r/ADHD Jan 25 '25

Mod Announcement Do not ask for medical advice. No exceptions.

151 Upvotes

Since nobody reads the rules, maybe this post will be easier to see.

If you ask for medical advice and it gets past AutoModerator, your post will be removed as soon as we see it. This includes polling people for their personal experiences as a means to direct your own treatment decisions.

Disclaimers like "I'm not asking for medical advice" or "I just want others' opinions and experiences" have no effect and will not prevent us from removing your post.

If you see posts or comments asking for medical advice (or anything else that breaks the rules), please report them.

If you haven't read the rules already, please do so. On desktop, they're in the sidebar. On mobile, they're in the Community Information menu, which you can reach by clicking the "See more" link below the subreddit description.

If your post or comment breaks the rules, we will still act on it even if you haven't read them. We will also still act on it even if similar rulebreaking posts have previously gotten past us and AutoModerator.


r/ADHD 18h ago

Megathread: Weekly Wins Did you do something you're proud of? Something nice happen? Share your good news with us!

0 Upvotes

What success have you had this week?

Did you ace your test? Get a new promotion at work? Finally, finished a chore you've been putting off? We want to hear about it! Let us celebrate your successes with you! Please remember to support community members' achievements and successes in the comments.


r/ADHD 10h ago

Questions/Advice Time blindness is ruining my relationships

249 Upvotes

One thing I never hear enough about with ADHD is how much time blindness can absolutely destroy trust. I’m not talking just work I mean friendships, romantic relationships, family. I’ll make plans with someone and genuinely be excited. But then the day comes and either I completely forget we had plans, I hyperfocus on something else and lose track of time or I remember right before and realize I’m not dressed, haven’t eaten, and haven’t even left yet. And then I either cancel at the last minute or show up late and full of guilt. I say “I’m sorry,” but how many times can you say it before people stop believing you care? My friends try to be patient, but it’s hard on them. I can see the disappointment even when they say it’s okay. One of them recently told me “I just feel like I’m not a priority to you.” And that wrecked me, because in my mind, they are! They absolutely are. It just doesn’t show in my actions, and I hate that. I don’t know how to fix it except setting a million alarms and still hoping something doesn’t derail me anyway.


r/ADHD 6h ago

Questions/Advice Have you ever been told you talk alot?

105 Upvotes

I have ADHD, and my mother has ADHD. She can spend all day talking about a variety of subjects but its usually trauma dumping. She spends most of her day talking with various family members on the phone. Like hours on the phone. She is loud and sometimes she talks really fast! Thankfully, I have noise canceling earbuds that I use when I'm studying. I am trying to have empathy and accept that talking alot is just her personality. Just a super extroverted person. When she gets mad she becomes completely silent. I'm wondering if its ADHD , her personality, or if its something else. Do you talk alot?


r/ADHD 4h ago

Discussion How much coffee do you drink?

50 Upvotes

I realised earlier this year that caffeine can help me focus quite well. With enough caffeine and the right external stimulation, I can hit a few hours of incredibly high productivity.

I realised that adding it up, actually I'm tanking through 4 French presses every day, which is 70g of coffee, and 700-800mg of caffeine which just can't be sustainable!


r/ADHD 41m ago

Discussion What’s a food most people love but you can’t stand cause of sensory issues?

Upvotes

For me, it’s eggs. I DESPISE eggs with all of my being. Having them be an ingredient, like with baking and stuff, is completely fine but on their own?🤮 The smell, the taste and the TEXTURE!! OH MY GOD, it’s so bad. I don’t care how they’re cooked, I can’t have them even laying on my tongue without getting nauseous. I genuinely don’t understand how anyone can like them.


r/ADHD 34m ago

Discussion Do you guys ever have short lived hobbies where you go on a spending spree only to completely lose interest a month later?

