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

Question #29491

45 days ago

123

What to do for unbearable ADHD symptoms affecting my grades in high school? - #29491

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

Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

45 days ago

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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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

44 days ago

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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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

43 days ago

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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