🧑‍⚕️Health Went to a neurologist today to test for ADHD

[RiskyStuff]

What kind of Ritalin is it? Is it IR or XR? Ritalin XR is highly convenient and offers a smoother ride with fewer spikes, whereas IR can be a bit overwhelming and may cause a significant crash if you don't take multiple doses throughout the day.

Well, seems like we have a user here.

If Ritalin isn't enough, then what is. Maybe double or triple ritalin until you start teeth grinding.

I remember taking it once. Someone offered IR version me for free to test.

Honestly it stabilized my head like a mood stabilizer, but with an awful crash. I'm sensitive, so it worked. It wasn't happy and jumpy like coffee, just calm and chill, yet I felt powerful, subtly ego-maniac without typical speed characteristic for stimulants.

I wrote more text than someone ordered and they said I did a bad job, so my impression about Ritalin wasn't good.

Of course I have strong ADHD symptoms, but it's only because I have mood disorder and so on.

Maybe I'll take more tests and get more diagnosis. That may equal more benefits in the future like free apartment from government.

In this text I went from Ritalin to full on analysis of my life. This is true ADHD here.

 

[roydan]

enjoy your happy pills

Not that happy. I feel kinda high if I'm honest, and I'm not the type of person who likes these things.

Had to sit through a meeting with my MS Ads rep feeling high. Wasn't fun, but at least I paid attention so that's something.

 

[RiskyStuff]

Not that happy. I feel kinda high if I'm honest, and I'm not the type of person who likes these things.

Had to sit through a meeting with my MS Ads rep feeling high. Wasn't fun, but at least I paid attention so that's something.

Pregabalin is happier, but Outlaw claims it's hardcore.

It makes dull things feel full.

Good for treatment of boredom, anhedonia, drive. Not for ADHD.

 

[2122Jumpstreet]

If you meet the criteria why are they having you take the moxo test? Is it a formality?

 

[roydan]

If you meet the criteria why are they having you take the moxo test? Is it a formality?

It's like different stages. You need to complete the initial questionnaire, then a MOXO, then another evaluation of everything with the neurologist.

 

[BlogPro]

I have my DIVA scheduled for today.

Went to a psych last week, and after the preliminary exam, he determined it for me. (My last diagnosis was in 2017)

He started my on 10 MG Methylphenidate (Ritalin for you guys).

The only noticable changes I have noticed is that my internal monologue (my voice in my own head) has completely gone silent. It used to be way up there. Making choices for me etc. Telling me to do things or not so them.

It's just gone!

Which is a very weird feeling for me.

The psych told me I'd need 40-60 MG for actually noticable improvements. But he'll wait for the DIVA assessment before going for it.

 

[Champagne]

It was just for the test, I got 5 pills to see how it worked.
U was told it wasn't the long lasting one, so I guess it's the IR.
To say that I'm not a fan would be an understatement.

Yeah thats not good. Maybe you should try half of the dose if its just for testing anyways. I have tried both slow release and instant release. I really dislike the instant release as well as they have a big crash and you would constantly have to take more to keep the same level. Not great.

 

[BlogPro]

So I forgot to update here.

I procrastinated on my DIVA (as is the norm with ADHD).

I called the psychologist office on Thursday and was told the assessment would be entirely online. For some reason, I am not big on virtual calls and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to build the initial rapport. (Or maybe it was just my ADHD being ADHD).

I still asked for an appointment on Saturday and was given a 2 PM slot. (I posted the above message a few hours before that).

I then messaged them asking how the online procedure (setup/link) etc. would work and got no response till 12 PM.

My incredible brain decided to use this lack of response as a crutch and effectively had me cancel the appointment.

I then spoke to the doctor and then found another psychologist, more local to me and well reviewed.

Then I procrastinated on two appointments with him.

Appointment 1 - Monday 5 PM

I could've reached on time but intentionally delayed and used that as a reason to convince myself to not go.

Appointment 2 - Tuesday 5 PM

I just called and said I am unable to make it. No excuse. No reason. No internal discussion either

//

Waiting has been an issue for me. I make plans to go visit someone and while on the way there I begin thinking about how they'll end. And when I'll be done.

Have been extremely impatient. (Which I was just told was a major ADHD trait).

So then I asked the psychologist for a morning appointment on Wednesday. He agreed for a 11 AM appointment, but then informed me that their parking is undergoing some repairs on that day and so I'd have to find someplace else to park.

On Wednesday morning, I almost used that as a reason to not go. But somehow ended up taking a cab.

The appointment was surprisingly good and easy. He spent a good part establishing a rapport. Took me through various parts of my life...

...and everything came pouring out.

It was extremely cathartic.

He took exhaustive notes and in the end handed me a DIVA questionnaire to fill and sent me to a private room/small office.

//

Got the report today and am 9/9 on inattention markers and 6/9 on hyperactivity markers.

Have a visit with my psychiatrist today.

And I fully intend to go. Because for the first time in a long time, my desire to feel better and deal with this is somehow bigger than my inherent procrastinating traits.

