Q: Are there other therapies for adult ADHD that do not include stimulant drugs such as adderal? My job requires unbridled creativity and i have been told these types of drugs prevent creativity.
Jay
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
I can tell you, from talking with many adults with ADHD that some people feel medication for ADHD makes them more creative because it allows them to focus more intently on their ideas rather than being constantly distracted. Medication is very individual. How it works for you may not be the same as how it works for other people.
As far as other treatment, there are no alternative treatments that are approved by the FDA or backed up by scientific research. Your other choice would be to use behavioral strategies to manage behaviors that are interfering with how you work.
You might be interested in the following:
ADHD at Work
10 Coping Mechanisms for Thriving With Adult ADHD
Workplace Accommodations for Adults with ADHD
Please tell me more about specific areas you might be having difficulty and I will try to find some information that addresses that.
Eileen
Hi Jay,
I am also an adult with ADHD, and I have taken both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications myself. I am not a medical professional, but it has been my personal experience that the right medication at the right dosage does not hinder my creativity at all. I think it actually enhances my creativity and productivity.
Just my own experience.
Let us know how you make out.
Best of luck
Lynne
Jay,
I have found that my Adderall actually helps me be more creative because I can complete an idea. The Adderall has helped calm down my aniexty, so I do not have nightmares befor a project deadline.
I have found I have a better sense of time now and can do better at planning and completeing my projects.
I have heard people say it makes them feel different, but I have never felt this. I feel like I had been listening to a radio station that wasn't completely tuned in, so it had lots of static at times. The Adderall has allowed me to get that station tuned in and I can hear the music loud and clear. No more static.
Reta
Hello Jay,
I am not a medical professional. I was diagnosed over fifteen years ago and have been taking a stimulant ever since which dramatically helped me with my impulsivity and distractibility. It actually helped me put my creative ideas together and I found that the creative spark I wanted to develop turned into a bonfire that has been a great source of new ideas, writing etc. Of course everyone has a different response to the medications but most of the people I know who were properly diagnosed and chose to take the medications have done very well. Even if you choose to take medications I would recommend a coach to support you with understanding how your ADHD manifests and how you can develop unique strategies for capturing your ideas not to mention the amazing tools technology that have been created and support many of the professions that involve creative skills.
D empower
YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD. Thats a problem right there-as when someone says " they say,....."Who's they;them;etc. You have to try what U want and after U get ALL THE FACTS-then you'll get somewhere- not w/hearsay. As you can guess I use adderall and you cant' tear me away from a task or project with out completion to perfection. But thats me . Everyone will have different results-some good though!! Use the Creativity I know you have on researching this. All the best.-D
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Another well versed adult with ADHD informed me that the stimulants did nto work for him and reminded me of the importance of exercise which has been like breathing for me and my ADHD. Here's my response to his message which I hope will also assist you with your choices.
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I find exercise is one of the best things I have done my whole life. As Ed Hallowell says if we could exercise four to five times a day we would be fine with our ADHD. Unfortunately, we know how realistic that kind of regimen would be for any of us.
It was college sports that got me through the university academics before I knew I had ADHD; and when I got into the working world it was not enough. As you said "the stimulants don't' work for you. The research which I saw a few years ago indicated that the stimulants don't work for about 20% of the population. I fit into the 80 % that it does work and they have been helpful but the exercise has been very helpful as well. John Ratey's book will support us both with the importance if exercise as part of regimen for the successful management of ADHD.
D empowered