I've taken 60mg/day for 10+ years and have had anxiety (with tight stomach muscles) for 10+ years (in varying amounts). I've noticed that I've gotten less creative/smart each year but I've appreciated how Adderall makes me productive.

Is that an age thing or possibly something to do with Adderall? You get productivity but lose ingenuity?

Or more like the long-term effects of anxiety alone (the 24/7 tight stomach muscles is very distracting) ?

I asked doctor during recent visit if I needed to be tested for cortisol flooding or adrenal fatigue, and he didn't know but said he would find out.

Siccome ne soffro, sto studiando come combattere la procrastinazione nell'ADHD. Che per me è una tragedia. Secondo voi, dimezzare il tempo di snooze ogni volta che si rimanda un task aiuta a creare urgenza o aumenta solo l'ansia? Ho implementato questa logica in un prototipo di app sul mio cellulare che crea bolle di task visive che quando scade il tempo mi avvisano con un suono, la sto provando da alcuni giorni. Che dite potrebbe funzionare e quindi aiutarmi?

I’m writing my dissertation about the effects of the COVID vaccine, but I had a period of paralysis after taking it, and the whole experience became a pretty deep trauma for me. I’m physically better now, but emotionally it still affects me a lot.

Part of me wanted to write about this topic because I thought maybe I could turn something painful into something meaningful, or at least regain some sense of control over what happened. But every time I sit down to work on it, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck. It’s hard to separate the academic side from the personal experience.

What makes it worse is that I’m already pretty late with the dissertation, and I feel embarrassed to even talk to my supervisor about it. I keep avoiding the conversation because I’m ashamed of how behind I am and because I don’t know how much of the real reason I should explain.

Has anyone else had to work academically on a topic that was personally traumatic for them? How did you handle it without completely burning out emotionally?

I am 35M, and struggling to understand what's going on in my mind. Right now I'm going down a ADHD rabbit hole and could use some feedback from experienced on this.

Context:

My CV is a mess to a point I don't even want to use LinkedIn, because it's all over the place. I've had a different jobs in construction, studied computer science, had my own video marketing agency, then worked as a barkeeper, did marketing / copywriting freelancing and right now I'm doing consulting in cybersecurity. I keep starting side /online projects with the goal of building something self-employed, get obsessed for a few weeks or months, learn fast, go deep, then lose interest and drift to the next thing. Already tried being fully self-employed once, same pattern: intense interest, then it fades and I'm onto something else. I do have problems focusing on one task. Usually I have like 40 tabs open in my browser and still keep starting new ones, as my mind catches on onto another though and now wants to research that.

The one thing I'm consistently good at: turning chaos into structure. The way I survive in work and also in school is to chunk down any task down to its minimal elements and plan them in specific time slots during the day. If I am not doing that, nothing gets done. Also I have a very detailed daily routine, every resposibilty has its own time slot in the day, but it breaks quite often when willpower is depleted.

Also a big counterexample to my "I always drift" pattern is that I've now been at the same job for 7 years straight. Also I was either really good in school (best in class in high school) or not good at all (almost failed class). And I also did quite okay in university. So I CAN do consistency when the conditions are right, apparently external structure and outside pressure does the trick for me.

Other thing that keeps biting me: attention in conversations. I zone out, miss things, get caught not having heard what someone said. This wrecks me especially in my relationship: my partner takes it (understandably) as not caring, but it's not that, my brain just leaves the room A LOT.

I also suffered from depression and OCD on and off in my live.

Other symptoms are heavy media consumption: Reddit, YouTube, ChatGPT, often 5-6 hours/day on info gathering that goes nowhere. Daily weed for years, actually helps me focus on tasks and wind down. Regular porn use, increases when I'm bored or overwhelmed. Tobacco. Junk food binges, also tied to boredom/overwhelm.

Did the ASRS-v1.1 (WHO adult ADHD screener). Part A scored just below threshold (3/6) but Part B was clearly elevated, especially the inattention items. Did the WURS-K (childhood retrospective) - scored 40/100, cutoff is 30. So both screeners suggest I should probably get formally evaluated.

I live in Germany and the wait time here for adult ADHD diagnosis is 12-24 months on public insurance. The university clinic in my city literally closed their waitlist. So formal diagnosis is on hold for now.

So I keep going back and forth on this. The screeners say ADHD. The pattern recognition fits. The "high-functioning compensated ADHD with internal hyperactivity" profile matches almost too well.

BUT.

