I joined this group as I did an assessment that confirmed I have traits/markers and may be a part of the neurodiverse universe, ADHD specifically. Can anyone tell me the route you took to getting a true diagnosis and if taking the medication provides a chemical balance only or is your brain going to be altered from taking the medication?

likesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I got a very comprehensive one (too much imo) it had family members and close friends fill out questions about me to determine when it started, a 5/6 hour test with a psychologist that also had an IQ test among other things, and then a few sessions w/ a psychiatrist. I think it might be less time consuming now, but if you want to be thoroughly assessed ask a psychologist / psychiatrist. Medication was a hit and miss for me. It depends on the side effects you experience and how quickly your body adapts to build a tolerance to it. There is definitely a chemical balance that meds can give, but I don’t like the idea of being dependent on a medication and was definitely so in the beginning. Not addicted, but I feel I got dependent on it so that I forgot the systems I had in place growing up to mask it until I got a diagnosis. So now I take it sparingly or not at all as opposed to daily. With daily use your body can adapt quickly, and you would need to up the dose over time, which I thought wouldn’t be sustainable in the LT. I know it sounds boring, but consistently doing 10/15 mins of meditation every day has helped me the most in the 12 years I have been diagnosed with it. (I was very skeptic of this at first w meditation too) Then there is daily work out, pomodoro times, building habits and gamifying them etc.

likehelpful

Medications affect everyone differently. It's not a one size fits all and it's still a "practice" meaning they have to dial you in. Whatever route you go do your research to side effects and learn as much as you can. The more you know about how you work and your strengths and weaknesses the better you will be able to cope. For me I found out working at a desk staring at a computer is a no go. I need to engage with people and manually to be the most productive.

like

Thank you both for your responses. I have been dealing with masking for a while but as of 2020, the intensity was dialed up and my lack of focus became very evident that something else was in play. Due to the flexibility of my schedule I do have autonomy over my schedule but some days it is hard to get started. I know that I have to get a handle on it because I do not want my performance in my role to take a hit. Microsoft has provided a great package of benefits and I need to use them. Thanks much. I appreciate your perspectives.

like

You can make an appointment with you PCP . They can give you recommendations to go to someone who can diagnose you. Medication is not necessary unless you feel like your neurodivergence is holding you back in some way. Your doctor will recommend which one is best medication for you. It affects everyone differently.

like

I got diagnosed through my primary care physician. I just went in and explained how I was feeling.....my thoughts, how I was struggling at work and in my personal life, how I felt like I was drowning all the time.....and she diagnosed me. Then I got started on meds which I will say was a journey in and of itself but I am so much better now.

like

In your case I think seeing a therapist or psychiatrist with specialty in neurodivergent adults will be your best path

Most psych meds will help symptoms, not change or cure the underlying cause.

Related Posts

I have been feeling really overwhelmed with life lately. Just feels like there is so much to do with work, staying healthy, being social, spending time with family, saving money, etc. Crowdsourcing for any tips that have worked for all of you in making life easier 🥺

like

Fresh embryo transfer. Got my period yesterday, and my pregnancy test in the clinic is tomorrow... so frustrated after all the investment... I had two embryos frozen so hopefully next time it happens... hope everyone gets what they want.

like

Does anybody else get that anxious feeling in their chest when their workload starts to pile up? When my to-do list fills up and the timelines start to get tight I really start to seize up and I think this is how I’m going to have a heart attack in my 20s.

like

Hi! Looking to build a home gym. Willing to spend good money but also want to pick and choose where it’s worth it. Any recs? Also any recs on treadmill brands?

like

Will the 4th of July become an end of Coronavirus party? I feel like those celebrations will, realistically, be the effective end of lockdown. They can take our (small f) freedom, but not our FREEDOM 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

likefunny

My SO plans to have dinner with 3 friends at an outdoor restaurant. This upsets me, since I haven’t been in a restaurant or met anyone else without a mask since March, and I thought we weren’t going to dine with people we didn’t live with. Am I being unreasonable?

likehelpfulfunnysmart

Tip for anyone taking the CAIA exam, get UpperMark. Was using willey and was abt 1/2 complete and borrowed a friends test bank … night and day much harder and honestly was more like what I expected

like

I feel like I’ve been neglecting this bowl. 😔 I’ve been doing keto with 16/8 intermittent fasting for the past month. By the time it hits my eating window, I’m starving and I don’t have time to make instagrammable meals. Like the one below 😄: Eggs and breakfast sausage with Spanish and Buttered cauliflower rice, and a salad. Not very exciting, I know. But what’s exciting is I dropped 15lbs!!! 😁

Post Photo
like

Anyone noticing their feet getting super cold? Room temperature is at 76f, body is also at regular temperature. Feeling perfectly fine otherwise.

