3 ms·
100%. I was considered bright but lazy / performing below potential throughout my schooling and first years of work. In my thirties I was diagnosed with a combi
by zingar 6y ago
100%. I was considered bright but lazy / performing below potential throughout my schooling and first years of work. In my thirties I was diagnosed with a combination of anxiety and ADHD and the prescribed medication is immensely helpful. I view younger years of frustration/boredom/hyperactivity as somewhat wasted and I wish that the adults in my life has realised what was happening when I was a child.
The physician who ultimately prescribed the medication informs me:
1. Methylphenidate aka Ritalin is not addictive (and I had no problem stopping it for some years when it made sense)
2. Probably every adult could benefit from its use at specific crunch times. (But not permanently unless you're actually diagnosed with ADHD)
The FUD I've experienced when I mention Ritalin always surprises me.
- mckirk 6y agoI'm curious, what does that specific anxiety+ADHD combination mean for treatment, in your experience? I'd imagine it could first of all be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms might occlude each other (i.e., 'getting important stuff done' despite the ADHD, thanks to the panic of failing something, up to a point) and also a challenge to medicate both at the same time, since I'd expect anything 'raising vigilance' to also cause anxiety and vice versa.
- zingar 6y agoYes, totally interlinked! I didn't even realise that "anxiety" fit what I was experiencing until after lots of counseling. The doctor and psychologist I worked with prescribed a small dose of medication that affects multiple neurotransmitters. In addition I've found some mindfulness exercises and aerobic exercise helpful.
- gibquaaludes 6y agoHow does one get started with addressing those problems? Do I talk to a general practitioner? Are there specialists I should seek out?
- wwarren 6y agoYep talk to your GP and they should be able to refer you (or they might feel comfortable assessing/prescribing without doing a referral).