Source
r/ADHD•
dmitchell184098

What is it like to be in a state of flow while medicated, is it different then being in a state of flow without it?

Questions/Advice/Support

I can be listening to music, watching a movie, shuffling a deck of cards, and playing two different games and still feel like it is falling just shy of the proper intoxicating feeling of all the stimulus. And I was curious if once you reach a state of flow if ADHD effects that at all and if anyone noticed differences while on meds-experiencing close to what it would be like for neurotypical people to be in flow.

Posted Apr 9, 2020, 2:17 AM UTC

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turtlezeverywhereADHD-PI•

I was writing a paper not too long ago which previously would have given me some trouble while unmedicated, it can take hours for me just to write a page. Usually the only time I get a sort of flow is if I waste so much time that I get overly frustrated or have a deadline not too far away. And even then it’s not perfect. Medication for me was like being able to immediately get into that “flow” without friction, and just continue the task. My quality of work is much higher as well I’ve noticed, and I can I can mentally take note of things much more easily.

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dmitchell184098OP•

God that sounds incredible honestly I can’t wait to try some medication once I live on my own.

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Corrupt_file32ADHD-C•

Not sure what you mean.

Zoning in on things is way easier while on meds, you can be more selective and control your flow more. And it's way more stable and harder to get interrupted by outside stimuli.

You are quicker to act and put pieces in place to maintain your flow. While unmedicated I often experience it's way more chaotic and pieces might fall in place more randomly.

And at the same time, granted that you have the right medicine and dose. It's also easier to stop doing things when you have to.

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dmitchell184098OP•

Oh that’s an interesting description thank you

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sideline_coach•

I can't speak to a comparison to the flow of a neurotypical. But the difference for me is that the flow state/hyperfocus is more intentional when I am on meds. My actions are more thought out. I actually have a "flow" instead of multiple tangents in a fixated state.

If you are getting productive things done in a flow state, the meds are working. But if you are just getting absorbed in fun things and letting your brain indulge in any way it wants, undirected by your executive function, then either the dose is too high, it's the wrong med or you don't really have ADHD. Not suggesting any of this of you, of course. These are just some speculations.

Oh. And another good thing I notice when I am in the flow state on meds is that my brain knows when it is getting off track or too absorbed on the wrong detail. And many times, it stops me from that. Hope this helps!

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dmitchell184098OP•

Yes thank you this was helpful. I was diagnosed with ADHD medically when I was 11, but was taken off medication after trying it twice. A lot has changed since then and I was curious how people’s average experience was different when medicated in this way. Thank you for your response!

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sideline_coach•

I'm sorry it wasn't working for you:( Have you tried different types?

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dmitchell184098OP•

I honestly don’t know if it worked for me or not my mom said it was like giving me a lot of coffee but I think that’s just because I was excited to get it and she is an anti medication/ antivaxer so I don’t trust her opinion per say and I’m going to try different types once I can as I’ll be on my own here soon.

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idontknowg•

My flow is easier to manage when on medication. It also feels a lot more clear and less frantic. I don't feel like I HAVE to know all that there is to know or HAVE to info dump. When hyper-focusing before I would often fall into rabbit holes when trying to do simple research for a paper. With medication, I have more control over where my intentions are placed. I can usually pull myself back from distractions. It is important to regulate medication doses though because I recently completed over a month's worth of work in an online college course in 12 hours without moving. If it feels obsessive and hard to walk away from then the dose might be too high. I cannot speak for the experiences of neurotypical flow.

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