I’ve realized that I kind of rely on my periods of hyperfocus to complete things (when I’m able to direct it toward the right task). If I go onto medication, will I still be able to hyperfocus? As destructive as hyperfocus can be when it’s pointed at the wrong thing, it’s like a superpower when it’s pointed at the right thing. Sometimes I appreciate the periodic flurry of activity and inspiration.
I’ve been taking atomoxetine 60mg for a few months for my Inattentive ADHD so YMMV
I can still rely on hyperfocus happening, it can happen during the day when the meds are working and in the evening when they’ve worn off. Though when the meds are working it’s a far more productive hyperfocus.
But I have to aim my morning otherwise it ain’t gonna happen. Hell if I don’t aim my morning on a normal day ain’t nothing getting done that day other than memes, YouTube, and other social media.
The night before I’ll tell myself multiple times what I need to do in the morning.
I’ll leave myself a sticky note on my meds (I’ll try at least, I’m not perfect).
In the morning I will take my meds immediately.
I won’t open social media of any kind (most important and hardest (yes YouTube counts)).
I will start my playlist on my phone (it’s always queued, I just hit play)
I’ll start making breakfast.
I’ll talk to myself about the task I need to focus on for most of my morning eating (chanting to myself like a madman is most common).
And once I’m done with breakfast and brushing my teeth, I’ll sit down to start.
And usually by that point my meds are starting to do their thing and then I’m in go mode.
A day off is best because usually that means the only thing I have to worry about is the day ending.
If you have anymore questions for me feel free to ask.
oof. youtube counts too? That stings. that’s a huge to do list, so I’ll probably start a lot smaller but I really like how you’re basically leaving your future self a trail of breadcrumbs to follow from one task to another.
Oh yeah it definitely counts. It’s so easy to fall down a YouTube rabbit hole especially when the meds kick in mid video.
The breadcrumbs are necessary for me because much like data integrity, if it’s in one place it’s in zero.
And the designated distraction (my playlist) helps too because if I’m listening to music I really can’t get distracted very easy otherwise I’ll interrupt a song and I really don’t need an ear worm for my day.
Yes. Imagine more productive hyperfocus. I have been in love with the idea of becoming a computer programmer since I was a kid. I dabbled for basically 35 years until I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Got put on Vyvanse and ever since I’ve been actually building very specific utilities for personal use from the ground up. Feels good man.
Love Vyvance!
Ooh, why is your username red?
I’m an admin.
Yeah I still hyper-focus, with or without meds 🙂
I still hyper-focus on the wrong things, not on the work I have to get done…
Same here. Hyperfocus stays but you should get more control of it.
I take ritalin and in my experience it’s made my hyperfocus more efficient and in a way stronger, since the medication mainly gets rid of my executive dysfunction. Can still very well focus on the wrong thing lol but it’s made doing projects and in general existing waaay better
If it’s that easy to make go away, it wouldn’t be a problem, would it?
Don’t worry, your superpowers aren’t going anywhere. If anything, the newfound control will make it more awesome
In my experience it is still possible, and you can even get a bit more control as to what you hyperfocus on.
that’s awesome. if that’s true I’m sold. I spend a lot of cpu cycles trying to figure out ways to flip that switch on.
I can, and the stimulant medications have such a short effect that even if you don’t, it won’t be hard to return to being unmedicated as your default if you find it more helpful.
hmmm. so if the meds don’t last that long I could conceivably plan blocks of unmedicated time when I don’t have responsibilities… then I could use that time to let my mind wander or hyperfocus whichever the case may be. I appreciate the discoveries I make when my mind wanders, and I appreciate the creative things I can accomplish when my mind hyperfocuses, it’s just that neither of these things are conducive to existing in a modern society that’s constantly making needy demands. In your case, does a strategy like that sound pheasible?
There are long-acting formulations that can get you through a day. If you want a short-acting med then that’s your call, but I prefer a steady level of stimulation that carries me through the day.
On meds I have to make sure I don’t lose control of my focus. It’s the opposite problem; I need to make sure I don’t lock on too strongly, versus not being able to focus at all. After all, the underlying problem of inattentive ADHD is an inability to regulate focus appropriately. I find it’s a much better trade-off, mind you, but my point is that I no longer need to rely on this roll-of-the-dice “hyperfocus” state to kick in. Especially useful since I rarely achieve this unless there is a panic-induced deadline looming.
I’m usually able to just take my AM dose of instant-release meds. I can kick myself into hyperfocus, work through lunch (at least), and then do less intensive stuff in the afternoon if I’m burned out, or just continue with the hyperfocus session if I’m not. By about 2pm the meds have worn off but I’m in “productive” mode and I usually manage to keep going until 5ish.
The only real downside for me is I’m much less physically active this way - I don’t get up and wander around to chat with someone (if I’m in the office) or go for a walk to clear my head. So there’s definitely some physical activity debt that builds up when I’m medicated.
