I was "diagnosed" with ADHD after filling out a 9-question Y/N survey, then left with a prescription. I was psyched to get what I asked for, namely the extended-release amphetamine Vyvanse which I had taken about a week prior and felt like a god among men, but these days I just wish they hadn't prescribed it (and that I hadn't asked for it, in that order).
A few years later now, my intuition is that psychostimulants prescribed and/or consumed with therapeutic intent really do not address the core problems that Shire (et al.) claim to be medicating, at least in my case. For me, it's evident by now that I lack the discipline that others have to put mind over matter and work through a task. When I take stimulants, I do feel like I'm working hard and getting my work done. When the deadline approaches, however, I'm left with virtually nothing to show after N weeks of what I really felt was good work in the moment.
I was more productive—quite a lot more—prior to experimenting with stimulants. It really feels like I'm doing better work when I'm on the drugs, but all I've done by the end of the day is think consistently and with huge enthusiasm about a lot of things vs. inspired bursts of real productivity in between my old day-to-day of playing video games. At this point, I think more about whether I'm high enough to begin working than I do about any pressing matter at hand. I don't recommend it, but I suppose it works for others. Sorry about the rant.
A few years later now, my intuition is that psychostimulants prescribed and/or consumed with therapeutic intent really do not address the core problems that Shire (et al.) claim to be medicating, at least in my case. For me, it's evident by now that I lack the discipline that others have to put mind over matter and work through a task. When I take stimulants, I do feel like I'm working hard and getting my work done. When the deadline approaches, however, I'm left with virtually nothing to show after N weeks of what I really felt was good work in the moment.
I was more productive—quite a lot more—prior to experimenting with stimulants. It really feels like I'm doing better work when I'm on the drugs, but all I've done by the end of the day is think consistently and with huge enthusiasm about a lot of things vs. inspired bursts of real productivity in between my old day-to-day of playing video games. At this point, I think more about whether I'm high enough to begin working than I do about any pressing matter at hand. I don't recommend it, but I suppose it works for others. Sorry about the rant.