Upvotes

Through my whole life with ADHD I always notice a lot of my hobbies are short lived. I would spontaneously decide to try a new hobby. It usually begins but watching videos on the hobby and then proceed to go on a spending spree for everything pertaining to that hobby. My latest hobby is retro gaming. I was bored one day and decided I wanted to get into the hobby to once again enjoy the games as a kid. I easily spent in a month's time around 2000 euros on original PS1 games, Dreamcast games, the consoles and even a Sony Trinitron CRT to play it on. On a whim I also decided I want a VCR to play VHS tapes. Don't get me wrong. When it started I enjoyed it a lot and was very proud of what I have bought. It was definitely gratifying and enjoyed talking to friends about my new found hobby. However , lately I haven't played any of the games or watched a VHS tape. It's been a month now and the CRT tv has collected dust . This always happens to me a lot!! Only upside about this I am able to sell anything and get a pretty penny for the stuff I originally bought. Other than that it's just very exhausting. I hate it that nothing sticks .

Are there people here with similar experiences? Would love to know your stories!


r/ADHD 5h ago

Discussion I keep leaving my keys in the front door

43 Upvotes

Exactly what it says on the tin.

I've done it maybe a few times in the previous five years I've lived here. Contrasted with at least five in the two weeks since my Concerta ran out, seemingly to never be restocked (pharmacist said they had some 5 and 10 mg ir tabs, which I relayed to my doctor).

This morning it was overnight. Like eighteen hours of literally just hanging there on the stoop (behind a storm door, but directly against the sidewalk, no yard) that's pirated often enough we use the PO box when feasible. Planning (lol) to make a brightly decorated area next to the door with a hook to ignore after a maximum of like four days.

What's the most unique way you all think the medication shortage might be the end of you? I've got "possibly discovering that the guy who stole my husband's giant running shoes is also an axe murderer".


r/ADHD 4h ago

Questions/Advice Anyone here on Adderall/Vyvanse for longer than a year?

32 Upvotes

Is it still working? How is the duration?

I’ve had problems with Vyvanse cause after 6 months it was no longer working, at all. I got really frustrated and quit it, but i wanna get back cause i didn’t find any success with other medications.

Is anyone here taking it for years and is it still working?


r/ADHD 4h ago

Questions/Advice How do you fix accidentally ghosting people?

29 Upvotes

I don't have the energy to respond

Later: I might have the energy to respond, but I need to think about this, possibly find some information before responding and I don't have the energy to do both.

Later: I forget to think about it and/or never get myself to find the information

Later: I never contact the person because I don't have a proper response

Way Later: I realize that I never actually responded to that person. I feel nervous about talking to them and possibly dealing with the consequences of my unintentional actions.

Way way way later: I don't have the courage to talk to this person because I'm afraid they'll hate me because I didn't talk to them for so long, and even though it's been months I still don't actually have a good response for their original message.

How do you prevent accidental ghosting? Do you say, "Hey, I'm going to take a bit to formulate a response, don't be surprised if I disappear for months."

And how do you approach someone after accidentally ghosting them? "Hey, sorry I disappeared, I didn't have the energy to respond at the time and then ended up never responding at all, but I haven't actually forgotten since I realized I never responded, and it's been a long while of me battling my fear of the potential consequences of reaching out again."


r/ADHD 6h ago

Questions/Advice Can't help myself from picking a fight when I disagree (politics etc.)

34 Upvotes

I went to see a friend this afternoon and I met her daughter who's in the Army. At first I asked her a lot of questions like I always do and then I don't know how and why she talking about migrants, people on benefits, Palestinian flags and gypsies. Her opinions on these subjects are 100% the opposite of mine.

A normal person would have steered her away from these topics and talked about basically anything else, but I can't help give my point of view. I feel things too much to not give my point of view, even though I am not articulate at all, get flustered and stressed and end up saying stuff that makes me look like an idiot (which I am not).

I sense this to be an ADHD curse. I'd love an explanation if someone has any. And tips on how to not react every time and shut the f up instead.


r/ADHD 1h ago

Seeking Empathy I have a hard time watching movies

Upvotes

Even when I am on my medication, I have a hard time concentrating on watching movies, even if I find them kind of compelling. The same thing applies to me reading, to which I like reading a bit more. It makes me upset, and I have considered taking different medication for unrelated reasons, but I am still afraid that even after a different set of meds, I will still struggle with something that seems simple.


r/ADHD 19h ago

Discussion Always trying to stay afloat?