like

Can I just vent on how annoyed I am with the increase in “priority boarding” of people that are able bodied? I am happy to let them on first. But I think they should get off last. So many times they are limping or in a wheelchair boarding. And then when we land that are the first to jump up and scurry off. Just not ethical.

like

Anyone else feel cautious about the JP wellness screening? Is this something they can use for drug testing? Even still it is weird giving my blood to my employer

like

Question for the married 🐠- Have you ever gone to couples therapy? If so, how did it work out for you? Did it help and do you now live your life happily ever after? Or did it just delay the inevitable and you are no longer in a relationship with your significant other? I’ve seen so many people go to therapy only to end up breaking up shortly afterwards and dropping some serious $$$

like

For those who have researched these things at length / spoken to doctors: if I’ve had children in the past and have had a chemical pregnancy recently, is there any point to sending my husband for a sperm analysis? E.g., his swimmers hypothetically must be at least kind of working?

like

I’m unstaffed for the first time this week, which means that no one wants to book me. Not even for BD. I have been crying all day and start having suicidal thoughts again.

like

I have adhd and take vyvanse daily. It helps a lot with work but I’m scared of how addictive it can be. Has anyone been through the same?

like

Anyone in Boston area need an accountability partner. I have always wanted to help people get in shape or at least build self confidence and body positive vibes. Not ready to open a gym yet but I’m open to changing one life at a time. 😊

like

Anyone else have days where it seems like your meds just don’t work? What do you do to offset those? This week has been a struggle.

like

Hey all, this could be excessive but I actually find the fitness side of things pretty easy, whereas the nutrition side is much more difficult to maintain long term. How would you all feel about nutrition check ins tracked with something like myfitnesspal? I generally tracks cals and protein, but find that if I stick to these I get absolutely ripped

like

Wife is 35 weeks pregnant and recently tested positive for Covid. Symptoms are mild to moderate. Doctor’s say no impact to baby if symptoms continue to remain under control. We are vaxed and boosted so not as worried about our recovery. More worried about the baby at this point. Anyone with similar experiences to share? TIA

like

Anyone have to retake their NIPT test? My results came back as insufficient quantify and I’m freaking out. I’m 11.5 weeks. Not a high BMI or anything so I’m worried something is wrong with my baby

like

More Posts

Can anyone give insight into interviewing at Uber? Specifically in their Internal Audit or FRM group? Uber

like

Does anyone know if there's a big salary difference between integrated producers versus creative producers? If creative producers are even a thing generally?
In Canada if that helps things.

like

What are M7 MBB recruiting timelines ? Considering applying right now to MBB, but if I get rejected I’m going to do an MBA, will I be blacklisted from applying for summer internships if I get rejected this fall ?

Whose got the best amex referral bonus to offer? Looking to apply for gold, but maybe platinum.

like

Hi All,
I am having 10 years experience in IT-Automation Testing. Being offered Lead Quality Assurance and testing analyst role and grade i .
Is this a lower grade as per experience?

like

Hi, I have 6.5 YOE in .net Full stack development
Having two offers Siemens 17 LPA fixed + 1.5 L joining bonus and simply healthcare 18 LPA fixed
Which one is better?

like

Absolutely the best Ukrainian borscht I've ever cooked.

Pictures are meh, but it tasted freaking divine. Served with sour cream and a garlicky bun ("pampushka") that was eaten too fast

Post Photo
like

Hi ,

Does IBM provides accommodation for lateral joiners?

like

What are people’s experience with eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee”? Is it generally fair t rely on?

like

Does BNP ISPL give welcome kit?

Kuch tareef kardo deloitte india ki .. I have heard so much negative that there is no wfb here .. planning to join this. Apart from salary what else benefits we get here like shift allowance and what about hikes ?

like
like

What levels can an MBB EM exit to for S&O roles at companies like Google? Rest of FAANG? Thanks! The level schemes confuse me (compared to titles)

like

What, exactly, are these Archive global creative "rankings" based on? I see people posting/humbled-and-honored'ing on LinkedIn and feel like posting that I'm the #17 CD/AD/Freelancer as ranked by both Better Homes & Gardens AND Cat Fancy Magazines.

likeupliftingfunny

Hi there -
I applied to an experienced consultant position at Bain and just heard back. Yesterday, I received an invite to a HireVue one-way interview to complete. Today, I received an invite for a coffee chat with a consultant. I’m of course going to do both, but the emails make it seem like they are almost two separate paths/disconnected processes. Can anybody offer some insight into each of these/the process?

like

What’s the salary like for a valuation associate position at a PE fund like Apollo? If the TC is 120k+ I’ll quit pwc right now

likehelpful

Reading any good books lately? Currently reading Present over Perfect

like

Thoughts about going back and forth between agency and in-house? Is it a good/bad idea? Is it even possible?

like

Not much happening in here of late, but thought I’d share what I’m doing with a week of US firm holiday. At an American Guild of Organists national convention in Seattle with a ton of really cool pipe organs!

