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What to do for unbearable ADHD symptoms affecting my grades in high school?
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Mental & Emotional Health
Question #29491
185 days ago
492

What to do for unbearable ADHD symptoms affecting my grades in high school?

Client_321d6a

so ever since i entered sophomore year of highschool ive been experiencing this UNBEARABLE influx of ADHD symptoms and my grades have literally went from straight As to rock bottom within a single year and my mom just keeps brushing it off as lifestyle issues no matter how much i ask her to get an actual psychiatric appointment. My symptoms are: this physical restlessness that i need to do something new every little bit of time while my brain is just in an off dozed off state until something peaks my attention, and when that happens i just dont let go of it, and for the life of me i could never focus on anything if there are two or more sources of stimulus coming my way at the same time i couldnt focus on either all i do the entire day is just open up videos and mentally gaze into the abyss i dont even pay attention to the videos i just keep them on as background noise i have no motivation to do anything that i actually need to do and everytime im mentally dozed off time is literally just skipping by i dont even have a sense of time at this point and i could NEVER,EVER meet a deadline on time from how bad i am at keeping them i also struggle with remembering new peoples names etc... i have trial'd and error'd with almost every aspect of my lifestyle and even self-medicated with atomoxetine for a period from how unbearable this whole thing is, i constructed a whole dosing plan backed by research tailored for my age group and that included dosing wrt body weight and titration and so on and it did help with the hyperactivity and impulsivity but it came with unbearable nausea and appetite problems,plus bad mental health and it didnt really fix my brain fog. some mild stimulants like modafinil i tried and it did actually enhance my working memory but the peripheral effects it had on me were also too much.. im pretty much at a dead end and i just dont know what to do lol...

How long have you been experiencing these ADHD symptoms?:

- More than 6 months

How would you describe the severity of your symptoms?:

- Severe — significantly limits functioning

Have you noticed any specific triggers that worsen your symptoms?:

- Stressful situations

How is your sleep quality lately?:

- Very good — restful and uninterrupted

Have you discussed your symptoms with a healthcare professional before?:

- No, I haven't talked to anyone

How do you feel about your current medication experience?:

- It helped a little but had side effects

How is your overall mood and mental health lately?:

- Fair — some ups and downs
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Doctors' responses

Your symptoms strongly suggest a pattern consistent with untreated ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), especially given the sudden academic decline, severe inattention, time blindness, hyperfocus on random stimuli, restlessness, and difficulty meeting deadlines. The fact that you noticed partial improvement with atomoxetine and stimulants further supports this, but your experience also shows why self-medicating is risky—side effects like nausea, appetite loss, and mood changes need proper medical supervision and dose adjustment. This is not simply a “lifestyle issue”; it is a real, treatable condition that is significantly impacting your functioning. At this point, the most important step is to get a formal evaluation by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, even if it means involving a school counselor or another trusted adult to help advocate for you if your parent is not taking it seriously. In the meantime, try structured strategies like breaking tasks into very small steps, using timers (Pomodoro technique), reducing background noise, and keeping a strict routine, but understand that these alone may not be enough without proper treatment.

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Hello dear See you are a young male and definitely due to hormonal alterations these chances occur. It is not abnormalities but there is a previous saying that excess of anything is bad so only porn and masturbation will affect your health. Iam suggesting some methods for improvement Please follow them for atleast two months Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily for 5 months Do meditation Take good balanced diet for good health Engage in social media Indulge in hobbies like reading and writing Avoid overthinking Avoid junk food and alcohol/ smoking Set your goals for every day Hopefully improvement will occur In case of no improvement in 2 month consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity Regards

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It sounds like you’re facing a tough situation, navigating these ADHD symptoms on your own especially when it significantly impacts your academics and daily life. Addressing this effectively requires professional intervention and a potential re-evaluation of treatment options. Since you’ve already tried to manage your symptoms with self-medication, I’d strongly advise you to stop these attempts because self-medication can be risky and often leads to undesired side effects, as you’ve experienced. The next crucial step is to see a healthcare professional—ideally a psychiatrist or a psychologist—who can properly diagnose your condition and tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, assess how they impact your life, and develop a comprehensive management plan that might include pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both.

Communicating your symptoms and their impact clearly when seeking professional help is essential. It can be tough to get others to take your concerns seriously, but being persistent in seeking an appointment is crucial. It may help to enlist the support of a school counselor or another trusted adult who can advocate on your behalf. If accessible, consider reaching out to a local mental health clinic or community health service that may provide support even if your mom isn’t receptive.

Regarding lifestyle adaptations, maintaining a structured daily routine could help manage ADHD symptoms. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and use timers or alarms to keep you focused on tasks and help with time management. Limiting distractions by creating a quiet and orderly study environment can also be beneficial. Physical activity, regular sleep, and a balanced diet can positively impact your focus and cognitive function. If attending a support group or peer meeting is possible, it might offer additional strategies and support.

Remember, treating ADHD is often multifaceted. Any changes you try should be done with professional guidance, and not all solutions work immediately or for everyone. It’s a process that takes time, patience, and often a bit of trial and error under skilled supervision.

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