//

The silencing of the inner monologue (the one I spoke in my earlier message) was honestly eerie at first and now feels extremely blissful to say the least.

//

One thing the psychologist pointed out as I spoke was that I was very coherent and able to stay on topic when talking to him, which is not something that people with ADHD usually do. But I pointed out that I was on 10 MG Methylphenidate for the past week and my inner monologue was largely silenced.

Before that I would constantly go on tangents when speaking.

//

And now look at moi... Mister Chatterbox.

Just typing out this message has been cathartic.

Hope everyone and you @roydan feels better.

//

P.S - My psychiatrist is from the UK, is associated with the NHS and comes to India twice a year and takes limited patients. He's licensed to practice there as well as in India.

Totally irrelevant information, but I found it pretty fascinating.

 

[SilverClouds]

So I forgot to update here.

I procrastinated on my DIVA (as is the norm with ADHD).

I called the psychologist office on Thursday and was told the assessment would be entirely online. For some reason, I am not big on virtual calls and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to build the initial rapport. (Or maybe it was just my ADHD being ADHD).

I still asked for an appointment on Saturday and was given a 2 PM slot. (I posted the above message a few hours before that).

I then messaged them asking how the online procedure (setup/link) etc. would work and got no response till 12 PM.

My incredible brain decided to use this lack of response as a crutch and effectively had me cancel the appointment.

I then spoke to the doctor and then found another psychologist, more local to me and well reviewed.

Then I procrastinated on two appointments with him.

Appointment 1 - Monday 5 PM

I could've reached on time but intentionally delayed and used that as a reason to convince myself to not go.

Appointment 2 - Tuesday 5 PM

I just called and said I am unable to make it. No excuse. No reason. No internal discussion either

//

Waiting has been an issue for me. I make plans to go visit someone and while on the way there I begin thinking about how they'll end. And when I'll be done.

Have been extremely impatient. (Which I was just told was a major ADHD trait).

So then I asked the psychologist for a morning appointment on Wednesday. He agreed for a 11 AM appointment, but then informed me that their parking is undergoing some repairs on that day and so I'd have to find someplace else to park.

On Wednesday morning, I almost used that as a reason to not go. But somehow ended up taking a cab.

The appointment was surprisingly good and easy. He spent a good part establishing a rapport. Took me through various parts of my life...

...and everything came pouring out.

It was extremely cathartic.

He took exhaustive notes and in the end handed me a DIVA questionnaire to fill and sent me to a private room/small office.

//

Got the report today and am 9/9 on inattention markers and 6/9 on hyperactivity markers.

Have a visit with my psychiatrist today.

And I fully intend to go. Because for the first time in a long time, my desire to feel better and deal with this is somehow bigger than my inherent procrastinating traits.

//

The silencing of the inner monologue (the one I spoke in my earlier message) was honestly eerie at first and now feels extremely blissful to say the least.

//

One thing the psychologist pointed out as I spoke was that I was very coherent and able to stay on topic when talking to him, which is not something that people with ADHD usually do. But I pointed out that I was on 10 MG Methylphenidate for the past week and my inner monologue was largely silenced.

Before that I would constantly go on tangents when speaking.

//

And now look at moi... Mister Chatterbox.

Just typing out this message has been cathartic.

Hope everyone and you @roydan feels better.

//

P.S - My psychiatrist is from the UK, is associated with the NHS and comes to India twice a year and takes limited patients. He's licensed to practice there as well as in India.

Totally irrelevant information, but I found it pretty fascinating.

Bloody fuck bro, I delay doctors like this all the time... Relatable. Idk it's just that deep down I don't want to go, so.

 

[BlogPro]

Bloody fuck bro, I delay doctors like this all the time... Relatable. Idk it's just that deep down I don't want to go, so.

So with psych evals, it's a lot to do with the severity of things, the frequency of them and their impact and correlation and combination of symptoms.

Most neurotypical folks will also have some traits of laziness, or boredom (and therefore lack of attention) or even procrastination and burnout.

It's when these things cause executive dysfunction and actually begin affecting your quality of life, is when a proper diagnosis and treatment is needed.

 

[RiskyStuff]

Bloody fuck bro, I delay doctors like this all the time... Relatable. Idk it's just that deep down I don't want to go, so.

My brain is so scared of reality it barely wants to do anything. And I do certain things only when therapist or someone trusted tells me to do. Pretty hardcore! Living in constant uncertainty... doubt... suspiciousness...

 

[SilverClouds]

So with psych evals, it's a lot to do with the severity of things, the frequency of them and their impact and correlation and combination of symptoms.

Most neurotypical folks will also have some traits of laziness, or boredom (and therefore lack of attention) or even procrastination and burnout.

It's when these things cause executive dysfunction and actually begin affecting your quality of life, is when a proper diagnosis and treatment is needed.

Nooo, I don't mean ADHD. I have immune and other issues and tbh each time that I should probably go see a doctor I'd go into total procrastination mode... It's just deep down I hope I'll get better and won't have to go anymore hahahaha.

