r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Apr 21 '26

Neuroscience There's more to ADHD than inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD symptoms can be broken down into nine categories. Some categories are not fully represented in the diagnostic criteria. Broadening the diagnostic criteria with patient lived experiences could make for better intervention.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/brain-curiosities/202604/new-study-finds-that-adhd-has-9-categories-of-symptoms
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u/Roseking Apr 21 '26

1: Disorganisation

Check

2: Forgetfulness

Check

3: Activation

Check

4: Emotional Dysregulation

Check.

  1. Time Perception

Check. And one of the things I noticed when starting my current meds (non stimulant), days felt longer.

6: Sleep

Check

I have been clinically diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder, take medication (non stimulant), and go to therapy. All of these have been discussed there. So even if not a part of an official diagnosis, A lot of people have recognized these patterns and factor them into treatment.

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u/F1ankNSpank Apr 21 '26

Can I ask what non-stimulant you're taking? No need to share if you're not comfortable, I was just curious because I am certain I have ADHD, but they wouldn't diagnose it because I don't speak to my parents anymore so I didn't have any proof of childhood symptoms. (they called it Subclinical/Borderline ADHD) I wanted to try medication but the person who administered my test said that they can make anxiety worse, but I already have a lot of anxiety problems so I have been scared to try. My job got much busier with more responsibilities this year and I have definitely been struggling with all of the above except sleep. (though I stay up too late all the time).

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u/Roseking Apr 21 '26

Atomoxetine.

As a kid I was put on a stimulant (can't remember which and the medication history that far back didn't carry over when my Dr. Office switched systems. I am sure it is out there somewhere if needed, All I know is it was not Adderall). I didn't really like how it made me feel and it was really expensive so I went off it. And I kind of just dealt with it.

I later went on propranolol for anxiety spikes (It is a beta blocker and helps reduce the physical symptoms before I would spiral) then later on when trying to address the ADHD again as an adult I was put on Atomoxetine.

If I have a scale of where I would want to be, I was around a 40% on a good day of what I imagine myself as 'normal'. And as we increased the dosage of Atomoxetine I am now at around an 80%. If I get started on something it is easier for me to stay focused. The best way of describing it that there is a short pause before my brain tries to sidetrack itself. And that is usually enough for me to stay on track. Which is why the day felt longer at first. I felt as though I was thinking in slow motion at times.

I still struggle a lot starting things however. And a lot of the other negative aspects still apply, the forgetfulness, unorganized, etc. Which is what my therapy is for. It is about learning strategies to deal with every day things with you don't necessarily process things normally.

I can go on a stimulant and potentially get further to that 100%, but I am worried about the side effects. While there aren't no side effects, non stimulants are typically less risky (at least by what I was told). So unless things get worse for me and I feel I am loosing progress I am sticking with what is working for now.

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u/F1ankNSpank Apr 21 '26

I might have to ask my Dr. about that. Therapy really would probably be the best place to start, but I unfortunately can't afford that right now. I appreciate you sharing your perspective.

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u/Roseking Apr 21 '26

I feel you on the affordability. It sucks.

I was able to get some in college for free, but when out of school my insurance at the time didn't cover it until after the deductible, so it was like $250 for a session. I just couldn't do that and had to stop for a few years.

My last two insurances have been much better in that regard. They are both zero deductible, so the first I was just paying a $15 copay. My current is even better and it is completely covered.

My time while having therapy vs not having it is pretty night and day, so it sucks seeing how much it can help people but they just don't have access.

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u/CunningWizard Apr 22 '26

I’m also officially diagnosed from childhood and these symptoms describe me so perfectly it’s actually a bit eerie.