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How I Run a Company with ADHD

andrewaskins.com

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Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#251

Post by Mirioron »

jonathanstrange wrote: post #223

Okay, I start with a disclaimer, I suspect this opinion to be unpopular on HN. Anyway, I can't help thinking that ADHD is one of those mental disorders that merely reflects some increased demands of society rather than a genuine mental disorder and that people with ADHD are just part of the natural variation of different personality types. There also seems to be a huge divide between the US and Europe, where such dis…

There is a theory that what we consider ADHD might have naturally evolved, because it would give an evolutionary advantage for hunter-gatherers.[0] Life in the modern era is different from hunter-gatherer lifestyle and thus people with ADHD find it difficult to fit in.

I don't know how true this theory is. There is some evidence for it, because ADHD is very prevalent, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter why people struggle. What matters is that they do and we have the tools to help with that.

A big reason for the divide between Europe and the US in ADHD is that Europe usually uses the ICD, while the US uses the DSM. The DSM seems to be less strict about the criteria. It's probably also the case that many Europeans, particularly in former Soviet states were never tested.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_vs._farmer_hypothesis

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#252

Post by thecatspaw »

system2 wrote: post #169
akarma wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As someone who also has it: have you tried medicine like Adderall? I’m so torn on it. On one hand, it makes me so productive, but on the other, it makes me so unemotional and cold and abrasive. It also makes me sweat, increases my heart rate, and has a terrible comedown when taken often. I was diagnosed at 16 and was on it for years, eventually moving up to 4x the dosage as my body grew resistance. I’ve stopped it fo…

Yes, you pretty much summed up all. Don't forget sleepless nights if you took it after 11 am or later. Also: Heartburn, dry mouth, and severe dehydration, loss of appetite (yay for this one actually). And flushing (pee pee pee all day). IF you are working from home with minimal contact, it works. Never EVER answer a phone call when you are on it (this is to whoever planning to use it in the future). God knows, how ma…

> Don't forget sleepless nights if you took it after 11 am or later.

Medication that keeps you awake for 16 hours leads to sleepless nights if taken late into the day, more news at 2.

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#253

Post by boomlinde »

jonathanstrange wrote: post #223

Okay, I start with a disclaimer, I suspect this opinion to be unpopular on HN. Anyway, I can't help thinking that ADHD is one of those mental disorders that merely reflects some increased demands of society rather than a genuine mental disorder and that people with ADHD are just part of the natural variation of different personality types. There also seems to be a huge divide between the US and Europe, where such dis…

In your view, what defines a genuine mental disorder?

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#254

Post by Milner08 »

zorked wrote: post #233
jonathanstrange wrote: post #223

Okay, I start with a disclaimer, I suspect this opinion to be unpopular on HN. Anyway, I can't help thinking that ADHD is one of those mental disorders that merely reflects some increased demands of society rather than a genuine mental disorder and that people with ADHD are just part of the natural variation of different personality types. There also seems to be a huge divide between the US and Europe, where such dis…

I feel that the general attitude in the US to people slightly outside the norm is "you have a disorder, go take pills". In Europe it's "you are less intelligent, go to an easier school and then do manual labor". Both are terrible solutions in their own ways.

That is NOT the approach in Europe at all... Maybe in one or two countries, but not in Europe as a whole.

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#255

Post by Mirioron »

jordanbeiber wrote: post #168

It’s interesting to see how hard if is to separate ADD from ADHD by a description of traits or behaviors. I have ADD and pretty much recognize myself in a lot of this. It’s almost impossible to focus on anything that is not interesting “right now” and what is “interesting” changes in cycles spanning a few weeks. During a cycle I become completely absorbed, you know, not eat, not sleep and not being communicative, abs…

ADD is now under the umbrella of ADHD. ADHD just has 3 types:[0]

1. ADHD Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI)

2. ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive (ADHD-PH?)

3. ADHD Combined (ADHD-C)

ADD falls under the first one. It makes sense that you'd recognize yourself in that. They're now considered to be the same disorder, but just presenting in a different way.

