

Post by throwaway_anon » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 6:54 PM UTC

I can only do things which are extremely interesting or challenging or if it happens to be of personal interest. I get easily distracted when dealing with mundane tasks. I procrastinate a lot. I am forgetful and not detail oriented. I tried medication but it gives me insomnia and a racing heart. Mindfulness meditation helps a lot but I cannot bring myself to do it everyday. The only good thing about ADHD is the creativity/out of the box/ non-linear thinking, which I seem to have. Created a few products on the side which seem to show commercial potential. I want to know if it is possible to hold on to a job without being anxious/stressed out. Is it possible to become a great and successful programmer despite ADHD?

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#2

Post by [deleted] » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 6:56 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#3

Post by ScottWhigham » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 6:58 PM UTC

It would be useful to know how old you are. Most of us grow less ADHD throughout our 20s as our brains develop.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#4

Post by throwaway_anon » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:01 PM UTC

ScottWhigham wrote: post #3

It would be useful to know how old you are. Most of us grow less ADHD throughout our 20s as our brains develop.

28. Have 2 years of programming experience.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#5

Post by somethingcoolio » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:09 PM UTC

Wow, I'm currently in the same boat and relate to all that you've said. Monitoring this thread.

That said, currently I'm looking into DIY soylent, though I have a pretty decent diet anyway and nootropics. Nootropics seem to have potential but I've yet to gain first hand experience.

I'm also looking for a way to make mindfulness meditation a habit as I cannot bring myself to do it daily either, it does help though.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#6

Post by kattenkorven » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:10 PM UTC

I've found that it can help to set a timer, because then the task isn't "work until it's done", but instead "work for 5/10/XX minutes". When my brain just isn't cooperating at all , I try to find simpler things to work on, which still contribute to the whole.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#7

Post by phantom_oracle » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:12 PM UTC

You should just attempt forcing yourself to do the "dirty" work. We'd all like to be coding the matrix, but most people just need wordpress websites, so just force yourself.

I can't give you any magic secret or formula beyond that, because none exist (as far as I know).

Being a coder though, isn't it all fun to you? I find typing like a maniac fun.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#8

Post by AnEro » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:22 PM UTC

I have adhd and I suffer the same problems! I am currently in university (IT-Networking security), I do use medication and meditation. I find that motivation is the hardest part of everything even with the medication!

This helps with my motivation: http://lifehacker.com/281626/jerry-seinfelds-productivity-se...

Become a Morning Person: https://medium.com/life-tips/621b93619b30

Quick tips(things that help me):

- 43 folders method of organization

- Actively tell your self when you forget or procrastinate, its normal just get back on track and smile

- Make habits through repetition (spend that time regardless if you are able to do it or not)

- Your will power is finite make sure have small meals and a snack half way through each to keep energy up

- Making decisions is very tiring, so be forgiving

- Make everything smaller- if you can reduce the information the easier it is for you in the future

- Always tell yourself: it is easy, it will take no time, get a little done, you don't have to finish it just start it

- Have a beer or do something else like watching tv while trying to start a new habit or task, even though you won't get much done you have done more that you would have with out it!

Sorry if my grammar is terrible, or if this wasn't what you where looking for! It really helped me out to list it all :D

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#9

Post by gesman » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 7:25 PM UTC

So essentially you need to learn to convert "boring" things to "extremely interesting" things.

This may include an ability to stop putting "boring!" label on stuff.

So use your powerful creativity to create methodology to accomplish above and the problem is solved!

PS: Bonus:

once you accomplish above - sell your solution to 10,000,000 of other ADHD people at $10 each.

You do the math.

Re: Ask HN: Help, How to deal with severe ADHD as a programmer?

#10

Post by danneu » Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 8:03 PM UTC

    > I tried medication but it gives me insomnia
    > and a racing heart.

Try a lower dose. In particular, start at the minimum dose.

If you are prescribed 20mg Adderall XR or 50mg Vyvanse (or equivalent), then that's an insane first-timer dose.

Pills have risks and side-effects for sure. But so does making zero progress on your ambitions in life.

Maybe you can find something less harsh: http://www.gwern.net/Nootropics