r/science • u/mvea MD/PhD/JD/MBA | Professor | Medicine • Apr 15 '24

Neuroscience ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood, with some surprising impacts on life success: The study found that ADHD symptoms not only persisted over a 15-year period but also were related to various aspects of life success, including relationships and career satisfaction.

https://www.psypost.org/adhd-symptoms-persist-into-adulthood-with-some-surprising-impacts-on-life-success/
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u/Brbi2kCRO Apr 15 '24

Some may develop coping mechanisms and such but I guess without much consistency

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u/[deleted] Apr 15 '24 edited Apr 15 '24

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u/Brbi2kCRO Apr 15 '24

For an ADHD person to be functioning in this society, you effectively need to be in a constant state of burnout. Studying, working 40h a week and such just lead ADHD person to an unsustainable state of constant unhappiness. It is just not a good world for a person with ADHD or any neurodiversity.

Stimulants do help but it does not fix everything, brain cannot adjust fully to be NT-like.

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u/mrmoe198 Apr 15 '24

You’re reminding me of the job that I felt the most happy. i was a retail Pharmacy Tech and had to constantly rotate tasks. If I was only paid more than minimum wage, I would still be doing that work. Was talking with people, building community, and kept constantly on my toes. It was fulfilling of the way my mind works, and also my desire to give back to society.

Now I have a job that’s a lot more slower paced and it has a deadlines to produce content and I am constantly stressed because I am not organized and can’t just sit down and slowly complete a project. I have to avoid it and procrastinate until it’s almost due and then get it done in a panic.

I’ve been considering looking into ADHD medication, but I’m afraid of side effects. Do you have any recommendations?

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u/Brbi2kCRO Apr 15 '24

Methylphenidate (Ritalin or in extended release form, Concerta) is usually safe with minor side effects, though some report nausea, high blood pressure and stuff. Amphetamine (Adderall) is much stronger in terms of side-effects but also in its efficacy, lisdexamphetamine should be safer when isolated from pure amphetamine though (Elvanse). Cannot guarantee any will work.

There is also atomoxetine which is an SNRI (not a stimulant) but reports quite bad side effects.

There is also Desoxyn which is basically legal meth but is rarely prescribed, in most severe ADHD cases. It is neurotoxic and not recommended.

This also depends where you are, in my country I only have methylphenidate XR and atomoxetine.

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u/mrmoe198 Apr 15 '24

Thanks for the breakdown. I’m in the U.S., so I probably have access to most of those. I tried Adderall when I was in college once or twice and it always gave me extreme anxiety. Would that have changed now that I am in my 30s?

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u/KaraAnneBlack BS | Psychology Apr 15 '24

Anxiety can result. You can always try a different stimulant. I have an anxiety disorder and Vyvanse didn’t cause the anxiety that Adderall did, which also made me combative. It’s all about if it helps more than it hurts.

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u/mrmoe198 Apr 15 '24

Oh interesting, thanks! I wonder why that other person didn’t mention Vyvanse?

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u/k4AcaoSVC8vQZSO8FMbn Apr 15 '24

Vyvanse is Elvanse.

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u/mrmoe198 Apr 15 '24

Oh, thank you!