Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

Reverse engineering my ADHD test

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

Theme 1 – Personal experiences with ADHD testing and self‑reflection
Many commenters described how the diagnostic process felt surprisingly simple—or even “game‑able”—and reflected on what that meant for their self‑understanding.
- “I took a similar ADHD test. It seemed so easy and simple that I always wondered how it was actually supposed to catch me.” – izzylan
- “ADHD is way more complex than just an attention issue… the amount of average daydreaming and ‘rumination’ … is just next level.” – pixel_popping

Theme 2 – Medication trial‑and‑error, effectiveness, and side‑effects
A large share of the discussion centered on trying different stimulants and non‑stimulants, weighing benefits against adverse effects, and the ongoing search for the right dosage.
- “Ritalin does not make me feel calmer… At doses to reach that effect, it also impacts my sleep quality enough that I don’t take it.” – aidenn0
- “I’m still on my journey of finding meds (and dosages) that work… dex seems to have a more consistently helpful effect.” – fv3y
- “I have exactly the same problem with pelvic floor and urinary issues when I take adderall… the benefits outweighed the risks.” – throwawaya7e81f

Theme 3 – Societal perception, stigma, and the broader context of ADHD
Commenters debated how ADHD is framed in public discourse, the stigma around medication, and the need for thorough evaluation beyond a quick test.
- “You end up addicted and pretty much permanently require drugs to function well” is a negatively framed statement that stigmatizes treatment. – LocalPCGuy
- “I’m addicted to several things. Like eyeglasses, and breathing… the addiction is purely psychological from ‘trying to drive with only 3 tires sucks’.” – jaggederest
- “ADHD is a serious dysfunction… it’s sad to see that it’s being romanticized lately in social media or plainly discredited by some people/media.” – zenoprax


🚀 Project Ideas

Remote ADHD Assessment Tool

Summary

  • A web-based application that uses webcam eye tracking, head pose, and reaction-time tasks to provide an objective, hard‑to‑cheat ADHD screening that can be taken at home.
  • Core value: Delivers clinic‑grade assessment data (accuracy, variability, impulsivity) while preventing common cheating tactics like opening DevTools or guessing patterns.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Adults seeking ADHD diagnosis, clinicians needing remote pre‑screening
Core Feature Webcam‑based eye/head tracking + adaptive Go/No‑Go task with anti‑cheat safeguards (full‑screen, disabled devtools, random intervals)
Tech Stack React, TensorFlow.js (face/eye model), Node.js/Express, WebRTC for video capture, PostgreSQL
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: Per‑assessment fee $30 or clinic subscription $150/mo
#### Notes
- HN users complained the test was “so easy and simple” and that they could open devtools to see results (izzylan, fliesand7); this tool makes cheating harder and adds objective biomarkers.
- Provides a practical utility for people in regions with long wait times or limited specialists, enabling quicker self‑advocacy.

ADHD Medication Tracker & Optimizer

Summary

  • A mobile/web app where patients log medication name, dose, time, side effects, focus/productivity, sleep, and mood to see correlations and optimize their regimen.
  • Core value: Turns the trial‑and‑error process into data‑driven insights, helping users and doctors find the right medication and dosage faster.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience ADHD patients currently on stimulant or non‑stimulant medication
Core Feature Daily log with visual charts, side‑effect vs. benefit correlation, medication effectiveness score, exportable PDF report for clinicians
- Tech Stack React Native (or Flutter), Firebase/Firestore backend, optional Google Fit/Apple Health integration
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: Subscription $5/mo
#### Notes
- Commenters described side‑effects like sleep loss (Adderall), urinary issues, psychosis, and the need to try multiple meds (aidenn0, fv3y, throwawaya7e81f); a tracker directly addresses this pain point.
- Enables meaningful discussion with psychiatrists and reduces the guesswork that frustrates many users.

ADHD Specialist Access Platform

Summary

  • A telehealth service that connects adults with licensed ADHD specialists for video consultations, second opinions, and streamlined assessment scheduling.
  • Core value: Cuts down months‑long wait times by providing quicker access to qualified providers and letting patients upload prior test results for continuity of care.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Adults seeking ADHD diagnosis, medication management, or a second opinion
Core Feature Searchable specialist directory, secure video appointments, document upload (test reports, questionnaires), integrated scheduling, reminders
Tech Stack React frontend, Node.js/Express API, HIPAA‑compliant video (Twilio Video or Daily.co), PostgreSQL, AWS
Difficulty High
Monetization Revenue-ready: Consultation fee $120 per session or unlimited‑access subscription $40/mo
#### Notes
- Many HN commenters described long waits, difficulty finding psychiatrists, and the need for thorough testing (hellweaver666, sedivy94, kalinkochnev); this platform directly tackles those access barriers.
- Facilitates practical utility by reducing friction in obtaining a proper diagnosis and ongoing care.

ADHD Non‑Medication Intervention & Community Hub

Summary

  • A web platform offering guided CBT modules, mindfulness exercises, habit‑building plans, and moderated community forums tailored for ADHD.
  • Core value: Provides evidence‑based non‑drug strategies and a supportive space to improve executive function, emotional regulation, and self‑esteem alongside or instead of medication.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience ADHD individuals looking for non‑stimulant options, therapy complement, or peer support
Core Feature Customizable program builder (CBT, exercise, mindfulness), habit streaks, mood/journal tracking, expert‑led forums, progress analytics
Tech Stack React, Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Hosting), optional WebSocket for chat
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: Freemium – free basic access, premium $8/mo for advanced modules and expert Q&A
#### Notes
- Users praised exercise, CBT, and non‑stimulant options like guanfacine and Strattera (annzabelle, pstuart, jaggederest) and lamented toxic or biased online communities; this hub offers a constructive alternative.
- Encourages discussion and practical utility by giving users actionable tools they can try immediately, reducing reliance on medication alone.

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