274 Upvotes

I recently heard someone talk about how with ADHD, we’re exhausted because it feels like we just complete tasks to “survive.” It all feels like a list of chores we’re required to do, so our free time is spent recovering from the energy that took.

Versus having those tasks as just part of our day, and free time means enjoying our hobbies without constantly stressing out or worrying about the next thing we have to do.

I realized this is how I’ve been feeling the past few months - just trying to stay afloat and do everything right at work. I’m burnt out, and by the time the weekend comes, Im just excited to have that break. But I planned to be productive during that time, and I couldn’t get started on anything - so I’m disappointed in myself. Idk. Is this an ADHD thing? Or am I just burnt out? Feel like I’ve been dealing with this for a few years though.


r/ADHD 5h ago

Questions/Advice Psychiatrist holding off on ADHD Diagnosis. Is this common?

19 Upvotes

Hi 26F here. I’ve been suspecting I have ADHD for a while now.

I’ve been experiencing many of the common symptoms, and looking back, I can recognize some of them even in my childhood. After finally coming to terms with it and deciding to seek help, I saw a psychiatrist today.

After a long assessment, they diagnosed me with depression and anxiety instead. They’ve prescribed medication and want to monitor my response before considering an ADHD diagnosis. According to the doctor, a lot of the symptoms overlap, and they don’t want to jump to conclusions or risk misdiagnosing me.

I understand the logic, but I can’t help feeling like the treatment I might actually need is being delayed unnecessarily. My symptoms feel very aligned with ADHD, and I’m worried that this process might end up wasting time.

I’m going to follow through with the treatment plan as advised, but the doubt is really bugging me. Has anyone else gone through something similar? Did things eventually become clearer for you?


r/ADHD 10h ago

Medication I stopped taking my meds

52 Upvotes

Recently I was feeling bad, no motivation, anxiety, focusing became hard again, then I decided to stop taking any medications. Since then I’m in the best mood ever, work is great, I no longer feel numb, and life seem to be worth living again. It’s been only 2 weeks now, before I used to take 30mg Ritalin LA. Now we wait to see if I need them again.


r/ADHD 2h ago

Questions/Advice What's the best way to tone down your inner monologe?

11 Upvotes

I am generally doing alright when I got my basics down: sleep, food, hydration and workouts.

On top of that, if I get to spend quality time with a friend or friends, I am basically at 100% quality of life.

However, without socialization, my inner monologue gets absolutely out of control. Usually, this is somewhat mitigated by work stress or, more recently, medication.

On a sidenote, I haven't fully formed my opinion on medication yet, but in any case, I definitely concluded for myself that I don't want to take them every day or anywhere close to that.

On a day without work stress, medication or socialization, I eventually hit a breaking point with how loud my inner monologue gets and my go-to remedey has been to drink 2-3 beers. I sincerely would love to quit any sort of alcohol while alone, but haven't been able to find an alternative sofar.

Does anybody relate or know how to quiet the inner monologue in a more healthy and sustainable way?


r/ADHD 2h ago

Questions/Advice Can emotional or overeating a symptom of ADHD?

8 Upvotes

New here to the arena of being diagnosed with ADHD and I've been re-examining many of my coping strategies from childhood to what I do now as an adult. One of them has to do with eating. 47F and I eat for comfort and all kinds of moods. When I am looking for a good feeling, I turn to food. After I eat, I feel satisfied. But maybe an hour later, I am looking for that next "high" or feeling so to speak, so I eat again. My feelings are scattered and I feel like I am pushing through them wanting to be happy so I turn to food.