One of the things that's usually not discussed, but what you should watch out for is emotional control. Apparently it's easier for people with ADHD to have their emotions flip. Russell Barkley has an amazing series of lectures about it. You can find various bits on YouTube. You could see if maybe you'll discover even more about yourself.

[0] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#256

Post by Mirioron »

sizzle wrote: post #149
icxa wrote: post #96

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is big problem for me. I over think things, the slightest misread comment can ruin my day. I am a recent adult ADHD diagnosis recipient, and I never knew that there was words to describe this but it describes me perfectly as well, so thank you for the knowledge kind stranger. I ditched my Ritalin for similar reasons, although I do have a hunch Adderall would help me better since the on…

Why not get a proper prescription with an open minded psych helping guide you?

Maybe it's not legally prescribed as medication in his country? I might be wrong though.

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#257

Post by [deleted] »

Milner08 wrote: post #254
zorked wrote: post #233

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I feel that the general attitude in the US to people slightly outside the norm is "you have a disorder, go take pills". In Europe it's "you are less intelligent, go to an easier school and then do manual labor". Both are terrible solutions in their own ways.

That is NOT the approach in Europe at all... Maybe in one or two countries, but not in Europe as a whole.

[deleted]

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#258

Post by elfqh »

Milner08 wrote: post #254
zorked wrote: post #233

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I feel that the general attitude in the US to people slightly outside the norm is "you have a disorder, go take pills". In Europe it's "you are less intelligent, go to an easier school and then do manual labor". Both are terrible solutions in their own ways.

That is NOT the approach in Europe at all... Maybe in one or two countries, but not in Europe as a whole.

It is the approach in Spain at least, where I live.

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#259

Post by INTPenis »

yc-kraln wrote: post #231
jonathanstrange wrote: post #223

Okay, I start with a disclaimer, I suspect this opinion to be unpopular on HN. Anyway, I can't help thinking that ADHD is one of those mental disorders that merely reflects some increased demands of society rather than a genuine mental disorder and that people with ADHD are just part of the natural variation of different personality types. There also seems to be a huge divide between the US and Europe, where such dis…

Diagnosed at 6 with ADHD in the US by a proper battery of psychiatrists, therapists, etc. Medicated until 17. Still going to therapy regularly in the EU to deal with a myriad of ongoing issues as ADHD has changed how it impacts my life into adulthood. I am a "textbook" case. So basically the reality of my life is not subject to your opinions. Stop projecting your value system onto other people's lives.

I'm sorry to hear that but just because someone diagnosed you at 6 doesn't mean I believe it's right to medicate a child that early.

If you could do it all over again, would you have waited until you were grown before you took medication?

Re: How I Run a Company with ADHD

#260

Post by hycaria »

jordanbeiber wrote: post #236
jonathanstrange wrote: post #223

Okay, I start with a disclaimer, I suspect this opinion to be unpopular on HN. Anyway, I can't help thinking that ADHD is one of those mental disorders that merely reflects some increased demands of society rather than a genuine mental disorder and that people with ADHD are just part of the natural variation of different personality types. There also seems to be a huge divide between the US and Europe, where such dis…

Many people not ”suffering” is of this opinion. The quotes around “suffering” imply that you yourself might not even know everyone around you suffers, i.e. you’re suffering by proxy, but you’re the one causing it. Everyone can relate to specific “symptoms” of ADD/ADHD, the question is: can you control the impulses and is it affecting your ability to lead a “normal” life. Normal here means looking after yourself and p…

I agree and feel the same about many mental illnesses or traits (intelligence in that regard seems close to attention span).

In the end, some with higher impulses and inner trouble still manage to have more control and lead a successful life when others with little disabilities are overwhelmed.

What awes me the most is how one can be willing to mess with his brain chemistry with drugs rather than arrange one's life around his traits. There are so many tools now that I can't accept "forgetting appointments" is a disability necessiting drugs.

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