When I got diagnosed one of the tests (don't know if it was specifically T.O.V.A.) was a very simple impulse control exercise: when an "O" appeared on the scre

When I got diagnosed one of the tests (don't know if it was specifically T.O.V.A.) was a very simple impulse control exercise: when an "O" appeared on the screen, I was supposed to push a button. When an "X" appeared on the screen, I was supposed to not push the button. I did so badly that I felt the need to "apologize" to the test giver, explaining that I really did understand the instructions I just (physically) couldn't catch myself when the "X" appeared. What would happen is I'd start off slow and increasingly react faster and faster to the O's until I hit an X. Then I'd go oh crap I messed up OK gotta slow down. Next thing I knew I was reacting to O's again within 10th's of a second and of course unable to stop in time when the X appeared. It was a concrete demonstration of the idea about an ADHD brain being like driving a car with a responsive accelerator but the brakes barely or don't work. Edit: almost forgot - after getting prescribed adderall I was able to read research papers for the first time in my life. Prior to that I couldn't concentrate well enough to actually read them. This despite having participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. I was able to "fake it" for two years and never admit I couldn't actually read or buckle down to write research papers. I had always felt some shame about that but after ADHD medication I realize it was a disability and not just laziness. I no longer take medicine for ADHD but just having had the experience of being able to focus changed my outlook on things.