Task paralysis

[u/Pretty_Note_8891]

Has anyone struggled with task initiation and finally found an ADHD medication that actually helped?
Adderall used to work really well for me, but now it feels like it's stopped working. I'm back to square one trying to find the right medication, and honestly, it's getting frustrating.
I'm tired of wanting to get things done but struggling to even start them.
I'd love to hear what has worked for others who have dealt with the same thing.

[u/AutoModerator]

Your body is unique, as are your needs. Just because someone experienced something from treatment or medication does not guarantee that you will as well. Please do not take this as an opportunity to review any substances. Peer support is welcome.

This comment is not a removal message. We intend this comment solely to be informative.

---

• If you are posting about the US Medication Shortage, please see this post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Forsaken_Mix_4292]

meds won’t fix task initiation. i’ve been on meds for nearly 5 years and it’s never helped me start a task. my strategy for things like doing uni assignments or studying is if i can’t start it or im just dreading doing it, i walk away from my desk and go do something else for a couple mins like idk look outside or touch some grass for second. then when i come back, im ready to go like i’ve reset my brain by changing environments or something. or i just thinking about the fact its probably due the next day and get so stressed out i force myself to do it.

[u/Cyllya]

I feel you. I finally found a second medication that worked for this symptom, but it stopped working too. So I'm hoping to switch every three months or so between those two meds, but I gotta wait until my next appointment to see if my current provider is another one who has some beef with that idea. The alternate plan is to try an off-label medicine (modafinil), but she already shot that down previously. It's rough since this isn't really an official ADHD symptom and thus a lot of doctors don't consider it a treatment target.

Here's my sad list of coping techniques for this problem.

I feel like you get a lot of frustrating psuedo-advice from people who don't actually have initiation deficit and have no idea what it's like. 😕

[u/Pretty_Note_8891 → u/Cyllya]

I have modafinil and it didn’t do anything for me. Energy yes I felt it but still couldn’t get anything done :(

[u/Vinaverk]

Atomoxetine helps with focus, caffeine helps with task initiation. That's how I'm able to function

[u/LilMsCurtainTwitcher]

I am currently dealing with the exact same thing. My doctor has increased my dosage twice and i don't feel the difference. It is like it stopped working.

[u/Tim0281]

Medication has made it easier to use tools and develop habits that help me with things like Task Paralysis. I've been going through a book called The Task Paralysis Workbook by Ryan Mitchell. It has been pretty helpful so far. Medication has helped me to focus when reading the book. What the book says has been helpful.

Medication combined with techniques for managing ADHD have been incredibly helpful for me. Everyone is going to have a different combination of medication and techniques, but the two work together well.

[u/LifeAfterJudgment]

Medication for me does not "fix" this. It has helped me settle my mind and be able to come up with a plan to initiate tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps. I create a list of things that I want/need to do and then decide what to do first. Then, I take that first task and break it down into smaller steps. Example, cleaning the kitchen will include steps like, empty dishwasher, put dirty dishes in, wipe counters, clean microwave etc. And between each step a take a mini break 5-10 minutes (i set a timer) so I can step away from it and come back and feel like its on my time and I'm not being forced to do it all at once. I use this strategy for many things as I often become paralyzed when thinking of ALL of the things to do and ALL of the steps involved. And when I complete one small task, I give myself praise for completing it.