[hgibbs]

Really? I think it gives me an advantage with respect to my peers.

Can we really say that it is a brain disorder? All that we know is that people with ADHD don't fit into the cultural definition of normal, but that doesn't mean that the definition of normal is correct or that not being normal is a "disorder". How do you know it isn't just a slightly different model of cognition that suffers at some tasks but excels in others. Humans are very good at detecting errors, such as ADHD caused impairment, but not very good at quantifying or detecting potentially positive effects of something like ADHD.

[falcolas]

After 35 years undiagnosed, I feel quite confident when I say there is no upside. Only lots of "if only I had known, I could have finished college", or "if only I had known, I would be the person running this company"...

I didn't know, and so I struggled mightily against myself to get to where I am today. In the few months during which time I have been medicated, I have made more career progress than any 5 other years prior.

[astazangasta]

"I took a drug and it had a nootropic effect" does not mean you had a brain disorder. What they give you to treat your "disorder" is amphetamines. Lots of people on Wall Street are enhancing their performance with cocaine. I'm sure this results in plenty of career progress - more energy, more confidence, etc. This does not mean they had a disorder beforehand.

[jotm]

I believe it is a disorder if it (severely) impairs your life.

We only get half a decade of productive life, if something that makes us piss away that time is not a disorder, well then wtf is it?

[astazangasta]

This is like saying not knowing group theory or being a loud asshole who people have trouble getting along with is a disorder. These are also things that can be improved, possibly with the help of drugs. They are not disorders.

[therobot24]

I don't. I often feel very bound to the 'operating hours' of the medication while friends can just start working at seemingly any time they want. If i take another pill there's no way i'm getting any sleep, but i still want to finish something up before calling it a night. It's just a constant struggle.

At this point i'm writing up my thesis, where tracking down, interpreting, and coherently organizing old notepads/napkins, papers, and result files is a full time job. If i want to keep my health (to actually sleep) i really only get 9-10 hours while the remaining 8 are anxiety that it's not getting done or frustration that i can't push out pages at any reasonable pace.

[hgibbs]

Your right. There are a lot of things that I struggle with, but over the years I have constructed a way to live which helps to minimise any difficulties I may face. I own very few things, I keep all my essential daily items in the same place every day and I have chosen a career where I don't have to deal with things that I struggle with.

The best advice I can offer is to accept your lack of control over some things. If I don't listen to my body and mind I will suffer. Like what you mentioned with sleep, I actually find it more beneficial to sleep than to work through the tiredness. That way I can come to the subject with a fresh mind.