News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by piperswe on Sunday July 21, 2024 @08:39PM (#41029806)
Caffeine builds physical dependence easier than amphetamine, AFAIK
Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by qingcharles on Sunday July 21, 2024 @10:04PM (#41030245)
Is caffeine strong enough to have any serious effect on ADHD? It barely touches my concentration difficulties.
Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by bluefirebrand on Sunday July 21, 2024 @11:16PM (#41030620)
I don't know if it actually helps, but for a while I was drinking so much coffee I gave myself ulcers.

I eventually got diagnosed ADHD in my 30s, and my doctor suggested that my coffee problem was a subconscious effort to self-medicate. I've been on stimulants for a few years and quit coffee easily (with some nasty headaches and such, but no real cravings)

I do still have coffee now and then, but only occasionally and only because I like the taste. I often stick to decaf when I do have it, too

Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by RoyalHenOil on Monday July 22, 2024 @01:19AM (#41031121)
It is quite effective for me, but I suspect that I am a slow metabolizer because even a small amount (less than a cup of coffee) can still have lingering effects the next day.

However, it does not affect me quite like it affects most people. I find that caffeine before bed helps me quiet my thoughts and fall asleep, for example.

Mind you, I have not been diagnosed with ADHD (I can't be bothered going through the process of diagnosis when I already have medication and techniques that work).

Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by anonymoushn on Monday July 22, 2024 @02:32AM (#41031460)
Yes, but you end up taking doses where the physical side effects are disruptive to your routine. If you have concentration difficulties, you should see a psychiatrist.
Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by Micanthus on Monday July 22, 2024 @02:40AM (#41031504)
I took caffeine pills to self-medicate before I got diagnosed. It was better than nothing, but nothing compared to proper medication. Taking enough caffeine to concentrate properly also made me shake a little bit, so not super fun
Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by icebergonfire on Monday July 22, 2024 @05:18AM (#41032335)
Compared to actual medication, no. It can help though… and that’s how you may unintentionally develop a pretty high tolerance for caffeine (200mg caffeine pills and energy drinks every day at sunrise).

Turns out I had ADHD and I had been using caffeine my entire life as a crutch.

Diagnosed in my late thirties, and although finding the correct medication and dosage that works is an ordeal… once you are there you realize you’ve been swimming with a hand tied behind your back this entire time.

It’s not a magical cure motivation-in-a-pill though, it requires you to do the work. It simply enables you to try instead of completely failing to attempt anything.

Re:The only doctor prescribed videogame for ADHD by viraptor on Monday July 22, 2024 @07:40AM (#41033283)
It works great once or twice if you don't ever drink it normally. It's way too easy to get used to though and it just becomes the new baseline.