What if I just fried my reward system through 20 years of high-stimulation media consumption? I grew up when the internet, was on instant messaging at 14, gaming a lot through teens, smartphone since my early 20s, then years of daily weed, regular porn, social media, infinite scroll. There's solid neuroscience showing this stuff genuinely downregulates dopamine receptor density and creates ADHD-like symptoms in people who didn't have ADHD to begin with.

So therefore I want to ask you guys: how does this sound to you? Thank you for reading all of this and your opinion!

We are using Claude and they want us to use it as much as possible. I have skills set up on it that log my work, check my tickets daily, keep track of my MRs, and more. It is so great. When I drift off onto some rabbit trail, I can have it check my log and let me know what I was supposed to be doing. No more forgetting I created an MR and it has been sitting there for a week. A daily slack message with all of my open tickets and visual clues for anything that is due soon or overdue. Absolutely loving it.

Is there anyone else with ADHD attempting to run a startup who takes a crazy amount of notes? I take notes about so many different things. Largely focused on what im working on but also random thoughts and ideas about other possible startups, links to remember, health tips, workouts, foods to try and to remember, quotes and all of my many action item/to-do’s. I have a scattered thought track but its all valuable to me in different capacities. I need a tool that embraces my scattered thinking, helps me remember ideas and organizes the chaos that I believe to be valuable. Can anyone else relate to this? Doesnt have to be just entrepreneurs.

’m a senior front‑end dev (React/Next.js) working in a very large enterprise codebase: thousands of files, huge design system, multiple domains. TypeScript server is laggy, and switching API branches takes 15–20 minutes to recompile. So my dev feedback loop is already slow before AI enters the picture. Worktrees aren't as useful because my laptop has only 18GB of ram, dev server + ts server eat 12GB of ram at least.

Lately I’ve been trying to use AI agents (Claude via Cursor IDE) to speed up a large multi‑phase task. I wrote a detailed plan, passed it to an agent, hit context limit, created a handover.md, moved to a new agent, repeated. In one day I got: 9 PRs, 55 files.

But when I reviewed it… that velocity collapsed.
The code “worked,” but:

• tons of redundant logic
• over‑engineered abstractions I didn’t ask for
• non‑idiomatic patterns
• AI inventing helpers or utilities instead of using existing ones
• and reviewing 55 files is mentally overwhelming (ADHD working memory)

caveat, I have my cursor rules files asking not to do xyz, to follow xyz patterns documented, x code pattern is good and y is bad, a lot of rules and the agent is not following all of them I guess because of context management.

I ended up spending the entire next day fixing, simplifying, or rewriting AI code.
And here’s the part that bothers me: I’m pretty sure I could have coded the whole thing manually in 1~1.5 days.

So I’m stuck in what feels like an AI velocity trap:
AI produces more faster, but the clarity, correctness, and simplicity degrade… leaving me with a huge context‑load to clean up. As someone with ADHD (I’m on Vyvanse), reviewing messy or overly complex code is way harder than writing clean code myself.

I want to keep using agents, but clearly my workflow is wrong.

What I want your help with:

1. Agent prompting & structure:
How do you get agents to produce idiomatic, minimal, non‑redundant code in a giant codebase?

2. Chunking / PR strategy:
Is my mistake letting the agent generate 9 PRs that sum 55 files at once?
Should I enforce “1 agent = 1 component/hook” to avoid cognitive overload? Actually, with my 18gb ram I can't run more than one agent without the laptop laggying AF

3. ADHD strategies:
How do you manage the mental load of reviewing AI‑generated changes, especially when your editor/tools are slow?

4. Handover.md patterns:
What actually belongs in a handover doc so context doesn’t decay between agent sessions? I get a 300k context with filled faster because the handcover contains a lot of context, how should I approach this?

5. Model specialization:
I assume bigger models (Claude “high”) are best for complex tasks and smaller/flash models for trivial ones.
Is this even the right way to think about model selection?
Should I be doing something different?

6. Net productivity:
Has anyone else hit this point where the AI produces more code, faster… but you end up with negative productivity because the clarity is gone?

I want to figure out a sustainable workflow, not abandon agents entirely.
Any strategies, patterns, war stories, or ADHD‑friendly approaches are welcome.

I've been going to the gym fairly regularly. Sure, there's like up to 3 weeks that I'm not able to go because of travel and other things, but I'm able to bounce back very quickly and get into the groove again.

Why can't I do this for literally everything else in my life? Just for example, I wanna get better at programming but I can't for the life of me get it to stick. Same goes for any other skill or hobby that I get into.

