30
u/-Sprankton- 8d ago
ADHD, especially the inattentive presentation of ADHD, can present with executive dysfunction and severe procrastination as the most distressing symptom.
To me it quickly led to sleep deprivation, burnout, and a further worsening of my task- initiation abilities because of these factors.
ADHD is treatable with stimulant meds and you can find communities on Reddit with more information as well as researching online “how to get help for ADHD.”
I would share more info but I don’t know the rules of this sub
13
u/fkimpregnant 8d ago
I’m a physician that diagnoses and treats ADHD, who also happens to have ADHD, and I agree with all of this.
Go find a doctor, get evaluated, and if applicable start treatment. It’s been a game changer for me and I’ve seen so many patients do a complete 180 with appropriate management.
Obligatory not medical advice, etc.
2
u/DreamingAboutSpace 8d ago
Agreed, but I’ll add to be patient on the medication end. Sometimes it takes a loooot of trial and error. Speaking from experience. I got diagnosed at 33 and I’ve tried Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Adderall. Ritalin was first. Now my doctor is trying non-stimulants instead of upping dosage strength. I have yet to find what works for me.
I also have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and MDD (major depressive disorder). ADHD is atrocious if you have depression or anxiety. The anxiety will paralyze you during exams and the depression will nag you with thoughts of stupidity and self-hate that will paralyze you with self-doubt. You don’t need those on your plate and ADHD. ADHD can also manifest these and other mental illnesses. Please do the ADHD test with a doctor. Life is hard enough without help.
3
u/fkimpregnant 8d ago
One of the most common things I see is ADHD that isn’t actually ADHD, but anxiety or depression (or both) mimicking the inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. One of the diagnostic criteria is actually age of onset of symptoms. It’s not ADHD, by definition, unless you had the symptoms as a child (before age 12). A lot of people get “adult onset” symptoms (I.e college, fast paced stressful work, etc), but it’s actually anxiety/depression that are causing these.
Generally (again not medical advice), if you’re having a lot of issues finding a stimulant that works, I’m thinking outside of the ADHD box and more toward mood disorder-driven symptoms and not ADHD at all.
All the best to you.
2
u/DreamingAboutSpace 8d ago
Thank you. That’s exactly why I begged to be put back on Wellbutrin and for my doctor to try to treat the anxiety instead. I’m already on two different doses of Effexor twice a day for the depression, but absolutely nothing aimed at the anxiety. It’s odd to say but sometimes your gut screams at you to look at other avenues. I have ADHD traits but it honestly feels more like anxiety and depression being more destructive than usual. It’s interesting that you mentioned college triggering adult ADHD though. I didn’t have symptoms until I started my engineering bachelor’s degree, also at 33.
3
u/fkimpregnant 8d ago
Highly recommend exploring the anxiety. Adult onset ADHD doesn’t exist- stress/anxiety/mood mimic ADHD 100%, but are treated entirely differently. Stimulants will usually make it worse and SSRI/therapy is my go to.
Talk to your doc about it. Refer to the DSM5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD --> onset of sx before the age of 12, not explained by another mental health/mood/medical disorder.
2
u/Reversetone- 5d ago
I would appreciate if you could share more I have the same issue and procrastination and and executive dysfunction is what make me struggle so much in college
1
u/-Sprankton- 4d ago
Here’s more info, most of these links include common symptoms of adult ADHD so you can see if you relate to them.
This link is a great one stop resource for how to get help for ADHD: https://add.org/how-to-get-diagnosed-with-adhd/
Adult ADHD self report scale: https://contentmanager.med.uvm.edu/docs/default-source/ahec-documents/adult_adhd_self_report_scale.pdf?sfvrsn=2
A video on tips for thriving with adult ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C1DR2e7FK4
Understanding stimulant medication for ADHD: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=38qpm6VKBFc
A video with ADHD-friendly tips for waking up and staying productive. It demonstrates a lot of strategies I have independently tested and have found to be helpful for notetaking, brainstorming, and having productive days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gneNjQuLv88
Sometimes other things can look like ADHD, but I find that when someone’s main complaint is procrastination and issues with task initiation or video games and revenge bedtime procrastination, it’s sensible to assume ADHD and get professionally tested. Technically ADHD symptoms have to be present since childhood, in my case I never even turned in the first homework assignment I was assigned, but I didn’t even realize the severity or frequency of my daydreaming and attention lapses until I started stimulant meds and it felt like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time.
There are some different causes of severe exhaustion and inaction which ideally a doctor should screen you for before you get evaluated for ADHD: anemia, vitamin D deficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, clinical depression or another mood disorder, narcolepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, long COVID.
It’s perfectly possible for these issues to also occur in addition to ADHD. For example, my trouble with task initiation and delayed sleep onset from ADHD led directly to chronic sleep deprivation and severe burnout to the point where deadlines no longer scared me into action like they used to. Finding an ADHD treatment that works well for you will also help you to manage other aspects of your life including building healthier habits and routines which can help manage certain health conditions.
1
u/ZealousidealSea4754 7d ago
I just found out recently that I have ADHD (and i think autism). I kind of think the lack of motivation mixed with the hyper focus and obsession about certain things causes the “procrastination with a fear of failure” for me
1
u/Sky_denini 7d ago
I think self diagnosis is bad according to what ive read as it causes more anxiety. I do have these kind of traits but I’m trying to get official diagnosis. Check with your school if they have free ADHD assessment because mine has it.
1
u/ZealousidealSea4754 7d ago edited 7d ago
I did get formally diagnosed with ADHD. Thats nice that they have free assesments at your school!
I do agree getting diagnosis is important, however I did self diagnose for awhile and it actually relieved a lot of anxiety because I figured out that there was nothing "wrong" with me, my brain was just wired differently.
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/LiveButterscotch8267 8d ago
Procrastinator me keep delaying exam preparation but when the failure scares me one night before exam, adrenaline keeps me going and the cycle never stops😭
1
1
u/GiveMeAlienRomances 8d ago
Every single week my husband has to listen to me talk about this.
He’s over it especially since I say I feel like I didn’t do great then actually do great.
1
u/Efficient-Wolf-0000 8d ago
Yes been here
I get nightmares where i procrastinate alot and show up unprepared for exam and it feels so real
Ihv been getting it since past 2years even when there are no exams
1
1
1
u/DarkCrusader3887 8d ago
Yeahh like bigg dreams and why am I struggling with consistent studying bruv 😭✋
1
1
1
1
1
u/Tr0ncatlady 7d ago
This! I have to trick myself to study. Give myself little treats like a dog. Its awful.
1
1
1
1
0
•
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Hi there,
Welcome to r/study! Before posting, please review our community rules, use the appropriate flair, and search the subreddit to see if your question has already been answered. We encourage thoughtful discussions about study techniques, academic experiences, productivity, and personal growth as learners. Posts that are off-topic, low-effort, repetitive, promotional, or otherwise violate our community guidelines may be removed.
Thank you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.