How to deal with executive dysfunction?
I got diagnosed with ADHD-I (without the hyperactivity) 5 years ago, when I was 15. I do have a hard time keeping my attention, which is not great for my studies but it doesn't actually affect my life too horribly, because I can often fill the gaps with context (or just fake it till I make it basically). The main things I struggle with are time blindness (I'm ALWAYS late), and what I'm guessing is a lack of dopamine. I have an excruciating lack of motivation and an incredibly hard time getting myself to do anything. I'm neglecting my hobbies and goals, I can't get myself to clean, I habe exercises that I should do daily which I never do, I almost never brush my teeth in the evening and struggle to do my skincare to keep my acne at bay. And I can't rid myself of my phone addiction. I regularly have more than 6 or 8 hours of screen time daily and no matter how much I try, I fail at reducing it. I tried taking medication for ADHD before (Medikinet) but there were some issues I had with it.
I don't think it had the effect it was supposed to have on me. It didn't feel too different from drinking a strong coffee. Which did still help a bit, because I was able to do more of the things I usually struggle to do. (I worry that that might be an indicator that I don't actually have ADHD, although ADHD explains a lot of the issues I struggle with.)
It only worked for a few hours. First I had the slow release version, which lasts I think about 8 hours or so. But it completely killed my appetite. Then I tried the instant release version which was better. But one of my biggest struggle with ADHD is that it's basically impossible for me to brush my teeth in the evening. This has significantly worsened my oral health and I feel completely helpless. The medication always wore off by the evening, so it didn't help my nightly routine.
After weeks/months of taking it irregularly and having no side effects, all of a sudden I started feeling light headed from the medication and even fainted once.
I'm not even sure what exactly my question is, I just need advice. I'm so frustrated with myself for not being able to do simple but crucial tasks and wasting most of my time. How can I know that I actually have ADHD and wasn't misdiagnosed? Does anyone have practical advice for reducing screen time, getting the motivation to actually be active during the day and doing tedious daily tasks such as exercising and brushing teeth? Should I try to get on some different medication? I don't think I can do this by my own efforts. I feel so helpless.