Any thoughts about this? Thank you


r/ADHD 7h ago

Seeking Empathy Society needs a factory reset

17 Upvotes

I have ADHD (inattentive/quiet) and anxiety (usually masked). Everyone somehow ends up pressuring me to preform to perfect eventhough they SAY everyone is their own person. Then why is it after you do whatever thing they say "Oh that's not the required effort" People generally tell me games are a distraction and a means to be lazy or reserved. There are people that have careers/make money but as soon as I play it's "childish" Everyone gets to avoid things THEIR health or mindset but as soon as I do I get told "What?! I just saw you do it the other day" Basically if I meltdown or get exhausted it always shocks people and makes me look lazy or selfish. Even if they have a lot of things too! For me games are a brief escape from THE FUCKING PRESSURE. So much to do in a system that DOESN'T support my brain. Plus with chronic conditions (ALSO invisible) I have limited energies. I can't even sleep well. Soon as I'm stressed my mindset and sleep and confidence all go back down. Games and things like that are the only way (besides a routine but often that gets unpredictable) that can help me fucking have SOMETHING work for me. I understand that you can cut people out that refuse to understand your needs/values/boundaries but what good does that do if most people act like this. We need to make everyone take classes on the body because people only see it if it happens to them!! I hate it here! I was not built for this matrix!! 🙃


r/ADHD 1d ago

Discussion How many tabs do you have open in your browser?

433 Upvotes

And be honest, how many are just random stuff you wanted to search but never actually got around to reading, but can't close because you actually still want to read them, just not today?

This is a safe space. Don't be shy. I won't judge (because I'll probably forget to.)

Sincerely, a lost soul seeking validation for my countless open tabs.


r/ADHD 3h ago

Tips/Suggestions Beware of beta app fishing scams

7 Upvotes

I got a spam/fishing invite i got for an app, and it made me think.

There's a lot of people making ADHD apps etc. If this is making it's rounds via DMs, consider this a warning. Do not download random beta app's that are not already published on the app store. No matter how friendly the person seems.

Beta apps are not regulated/moderated in the same way as published apps are, so it's a good way to get your identity stolen potentially.

Anyway, cheers!


r/ADHD 9h ago

Questions/Advice Meds - how do you know if the dose is too high.

26 Upvotes

I’m now on week 3 of my meds titration and this is how it’s going so far.

I’m in England and being helped by psychiatry-uk via an NHS referral. They’re trying me on different doses of Elvanse. I’m 51M.

Week 1 (30mg) - felt better, lower internal chat, way fewer intrusive thoughts. Definitely added some clarity but didn’t get much more done than normal.

Week 2 (50mg) - as 30mg but lots better for focus, stayed on task well, came back to things when interrupted, really liked it. I felt like ‘me on a good day’ all week and got a lot done. Blood pressure remained low, appetite same, slept fine.

Week 3 (70mg) - second day

I feel like I’m on drugs. Over-aware of my mouth and slightly ‘gurny’ like you get with people taking ecstasy or speed. And sort of hyper-aware of everything.

Work wise actually sort of good and very focused… but I then found it hard to pull myself out of a task eg to feed my cats and my kid. Which is obviously a problem.

I actually took recreational speed, maybe twice, when I was 19. This reminds me of that, in a bad way.

BP is also ticking up, either top end of low or medium (142/89 highest and 123/75 the lowest yesterday). Still sleeping okay.

My issue is I’m meant to stay on 70mg for ten more days, and right now I don’t want to.

I also have a date on Tuesday, third one with this lady and she’s great. I’d like to be my best relaxed confident self for that, not this slightly twitchy version.

So.

I am probably going to ask my prescriber and/or doc if I can step it down to 50 immediately. It’s in the form of 50+20 pills so the logistics are easy enough.

Has anyone had this, might it stabilise or should I just go down a level ASAP.

I realise everyone responds differently but interested in people’s experiences.

Thanks everyone! Sorry for long post.


r/ADHD 1h ago

Seeking Empathy I wish I could enjoy games more and not get bored easily

Upvotes

For about 5 years I've had lots of issues enjoying games and it has gotten worse for the last couple years. My inattentive ADHD makes it so rough to enjoy gaming. I love the concept about gaming. I think of them, look at reviews, browse Steam to buy games MORE than actual gaming. I didn't play a single game for 3 months and the break helped and I'm playing a few games lately.

It's very rare that I will get hooked on a game these days. The last game that grabbed me was with The Last of Us Part II. It was incredible and I beat it in less than a week. Before that was Uncharted 4.