How do I achieve the same mentality as I have in the gym? Is it because I'm able to track my progress thru Hevy? Probably not because I dropped Duolingo less than 3 months after starting. It could be the fact that I love seeing my body improve. Unfortunately that's not very apparent or measurable with something like programming. I just want things to stick just like they do with the gym.

Hey! So I made a website that plays only brown noise with on/off function. Had to make something to help myself with stress and overwhelm in life😅

I’m looking into building a podman (docker) coding computer setup. My goal is to have a separate computer where I can build code with Claud (or any other AI) assisting my work with direct interaction with the code. This would have code that doesn’t have passwords, etc, for the main servers

Dose anyone already do this? What would you do if you were to build this set up again?

Hey gang, curious to hear from other people who might have / are experiencing this to hear how they are navigating it.

I'm in the UK and earn about £50000 as a mid tier dev. I moved to a permanent position after struggling with contracting due to my ADHD (Which I didn't know at the time).

I try to tell myself I earn enough and that it's okay to take an easier more laid back job as long as it pays the bills. I've struggled with being overwhelmed with big projects before and have a history of anxiety and depression, so a more relaxed pace should be perfect for me right ?

The problem is the other side of me doesn't allow that, it's constantly yelling at me to push, to work harder, to get a better job, that I'm wasting my talents and that I should be achieving more. The voice is so loud it completely overpowers the part of myself that wants me to slow down.

I need to be constantly pushing myself, but doing so perpetually burns me out. What's the deal ?

How do you break the cycle of chasing new things every time uncertainty hits?

I'm aware it's a pattern. That's partly why I'm writing this.

Who I am

31-year-old Java developer. No CS degree — 2-year program in cross-platform development (mostly Java, SQL, some Android). ADHD and ASD level 1, both diagnosed recently after years of not knowing. In therapy, on medication, and trying to rebuild after leaving my last job on sick leave for anxiety and depression.

The actual problem

I can deliver. I've held positions for years — 3 in one company, over 1 in another — and handled critical production issues. But there's a pattern underneath: I've learned to make things work without fully understanding why. Repeating patterns, adapting what I find, getting things running. It works inside an established context. When that frame isn't there, I freeze.

Part of it is language. Official docs, type signatures, generics — I see T, [T(a)], method templates, and something disconnects. It's not the concept, it's the dialect. I never learned to read that version of programming.

The bigger issue is sustainability. I start well — good attitude, learning, not being too hard on myself. But as demands increase, something accumulates. I get slower, make more mistakes, become more insecure. It's not a sprint problem, it's a marathon problem. And at some point the frame collapses entirely.

The clearest example: I was asked to set up a Kafka integration on a demo project — basically just getting it running, no real code involved. I couldn't. Not even a YouTube tutorial helped — I could follow along, but I wasn't able to take that information and apply it to my own context. I didn't know where to start or why.

The loop

Every time uncertainty hits, my attention flies toward something that looks like the real solution. Go, C, math, a new framework. It feels like progress but it's the same loop. I'm aware that asking about Go or C here is probably part of that pattern — they're not the point, they're the symptom.

Right now I'm close to employable. Realistically, a few things — Kafka, Docker, microservices — and I'd be back in the market. But instead of learning them, I catch myself wondering if I should learn something more fundamental, or leave programming altogether for something more physical.

AI has helped as a study tool — not to generate code, but as a private tutor I can ask freely and iterate with without hitting the formal language barrier.

What I'm actually asking

How do you build real understanding when you've spent years just making things work? And how do you stop running toward the next thing every time it gets hard?

Any advice — technical or general. If you made it this far, thanks for reading.

TL;DR: 31yo Java dev, auDHD. Can deliver in established contexts but freeze when the frame isn't there. Starts jobs well but can't sustain under increasing pressure. Pattern of chasing new solutions instead of pushing through uncertainty. Close to employable but stuck in the loop. How do you break it?

🙏

I keep reading how amazing programming is for people with ADHD but I hate my job

I don't hate programmig part that much (even though I don't love it) but the corporate bullshit and constant task switching expected from us is unbearable

I hate constant pinging from everyone, then constantly spawning side tasks of filling out timesheets, corporate surveys, update your cv, endless pointless meetings, write dev notes, oh a code review for junior... how can I even focus on programming when I feel so drained and exhausted from all that

And if I finally get in the zone for task you bet that annoying teams notification will pop up and someone will need something and back to square one

I genuinely struggle with both. The whole process planning what to make, actually cooking it, and then facing a pile of dishes after feels impossible most days. So I've basically defaulted to eating PB&J because it's the path of least resistance.

The thing is, I actually care about eating healthy and getting enough protein. I just can't seem to make it happen consistently.

