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It's important to note that an ADHD diagnosis does not necessarily end with stimulant medication. Stimulant medication can be helpful for some people, but it's
by PragmaticPulp 5y ago
It's important to note that an ADHD diagnosis does not necessarily end with stimulant medication. Stimulant medication can be helpful for some people, but it's not the only way to treat ADHD. Having an ADHD diagnosis could help you choose appropriate therapy methods, self-help practices, and other self-improvement measures. Of course, an ADHD diagnosis isn't necessary to begin implementing better time management practices, so I'd suggest addressing any issues you might have with time management, time boxing, and organization whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis.
When it comes to stimulant medication anecdotes, it's important to separate them by how long the person has been taking the medication. You'll get very different answers from people who have been taking stimulants for 1 month, 1 year, or 10 years. One of the side effects (key phrase: side effect) of the first few weeks or months of stimulant medication is a sense of euphoria and extra motivation. Be careful, because this effect fades with time.
In general, I'd recommend focusing on anecdotes from people who have been treated for at least 1 year or more, while taking any reports from someone who just started medication with a huge grain of salt. In particular, I'd recommend ignoring any reports from people who are taking excessively high doses of stimulants, dosing stimulants sporadically ("as needed" isn't standard practice), or who just started taking a stimulant medication. The realities of decades of prescription stimulant have pros and cons, which aren't apparent in the first few weeks or months.
Also beware that some psychiatrists greatly overdiagnose certain conditions. Unfortunately, some practitioners are known to overdiagnose their pet condition, from depression to ADHD to anxiety. If a practitioner is pushing you toward a diagnosis or treatment you don't feel comfortable with, don't hesitate to get a second opinion.
- Ensorceled 5y ago> It's important to note that an ADHD diagnosis does not necessarily end with stimulant medication. Stimulant medication can be helpful for some people, but it's not the only way to treat ADHD. One may not need medication, but also don't be TOO reluctant to use medications. After my diagnosis, I fell back into the "Now that I know, I should be able to do this with will power and todo lists" trap and resisted medication for too long. Going on medication was, and is, life changing for me (16 months later). The rest of your advice is dead on!
- slothtrop 5y ago> It's important to note that an ADHD diagnosis does not necessarily end with stimulant medication I expect this is truer for adults, as they have agency over the matter. Children don't get a choice.
- argc 5y ago> dosing stimulants sporadically ("as needed" isn't standard practice), Interesting, I take adderall "as needed" and my doctor is fine with it. He prescribed it for daily use but said I can take it as needed.
- kls 5y agoMy doctor actually prescribes a regime of holidays from the stimulants. It is becoming a fairly common practice.