How can someone with ADHD avoid harmful mindless activities?

Question

If you have ADHD or know about it, maybe you can help. I tend to hyperfocus A LOT. Even when I'm tired. Problem is that I feel the need to hyperfocus even if I'm tired. What I do is surf the web since it offers a paradoxical situation: you can hyperfocus while surfing it, but you don't need much mental effort to absorb the information--perfect when my mind is too tired. Some people can zone out on TV to relax, but that's too passive for me--I can't just sit back and watch; makes me toofidgity. But I'm hurting my hands and not getting the rest I need. Any strategies to channel the need for FOCUS despite being mentally/physically tired so I don't damage myself? (I'm prescribed adderall which is great for not spacing out, but doesn't help my compulsion to focus). Any new meds or therapy or suggestions for me to try.

Answer 1

Yes, its not uncommon for those with ADHD to hyper focus but that's a typical symptom when ADHD is untreated or the medication isn't totally effective.. The role of ADHD medication allows you the ability to focus as it eliminates the high level of dis tractability, unlocks your potential and if you are seeing maximum benefit from the medication you shouldn't be hyper focusing. Perhaps your not on the right medication or dose. There are many other stimulant medications that could be tried as the response to these medications is very individual with regard to the right medication and the right dose. There is not one better than the other. Effectiveness is based on how well the individual responds.

I suggest you discuss this with your doctor because it sounds like you might be seeing slight benefit but your not seeing maximum benefit if your hyper focusing.. The dose might have to be tweaked or perhaps changed

Answer 2

Have you ever experienced a power outage during a storm? Then, when you have only candles to rely on, have you wondered what people did with themselves when there was not such opportunity to "overuse" electrical equipment? In fact, just recenly during a power outage it was apparant that without all of this, sometimes you just have to "relax", when only candles light the room and you can't see anything well enough to participate in activity. Try having a "candles only" night one or two times per week a couple times. See what happens. Force yourself to actually unplug or otherwise disconnect the computer, T.V., etc. and see what happens. No lights, either. Then (when you do have the computer running), try doing an online search for "food allergies and ADHD, or "food intolerances and ADHD" or "candida and ADHD." This may seem far too obscure for the intelligent side of an ADHD sufferer. But if you are willing to make yourself open to new and unique strategies, as I would venture to belive is a part of your key nature, you at least should do the reading. If you could control your ADHD without medication, even partially, would you make that choice? Would you do things that took extra effort in the first place, in order to feel like "yourself?" Well, this is just rambling at this point, so try the search, and then buy some books that take the discussion further. I don't know all of the titles, but one which I do know explains the theories thoroughly (ingnore the use of the word "child" in the title, which can be replaced with "totally intelligent, aware adult") is called: "Allergies and the Hyperactive Child," by Dr. Doris Rapp, used books, online stores. I know there are other titles and authors, but this is simply the one I happened to read. Well, there you have it: two new things to try, and they are relatively low-cost to almost free. Hope you find your answer, but time to become educated in more than just doctor-professed attitudes. Do you think your "compulstion to focus" is more likely your inability to "turn things off" in your mind, body? Hope you find your answer and are able to finally focus on the abilities you actually possess.

Answer 3

On the Internet, as you've learned, as have I (and I have never had an ADHD diagnosed), anyone can either hyperfocus or its opposite, "surf".
I have found that this is the exact same pattern as in "normal outside life": some people stick to one thing too long, to exclusion of other things they should be attending to, and others (and you and I prob know many), "surf" in life: they run around from one errand, activity, trivial job task, to another, focusing on none, but seeming to "get a lot of things done".
It seems you're calling "surfing" "overfocusing". But if you read the above, see if it makes sense, and we can go from there as to what people can advise you...will prob be good advice for all of us who do the same thing, at least sometimes! Good Luck!

Answer 4

My son had full blown ADHD and Tactile defensiveness. It was a nightmare for us all. What seemed to have done the trick for him was music. He played music all the time when he could. Good luck in your quest for help.

Answer 5

either 2 or 3 of my boyfreinds brothers have ADHD so i know how they act. one of them does gardening and DIY ive noticed that this has really helped him alot as when he is oppupied he is fine. the other takes sleeping tablets which calm him down and once he has had a nap is back to his usual self. i hope these ideas help slighty.

Answer 6

My son is on concerta seems to work much better that the adderall. he also has a medication he takes at night to help him sleep. Talk to your doctor.

Answer 7

walk alot to ease you up