 

[roydan]

So I forgot to update here.

I procrastinated on my DIVA (as is the norm with ADHD).

I called the psychologist office on Thursday and was told the assessment would be entirely online. For some reason, I am not big on virtual calls and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to build the initial rapport. (Or maybe it was just my ADHD being ADHD).

I still asked for an appointment on Saturday and was given a 2 PM slot. (I posted the above message a few hours before that).

I then messaged them asking how the online procedure (setup/link) etc. would work and got no response till 12 PM.

My incredible brain decided to use this lack of response as a crutch and effectively had me cancel the appointment.

I then spoke to the doctor and then found another psychologist, more local to me and well reviewed.

Then I procrastinated on two appointments with him.

Appointment 1 - Monday 5 PM

I could've reached on time but intentionally delayed and used that as a reason to convince myself to not go.

Appointment 2 - Tuesday 5 PM

I just called and said I am unable to make it. No excuse. No reason. No internal discussion either

//

Waiting has been an issue for me. I make plans to go visit someone and while on the way there I begin thinking about how they'll end. And when I'll be done.

Have been extremely impatient. (Which I was just told was a major ADHD trait).

So then I asked the psychologist for a morning appointment on Wednesday. He agreed for a 11 AM appointment, but then informed me that their parking is undergoing some repairs on that day and so I'd have to find someplace else to park.

On Wednesday morning, I almost used that as a reason to not go. But somehow ended up taking a cab.

The appointment was surprisingly good and easy. He spent a good part establishing a rapport. Took me through various parts of my life...

...and everything came pouring out.

It was extremely cathartic.

He took exhaustive notes and in the end handed me a DIVA questionnaire to fill and sent me to a private room/small office.

//

Got the report today and am 9/9 on inattention markers and 6/9 on hyperactivity markers.

Have a visit with my psychiatrist today.

And I fully intend to go. Because for the first time in a long time, my desire to feel better and deal with this is somehow bigger than my inherent procrastinating traits.

//

The silencing of the inner monologue (the one I spoke in my earlier message) was honestly eerie at first and now feels extremely blissful to say the least.

//

One thing the psychologist pointed out as I spoke was that I was very coherent and able to stay on topic when talking to him, which is not something that people with ADHD usually do. But I pointed out that I was on 10 MG Methylphenidate for the past week and my inner monologue was largely silenced.

Before that I would constantly go on tangents when speaking.

//

And now look at moi... Mister Chatterbox.

Just typing out this message has been cathartic.

Hope everyone and you @roydan feels better.

//

P.S - My psychiatrist is from the UK, is associated with the NHS and comes to India twice a year and takes limited patients. He's licensed to practice there as well as in India.

Totally irrelevant information, but I found it pretty fascinating.

This is great, I got myself a prescription as well, now. Ritalin 20MG, but the slower one, not the version I got before. I'm still a bit stoned but I hope I get used to it over time.

 

[Champagne]

This is great, I got myself a prescription as well, now. Ritalin 20MG, but the slower one, not the version I got before. I'm still a bit stoned but I hope I get used to it over time.

The body does adapt to Ritalin, but it can take a few weeks. It's good that you switched to the extended-release version.

Check this graph out. It shows how SR and IR are released in the body. No wonder people can feel high when they take the IR version. With SR, you don't get that huge spike, and I also think the crash won't be nearly as bad.

 

[BlogPro]

Great info @Champagne - I just checked and I am on SR

Also @roydan I am sure your doctor told you this, but it's important to regularly keep track of your blood pressure if you're just starting on Methylphedinate

I have been asked to report if it goes the systolic goes above 160

 

[GhostofBobSaget]

I'm on Strattera (atomoxetine). Tried Adderall but it only worked for a few days, even with a doubled dose. With Stattera, it took 8 months of absolutely brutal side effects before I began to notice any relief, but it was worth it. The biggest relief came in the form of my depression being suppressed. My mind still races, but I'm able to focus when I need to.

 

[RiskyStuff]

I'm on Strattera (atomoxetine). Tried Adderall but it only worked for a few days, even with a doubled dose. With Stattera, it took 8 months of absolutely brutal side effects before I began to notice any relief, but it was worth it. The biggest relief came in the form of my depression being suppressed. My mind still races, but I'm able to focus when I need to.

You're crazy!!!

 

[roydan]

I'm on Strattera (atomoxetine). Tried Adderall but it only worked for a few days, even with a doubled dose. With Stattera, it took 8 months of absolutely brutal side effects before I began to notice any relief, but it was worth it. The biggest relief came in the form of my depression being suppressed. My mind still races, but I'm able to focus when I need to.

Bob Saget died?!?!?!

 

[RiskyStuff]

What do you think about caffeine, adhd folks?

I think it's the opposite of what we're looking for when it comes to control of our racing minds.

 

[SilverClouds]

You're crazy!!!

Suddenly you'll realize most people are or are disabled in other ways and they lead normal, productive lifes (of course within their limitations) and you don't have an excuse for being lazy ass anymore.