Post Photo
like

Additional Posts in ADHD Professionals

Looking for a good playlist to keep me motivated this morning :( I usually listen to Ava Max or something #ADHD is real!!

like

I have tried absolutely everything I can think of to limit distractions during the work day and none of it has worked. Working from home has only made it 100 times worse because now I know there are other more interesting things to be distracted by all around me. What do you do to hold focus during working hours? What will get me to be able to work for longer than 35 minutes without getting distracted?

My boss assigns projects with unclear expectations and provides no guidance on how to achieve them.

I've asked for help, and, to avoid a long post, she expects me to figure it out. Perhaps you go through this too, but when I don't have a clear guide on completing big projects, it paralyzes me because I don't know where to start. On top of that, I have anxiety, so "it has to be perfect".

How do you approach projects when your boss plays the "guess what's in my head" game?

like

What types of work accommodations can help people with ADHD? I am starting to believe 35+ of having not managed my ADHD has really negatively impacted me in career growth etc. I'm realizing a lot of things about myself are because of the ADHD. I want better for myself and family but 1. I don't enjoy the same things forever 2. Imposter syndrome and RSD make me believe it's acceptable to start over in new places at low salaries. 3. Typical college won't work for me. 4. I also can't relocate.

like

Does anyone else struggle with dopamine fasting?

like

Any tips for organizing a bedroom, closet, dresser & bathroom? My teen has IADHD, and low executive functioning. Her room looks like a land mine. Clean clothes are mixed in with dirty, her desk is a disaster, she won’t let go of clothes she’s outgrown, drawers are open with clothes hanging out. A therapist said to close her door if we don’t want to see it but it’s more than that. She needs this important life skill & I don’t know how to help. Easier to organize w/o her but that’s not a solution.

like

Anyone have tips dealing with the adderall shortage? I have called +20 pharmacy’s in my area, and none of them have any ideas on when they will be getting more. It is beginning to impact my work

like

Anybody else inattentive type? What are people’s strategies for getting up and getting going first thing? I can be laser-focused once I get on task, but it’s a real struggle to start my day. Any tips?

like

So today was my first day on a stimulant (diagnosed as an adult), and everyone says its suppose to feel like *boom* magic, or normal (?) , I guess. Knowing that is figurative, what should I actually be expecting? I feel mostly the same, I think, though I came in and actually did started my work today. But I mean, somedays I do that...I just don't want to psyche myself out if I'm expecting too much. Or pscyhe myself in if I actually might not be experiencing what I should.

like

Hey fellow ADHD professionals. Struggling with my focus and memory/retention. I takes notes, make lists, and this helps with getting tasks completed. But, for example, I cant recall someones name that was just given to me, or the name of a place. Any suggestions?

Btw this group is awesome!!

like

Has anyone gotten to the point where it is physically painful to try and concentrate? Not sure what to do at this point; had Ritalin for a bit, but I adjusted in like 10 days before the benefits went away. Now I’m scared I’ll just keep getting worse

like

Has anyone tried lsd, shrooms, molly and felt some difference?I definitely think it always has some impact on me

like

How do you complete the last parts of slideware? Boring cleanup, numbers consistency, spelling etc (the ocd factors)?

like

Anyone had luck finding a good therapist who actually understands ADHD? Getting advice like "try taking a walk every day" and "practice these breathing exercises" is driving me crazy. I need actual solutions and shit, not just platitudes and internet worksheets.

like

ADHD medication with high Blood Pressure?

I found ADHD meds helpful when I worked in consulting in my 20s. I stopped the meds when I went back to school. Also have had High BP since late 20s. 15 years away, I am back in consulting and loving it, however my difficulties juggling so many projects/tasks is holding me back. I know I would benifit from some ADHD medication but my Dr won’t prescribe any with my history of BP (controlled with BP meds). Anyone else gone through this? Any tips?

like

Does anyone with adhd ever feel like they just can’t wake up? I feel so lazy but I want to be so productive. Also, lately when I take my medicine I can’t even focus on work just other things.

like

I just started meds yesterday and the change in my focus and attention to detail is mind blowing. My only concern is, just yesterday I had a tough feedback session with my manager around how I’m taking too long to complete my work, giving them anxiety around close deadlines. I’m new in the job (3 months in). Should I explain anything about my adhd to my manager or just wait for them to notice the change in me?

like

About to start Vyvance, when insurance approves the prescription… Traditional stimulants did not work for me. Heard good things. Fingers crossed 🤞🏽

like

Just discovering RSD after being diagnosed as an adult. I feel like SO MUCH of my life has been impacted by this and I just never had a name for it. At work if someone gives me negative or constructive feedback it can feel like a punch in the chest even if I know it's not personal. Makes romantic relationships so hard too. What do you do to handle it especially at work?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal