Ask HN: ADHD – How do you manage the constant stream of thoughts and ideas?

Hacker News Discussion ↗

Understanding ADHD vs. “Founder Brain”

  • Several people urge getting a formal diagnosis; self‑diagnosis is seen as unreliable and overlapping with other conditions (e.g. bipolar, autism, APD).
  • One commenter notes there is no “late‑developing ADHD” in medical criteria; symptoms must exist in childhood, though adult diagnosis is common when environments change.
  • Others argue OP’s description could just be high curiosity / internet‑shaped attention rather than ADHD.
  • Some push back on romanticizing ADHD as a “founder superpower”; emphasize it’s a disorder that can seriously damage life and relationships.

Medication: Strong Support, Some Skepticism

  • Many describe stimulants (Adderall/Vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate/Concerta, atomoxetine) as life‑changing, making thoughts manageable and enabling tools/systems to finally work.
  • Others note meds help but are not a cure; maybe remove 25–50% of the difficulty.
  • Some are wary of amphetamines’ long‑term effects or side effects and prefer non‑stimulant meds, supplements, or caffeine.
  • A minority strongly discourage amphetamines and prefer “safer” options (ginseng, diet changes), or simply avoid meds altogether.
  • Practical caveat: ADHD meds/diagnosis can complicate becoming a pilot or joining the military.

Brain Mechanics, Sleep, and Meditation

  • One detailed comment explains ADHD as poor regulation of the Default Mode Network (intrusive mind‑wandering during tasks).
  • Focused‑attention meditation is framed as “reps” training the DMN/task‑positive toggle.
  • Sleep is repeatedly called foundational; ADHD symptoms worsen sharply with poor sleep.
  • Exercise (running, lifting, cardio, walking) is widely endorsed for mood, clarity, and focus.

Systems, Tools, and Environment

  • Strong theme: externalize everything—ideas, todos, commitments—so the brain can let go.
    • Methods: text files, journals, GTD, org‑mode, Todoist, Notion, simple wikis, sticky notes.
    • Key properties: ubiquity, simplicity, quick capture, trusted review (daily/weekly).
  • Many emphasize environmental design: minimal visual/technical clutter, specific “work only” spaces, stable routines, time‑boxed blocks for key tasks.
  • Some prefer strict reduction of tabs and inputs; others lean into fast context‑switching but build powerful search/navigation workflows.

Managing the Idea Firehose

  • Common pattern: write down every idea, then later triage into: do now, project, habit, someday/maybe, or discard.
  • Scheduling “side‑quest time” or creative blocks helps satisfy novelty cravings without derailing core work.
  • Reframing thoughts as “arisings, not commands” reduces the compulsion to act on every micro‑idea.

Switching Off and Rest

  • Many struggle to “switch off”; brains keep running even off the clock.
  • Strategies: physical hobbies (running, biking, skating, knitting, games), nature walks, music, noise‑canceling headphones, app blockers.
  • Some use weed or alcohol; others warn it can backfire or become self‑medication.

Acceptance, Context, and Partnerships

  • Several embrace ADHD as double‑edged: intrusive noise plus genuine creativity and entrepreneurship.
  • Success often comes from pairing with people who are strong at execution/maintenance.
  • Theme of acceptance: you will never become “neurotypical,” but with meds, systems, sleep, movement, and good partners, you can function well and even thrive.