Hello

[Chicograd2015]

Hi,

My name is Christine and I’m 29 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 15 and put on adderall but then changed to vyvanse the next year but because of how it was making me feel I haven’t been on any since I was 17 which has been hard because of my lack of focus and concentration. But some of the side effects I thought I was experiencing was due to my anxiety and PTSD: both of which I was diagnosed with this year. And I have issues with how certain types of clothing and fabrics feels on me and I’m wondering if it’s because I’m not taking any medicine for my adhd and my brains just going, going, going; and it just eats so overstimulated. Has anyone else has this issue before?

[Blackedout]

I too have adhd. I was diagnosed when I was about 9 or 10 and went through many different meds but went off them when I was 17. I'm now 24, not on any adhd meds just other stuff for ifferent health conditions . I do however have a prickly sensation if I wear wool blend materials , can't for the life of me wear tight fitted clothes with tags I have to cut them out or they drive me nuts, and certain shoes and socks always makes the bottoms or me feet feel prickly like its stabbing me for some reason and it drives me nuts! Could never explain it!! My mom always said I was doing it for attention as a kid

[Chicograd2015 in reply to Blackedout]

I have the same issue I can’t wear tight clothes but I wish I could. And when everyone was gone this weekend and it was just me I didn’t have the issues with the feeling of the fabric of my clothes and my ocd was pretty calm. So I wonder if it has something to do with all the noise and my brain getting overstimulated.

[Birdwatcher19]

Yes, sensory processing issues are very real and very common with ADHD. I have a daughter who struggles with this (and I have some sensory issues myself). Occupational therapists can help with this, though I’m not sure how adults would go about seeking services (with children, they are typically provided through schools). You can read more in this article: additudemag.com/sensory-pro...

[IgnoranceWasNotBliss]

Yes. Sensory issues. They’re big in adhd. My family has a boat load of them! I had undiagnosed, unmedicated adhd for 40 years and can definitely say they got a little better as I got older and learned to manage my undiagnosed adhd better. But if something is going bad and my adhd was getting out of control, the sensory issues would exasperate. The worse the situation the worse the sensory overload. The 2 very much went hand and hand.

Now that I’m on medication, the sensory issues are WAY less of not gone when my medication is kicked in. At first, when my medication would wear off it would be like the flood gates opened. Lights got really bright, sounds got busy and louder, I would realize my socks weren’t on right. Now that I’ve been on the medication for a few months, even when the medication should be worn off, it’s better. I don’t know if it’s because the medication has built up in my system and is never really gone or if it’s because my brain has been getting such a good break that it’s relaxing a bit.... but it works.

If medication isn’t an option for you just do what you need. Don’t wear what makes you uncomfortable, avoid certain fabrics, wear loose clothes, wear sunglasses or slightly shaded glasses... whatever you need to help you function better. Who care what other people think. If you’re thinking more clearly by dressing differently, then I’d rather think more clearly.

Hope this helps.

[2000sunflowers]

Yes, I always feel overly sensitive to even just the slightest discomfort. I cannot stand working on my laptop when there is bright overhead lights above me...Idk why I have never heard of this issue before but it really bothers my eyes. I think meds really are supposed to help with that. Have you thought about trying a SUPER low dose of some extended release ADHD meds before? I know you said the meds weren’t working for you and that’s totally fine if you’re not comfortable with them. It’s just hard for me to picture my life without them, because even with them it’s hard to control my symptoms sometimes.

One thing that helps me is trying to keep my brain occupied by something else. I recently bought some fidget toys and those are really nice because they keep my hands busy, which distracts me from my usual bad habits (picking at my lip and biting the insides of my mouth, ew I know). I think there is always a solution that can minimize discomfort, I am ALWAYS looking for cool gadgets to help with mine (ie. posture corrector to help with back pain from slouching so much). Maybe you could try buying some really soft shirts to wear when you need to focus on work. Or moisturize a lot so your skin is super soft. I personally love wearing baggy clothes (with no bra because I can’t stand how tight they are), because they are SO comfy when I have to do work or really anything. Obviously you might not be able to wear the same things I do if you’re working at a job lol.

My point is that you can find something to minimize your discomforts, something to distract yourself from your discomforts, or take something to reduce your sensitivity to discomforts (ADHD meds). Maybe meditation could help also.

[2000sunflowers]

Oh and some other thoughts.

I am pretty sure vyvanse and adderall are both amphetamines, maybe you could try meds that use methylphenidate instead! Concerta is the first med I was prescribed and I was on it for 5 years before I switched to Adderall. I think vyvanse and adderall are both pretty intense ADHD meds, so maybe if you tried more low intensity options at a low dose that could help minimize that crappy feeling you got when you were on them. They also have some extremely short lasting options that could help your ADHD symptoms for an hour or two while you need to focus or while you feel bothered by your discomforts.

Meditation is all about sitting with all your thoughts and discomforts, and being okay with them, and at peace still. I just started it but Headspace is a great app that has so many options for what issue you want meditation to help you with. Anything from staying focused, avoiding temptations, and dealing with physical pain.

[Gymini]

Yes as things get blown out of proportion, I suggest goin back on adderall and what also helped me alot is eating good food not junk n back off the caffeine and sugar. I know it sucks at first but you will thank yourself later,I have!