I was diagnosed with ADHD in my early twenties. Like many, I was prescribed medication to help manage the symptoms. Initially, the effects were remarkable; I experienced increased focus, productivity in my corporate job, and a generally more manageable life. However, I soon began experiencing a range of side effects—insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, and significant mood declines as the medication wore off.

 

My psychiatrist recommended various dosages and release formulations. When the side effects continued, he then prescribed an additional medication to counteract them, but this new medication induced sleepiness and sluggishness. This, in turn, affected the efficacy of the original ADHD medication, prompting yet another prescription to address the drowsiness.

 

Eventually, I found myself on a complex regimen of medications that had varied effects throughout the day. I started to lose a sense of who I was.

I distinctly remember noticing a metallic taste on my way to work, which I learned was attributed to the high volume of medications affecting my sense of taste.

The breaking point came when my NHS doctor refused to prescribe the medication regimen suggested by the private practitioner. He expressed concerns about the long-term impact of such a combination, stating he had never encountered such a list before.

 

At no point did I engage in talking therapy to help navigate this complex psychiatric process, as I was unaware of psychotherapy as a treatment for ADHD. With limited personal knowledge about medication and unable to afford ongoing private consultations, the medication changes were discussed only in brief email exchanges.

 

Ultimately, I discontinued all medications. For me, the negative side effects outweighed the benefits, which primarily consisted of maintaining focus in a job I was not suited for. Some of my ADHD clients also pursue medication to sustain jobs requiring full days of consistent focus at a computer. Some only take their medication on workdays. I am concerned that we are becoming a society dependent on medication to fit people into unsuitable careers.

 

It is important to acknowledge that many people significantly benefit from ADHD medication. My experience does not reflect the experiences of everyone diagnosed with adult ADHD. Despite my own journey, I am committed to increasing access to ADHD treatment. However, medication is not the only solution. My case illustrates how medication can sometimes hinder more than help.

What ultimately benefited me was psychotherapy. Initially skeptical about how talking could manage my ADHD symptoms, I found it revelatory. It enabled me to better understand myself, uncover underlying behavioral and cognitive patterns, and address their roots. I learned practical strategies to navigate my world without relying on medication.

Even if the medication had been effective for me, I believe psychotherapy would have been invaluable alongside it, at least to track progress and monitor the significant chemical changes occurring in the brain.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is about finding what works for each individual. For me, psychotherapy was key. My experience inspired me to specialize in ADHD psychotherapy after training.

I am careful not to let my personal response to medication dictate my views on the journeys of others, as many clients thrive on the medications that did not work for me.

Nonetheless, incorporating psychotherapy can only be beneficial. Many psychiatrists I consult with agree that talking therapy should accompany medication. Ultimately, it is about providing comprehensive ADHD treatment tailored to individual needs while raising awareness of the profound benefits of psychotherapy in managing symptoms.