ADHD Symptom Diary

[Perekh]

Hi people,

I've recently been put on Concerta XL, and I'm looking to increase the dose. However, I also need to be able to monitor not only side effects but my day to day state of mind to give me a baseline to work from when I'm trying to establish if I am actually getting better or not.

Does anyone have or know of a dedicated symptoms diary for ADHD? My partner and I are in the process of writing one, but if there's an existing one to save us the effort, that would be even better.

Thanks for reading.

[Gettingittogether]

Just google adhd symptom list ...

These criteria are basically the same criteria used for diagnosing the condition.

I say tailor the list to your own situation, your own life. Think of your goals in life and think of what's getting in the way of you meeting your goals. Also, be open to effects that you didn't anticipate.

For example, on my list early on was an ability to make clear decisions. Pre ADHD diagnosis, I was so wishy-washy. I also noticed I could exercise more consistently. My brain could just get me to follow through on all sorts of tasks that I couldn't before. With the help of meds, I could prioritize, which was a shocking development. I do have to consciously prioritize, but prioritizing was never on my agenda before.

Other possible criteria:

How are you doing on your job? I set performing better on my job as a criteria. The meds and therapy helped there.

Exercise ... I started to get to the gym more frequently and more easily when on meds.

Just memory.

Working memory .. as in losing keys and misplacing wallet and all of that.

Ability to do things like get my car registration and inspection done on time.

Lateness. It took time even from starting meds, but I got better at getting places on time.

Just an ability to think clearly (this is part of the ability to prioritize).

On the other hand, you can also judge medication effectiveness as a whole. Do I feel my life is better?

I also noticed my energy was way way better.