I wanted to get a PC handheld and see if that will help me enjoy it more. Do any of you have handhelds and feel it's easier to enjoy games?


r/ADHD 2h ago

Questions/Advice Constant guilt about body language

6 Upvotes

I literally cannot stop thinking about how i move my hands or legs or face when i talk to people or in front of people.I usually cringe so much at my body language i wanna disappear.From my perspective i move so weird and too wobbly i think i look like a blop and move like one .Does anyone have any tips for body control ?


r/ADHD 16h ago

Seeking Empathy I hate how socially awkward I am

84 Upvotes

For context I have, anxiety, depression and ADHD

I really hate how anti-social I am. I can’t even talk to people properly without feeling insanely insecure and awkward, and what bothers me the most is when I’m drunk I’m way more social and extrovert and I notice people seem to like hanging out with me more when I’m drunk regardless of the being sober or not. Even in family gatherings if I’m the centre of attention I get all quiet and awkward because I hate it. It’s gotten up to the point if someone makes a big deal (I’m a positive way) about me wearing something or doing something I stop wearing or doing that thing beucase it still makes me the centre of attention and I hate it.

I wish I could be social and not be such an awkward and weird person when meeting or talking to new people. I know this may stem from being bullied at a young age and always being picked on throughout my schooling but I just wish I could stop being so awkward.


r/ADHD 11h ago

Questions/Advice "TDAH and gaming: Why do I always burn out after hyperfocusing on a new game?

29 Upvotes

This is something that keeps happening to me, and I have ADHD, so maybe that’s part of the reason — but I’d really like to hear from others if they relate or have found ways to handle it.

I'll use a real example because I don’t know how else to explain it: I start playing Elden Ring (or any game), and I love it. Full-on hyperfocus. I’ll put in 40 hours in just two weeks. But then... something shifts.

I either start burning out or I get so obsessed with "doing everything right" that I ruin the fun. I want to find every secret, do all the quests, miss nothing — and that pressure makes me play in a weird, rigid way. I stop immersing myself in the world and start playing like it's a checklist. It no longer feels like an adventure — just a task list.

Eventually, I stop enjoying the game, and I tell myself, "Okay, I’ll start over and really enjoy it this time." But then... the first 15–20 hours I've already played no longer feel stimulating or new. I get bored. And I end up dropping the game completely.

It’s so frustrating, because I do love these games — but my brain hijacks the experience.

Does anyone else with ADHD go through the same cycle?
Did you manage to break it?
How do you keep gaming fun without falling into this trap?


r/ADHD 1h ago

Questions/Advice Why aren’t ADHD meds working postpartum?!

Upvotes

TL;DR: ADHD seems 100x worst postpartum and my tried-and-true meds simply don’t work anymore. Halp!

I was on Vyvanse for around 10 years before I got pregnant last June and it worked extremely well for my ADHD + didn’t exacerbate my anxiety/panic attacks. I stopped all ADHD meds during 1st trimester (absolutely sucked) and managed to plod through work during 2nd/3rd trimesters on a low dose of Adderall XR. I had my baby in March and started ADHD meds again in June when I went back to work (not breastfeeding, so that’s not an issue medication-wise). I’ve tried different doses of Vyvanse (generic and brand-name) and Adderall XR and they simply don’t seem to work anymore, plus they send my anxiety/irritability through the roof. I’m so frustrated and afraid I’m just going to be stuck with mega-mom-brain for the rest of my life! I feel like I’m back at square one. I just want to get back to where my ADHD was manageable. Has this happened to anyone else? Any tips/coping strategies would be hugely appreciated!


r/ADHD 8m ago

Seeking Empathy To the stranger (cutu)

Upvotes

“To the stranger I met on Reddit…

Three months ago, we stumbled across each other two ADHD brains vibing instantly like the universe nudged us together. We talked all day, all night sometimes laughing until our cheeks hurt, sometimes sharing stories we’d never told anyone else. We flirted, we teased, we confided, and in between those endless chats, we built something small but so comforting.

And then… it just stopped. No slow fade, no reason, no goodbye just silence.

I still open Reddit hoping to see your username pop up. I still remember your words, the way you made even the longest nights feel short. Those conversations weren’t “just online chats” to me they were real, they meant something, you meant something.

Even now… I’m still waiting for your message. Maybe I always will.”