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Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

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Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#141

Post by bobmaxup »

Cass wrote: post #43

I'm a successful 33 year old adult in a career ideally suited to the way my brain works, so I was VERY skeptical about whether it would make any difference to my life to get diagnosed or go on meds. Now that I have, I can confidently say that it was a total game-changer and I wish my parents had gotten this done for me when I was a kid. It would've made so many things so much easier. I currently only use my meds (spe…

If you are dosing once a week, aren't you getting a pretty good hit of euphoria?

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#142

Post by KerrickStaley »

FridayoLeary wrote: post #117
unbearded wrote: post #81

Have been taking Strattera for a few months and wonder how many years of my life I would have not wasted if I had been diagnosed with ADHD earlier in my life. I just turned 40 and I never thought I had ADHD until recently. Before I just thought my lack of attention on things was just the price of being a 10X on productivity (and I was a little arrogant because of it). The reality was that I chose to put my time on ta…

what's the difference between strattera and ritalin?

They are different drugs with different mechanisms of action. One notable difference from my experience is that Ritalin has a stimulant effect, whereas Strattera actually made me tired.

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#143

Post by codpiece »

stared wrote: post #104

First: less guilt (especially important as I had a Catholic upbringing). Before I believed that I am failing at being an adult, and that my parents were right that I am too messy, chaotic, etc. Second, getting help. I got the most from HowToADHD YouTube Channel, the "Driven to Distraction" book, and conversations with friends having ADHD and working in tech (some other life situations are no that relevant). Third, st…

I'll check out the book, thanks!

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#144

Post by KerrickStaley »

controlledchaos wrote: post #126
FridayoLeary wrote: post #117

Earlier quoted context omitted.

what's the difference between strattera and ritalin?

You better search it, but I believe the difference is Ritalin is an amphetamine.

Ritalin is not a form of amphetamine. Ritalin's active ingredient is methylphenidate.

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#146

Post by yajjackson »

matlin wrote: post #107

Anyone reading this should be extremely skeptical of internet strangers recommending drugs that gave them "superpowers", changed their life, etc. Taking these drugs will make anyone feel more focused, motivated, etc because these drugs are strong stimulants that cause euphoria, focus, and bursts of energy. Anecdotally, I've seen a huge uptick in posts of the format "how an ADHD diagnosis changed my life" on Reddit, T…

Another anecdote: I was diagnosed in middle school and prescribed Vyvanse, which I took for the duration of my k-12 education. Some side effects I lived with were loss of appetite, social anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and later on a complete suppression of sex-drive. These were brought to my doctor's attention but were more or less considered costs to a greater good.

I sought behavioral therapy because the side effects became too much of a burden. I hold a job and remain productive, but I still struggle dealing with my adhd without medication. I'm not sure there's a point I'm trying to make here, just wanting to share some of my experience.

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#147

Post by stevewodil »

jcims wrote: post #135
anonymouse008 wrote: post #119

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Did you ever experiment with Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin? How did you end up with Strattera? I’m trying to triangulate a course for myself and still can’t pull the trigger on any of these for fear of side-effects or dependence.

Not the person you're replying to but Vyvanse gave me excruciating neck cramps, brain zaps and really cold fingers. My doctor said that I had a bit of an outlier reaction to it so YMMV but if you decide to go that route at least ask about the cramps lol. Adderall isn't a wonder drug for me but it tips the scale in my favor. I just take the standard release pills 'as needed' in the morning. It does tend to mess with m…

To be fair, caffeine also increases heart rate and blood pressure. I think it's common of stimulants

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#148

Post by codpiece »

dncornholio wrote: post #96

About the same here. ADD was being said instead of ADHD. I learned to recognise the signs. I think just being aware of something going on your mind is enough to cure. ADD/ADHD, I don't see it as a decease, more as a gift. Take the good things and learn to recognise the bad. I always worried why I would have amazing productive hours and then sometimes days of inproductivity. Now I now (and everyone around me) that I'm…

Thanks! There's a good book that follows your line of thinking: "Refuse to Choose" by Barbara Sher.

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#149

Post by ai_ia »

globular-toast wrote: post #124
unbearded wrote: post #81

Have been taking Strattera for a few months and wonder how many years of my life I would have not wasted if I had been diagnosed with ADHD earlier in my life. I just turned 40 and I never thought I had ADHD until recently. Before I just thought my lack of attention on things was just the price of being a 10X on productivity (and I was a little arrogant because of it). The reality was that I chose to put my time on ta…

What does "10x on productivity" mean? I thought ADHD would lead to lower productivity.

You can work exceedingly long hours with high focus on something you like.

Re: Ask HN: How did an adult ADHD diagnosis help you?

#150

Post by yipbub »

globular-toast wrote: post #124
unbearded wrote: post #81

Have been taking Strattera for a few months and wonder how many years of my life I would have not wasted if I had been diagnosed with ADHD earlier in my life. I just turned 40 and I never thought I had ADHD until recently. Before I just thought my lack of attention on things was just the price of being a 10X on productivity (and I was a little arrogant because of it). The reality was that I chose to put my time on ta…

What does "10x on productivity" mean? I thought ADHD would lead to lower productivity.

For me that means that I can be intensively productive in intense bursts when I am engaged.

Pre-treatment OP sounds like me now.

I am arrogant in that I am always confident I can finish the tasks I have later. The problem is that even though I consistently do, it doesn't feel good, and sometimes unexpected outside influences will kill the tight margin I've left myself.

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