Mastering the Art of Noticing: Managing Distractions and Floating Thoughts with ADHD

Living with ADHD means that your mind is constantly alive with thoughts—creative sparks, worries, random musings. It can feel like a constant battle to stay focused on one thing, even if it's something you genuinely care about. Often, we start a task with clear intent only to find ourselves pulled away by a distraction, whether it's curiosity about something else or slipping into a daydream. This "drift" can drain your mental energy as each redirection makes it harder to focus back on what you intended.

Noticing this mental drift as it happens is a powerful tool for managing ADHD. Being aware of these attention shifts, also known as "meta-attention," gives you a way to recognize when you’re starting to lose focus before you’re fully swept away by distraction. This awareness isn’t about forcing yourself back on track but rather about observing your attentional patterns with acceptance.

Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic compound with a long history in medicine, recently gaining interest for its potential role in managing ADHD symptoms. ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and MB's ability to influence brain function makes it an intriguing candidate for treatment.

MB works by enhancing mitochondrial function, modulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, and reducing oxidative stress – all factors that may impact ADHD symptoms. Some studies suggest MB could improve cognitive function, attention, and mood stability, indicating potential benefits for individuals with ADHD. However, it's important to note that direct research on MB and ADHD is limited.

Despite its potential, there are significant risks associated with MB use. One major concern is serotonin syndrome, which can occur if MB interacts with other medications that affect serotonin levels. Other risks include methemoglobinemia (a condition where oxygen delivery in blood is impaired), gastrointestinal distress, and blue discoloration of urine or skin, especially at higher doses. Additionally, while low doses of MB may be neuroprotective, high doses could be neurotoxic.

Currently, the lack of large-scale, controlled studies means it's too early to recommend MB as a standard ADHD treatment. If considering MB, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to evaluate potential benefits and risks. Dosage and interactions with other medications should be closely monitored.

In conclusion, while methylene blue shows promise as a potential cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent for ADHD, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. For now, it remains an experimental treatment, and caution is advised.

Being an entrepreneur who also has ADHD can be an interesting and challenging experience. In this blog post I share more about my journey of building a business while also navigating the challenges that come with a non-linear thinking brain.

Dopamine is a very important neuromodulator in the brain. Eating foods that boost l-tyrosine, the building block of dopamine, can boost mood and energy. This blog post explores a few dopamine boosting foods.

RSD is an intense emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism, which can significantly impact personal relationships. Individuals with ADHD may experience heightened sensitivity, leading to overwhelming feelings of disappointment or emotional pain even from minor setbacks or perceived slights. This can strain relationships, as partners, friends, and family members might struggle to understand these intense reactions. This blog post explores tools to navigate RSD and make it possible to foster strong, resilient relationships despite these challenges.