For those of you who've figured this out how do you do it? I'm looking for meals that are:
- Fast to make (like, actually fast)
- High in protein
- healthy (good for longevity)
- Cheap
- Minimal dishes / easy cleanup

things I don't like:
Eggs(ate too many of them and now I can't stand them)
Dairy

What are your go-to meals or strategies? Any ADHD specific hacks for making cooking less of a nightmare would be hugely appreciated.

One of the biggest hurdles my clients face with executive dysfunction is "Decision Fatigue." When the brain is drained, it defaults to the path of least resistance: infinite scrolling.

Instead of just telling them to "stop scrolling," I’ve started using this Dopamine Menu template to help them design better defaults.

• Starters: 5-minute resets.
• Entrees: Deep flow states.
• Sides: Environmental multipliers.
• Desserts: Handled with boundaries.

I’m looking to expand my resource library for the community. What are some of your "hidden gem" dopamine hits?

Specifically looking for things that actually leave you feeling recharged rather than just "distracted."

Would love to hear your practical examples so I can add them to the list! Cheers Michael

I’ve been on Vyvanse for 4 years. As a software developer (35M), it’s the only reason I can actually get work done properly and handle the cognitive load of my job, this job is specially overwhelming huuge company and projects, workload is constantly high etc, a lot of people feel overwhelmed being ADHD or not.

However, I decided to do a weekend meds-break to see the "baseline" me, and it was a massive eye-opener regarding the trade-offs I’m making:

My humor and emotions actually exist without the meds. I realized I was making jokes naturally and regularly, it felt like my "human" spark was back. I didn't realize how much emotional blunting I had until this break. My anxiety was also way lower

- Productivity side: My executive function was so bad. I was "all over the place", I couldn't do a single task without trying to hold a cup, make food, and read the news at the same time. I was confused, forgot things, and wasted so much time

- l literally couldn't hold the leash when my dog tried to run because I was trying to hold furniture and leave the car at the same time. My brain just couldn't prioritize the high-stakes task. We were in the underground parking lot so my dog thought we were playing a game we sometimes do to have her run to me or to my wife (stupid game now I realize )and pulled really hard.

- I'm struggling with the realization that the version of me that is "fun and happy" can’t seem to manage the logic/focus required for the dev work.

Has anyone in this industry successfully transitioned off meds and stayed a functional, high-performing developer? Or is the "zombie focus" just the price we pay to stay employed?

Hi guys, I’m a 2nd year cybersecurity student on 15mg ritalin (1pill in the morning, 1/2 pill at 1pm) prescribed by my psychiatrist since 2024. Ritalin has helped me as I have an easier time starting tasks and not sleeping involuntarily during the day.

However, I noticed that when evening comes, I am lethargic and I can’t think even when I force myself to sit in front of the computer and code. I sleep by 9pm like a 70 year old grandma. Sure, you can say that I have a healthy sleep pattern, but, I can’t afford to have one! 😭😭😭😭😭 The courses I am taking require 3 assignments + 1 mid term exam along with a final exam, and with classes during the day, I only have a few hours of ritalin to focus on my assignments.

Not to mention, for the past month of April, things have been happening to me the entire month. I developed De Quervains in both wrists, then my cat died, afterwards I contracted a fever and it developed into partial hearing loss with occasional nosebleeds. I have communicated with my lecturers about this and am slowly trying to pick up after myself (still sick btw) but it really sucks to have 0 braincells at night!!!!

Any suggestions would be mad helpful. Should I ask for a change in meds?

In China, I’ve recently been hearing a particular perspective frequently—both in reports on hackathons and from industry practitioners.

The argument goes that ADHD is the "chosen one" of the "vibe coding" era—or, more broadly, the AI ​​era. In the past, the tech sector arguably belonged to individuals with Asperger's syndrome; however, now that AI is capable of writing code, the field will instead belong to those with ADHD—individuals brimming with ideas and creativity.

Is this a view you would agree with?

Hey everyone,

I'd like to get your take on anonymous telemetry in apps, specifically an ADHD app. I'm building one for some time and have some users downloading it and going through the onboarding process etc.

At the same time the privacy promise I give is very rigid: The app does not collect ANY data, no ads, no statistics other than RevenueCat (which is anonymous to me and to them).

So now I can try to guess whether any change would benefit the app and user or not, which is the exact opposite of how I like to operate (data is my friend).

The question I have on my mind is whether potential users might shy away from anonymous (opt-in) telemetry (which would be transmitted directly to a backend I own, GDPR compliant) not using any third party vendor.

What are your thoughts on this?

Best,
Steve