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Does anyone else struggle with dopamine fasting?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rising Star
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.