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Maxime

2 years ago

Maxime
2 years ago

As usual, ADHD Alien is spot on.
Love how this one is a real explanation on why and how it really works (or not) and not just relatable stuff.

#ADHD Paralysis : why does it happen?

A huge graphic with the title ADHD paralysis: Why does it happen?
We need Dopamine for our executive functioning, and especially for learning, starting and finishing tasks. Dopamine is, among other sources, released when we look forward to a reward. Then, we can use this Dopamine to start tasks! ADHD disrupts this Dopamine cycle.
Without ADHD, we evaluate costs of a task. If we spend time, energy and more, will it pay off? In order to evaluate that, we imagine the outcome. Imagining a potential reward releases dopamine. With this dopamine we are then able to start a task. Once we finish that task and additionally get a reward, out brain will learn: this specific task pays off. Let's do it again in future!

But with ADHD, that reward cycle doesn't work right. We often don't get rewarded for simply finishing tasks by our brain, so we learn the opposite: this task wasn't worth it, let's not do it next time. Even if this task might be something absolutely vital like paying taxes. ADHD disrupts our ability to anticipate, wait for and be motivated by a future reward.

But if something catches our interest, we break out of this cycle and start hyperfocus. Our brain will quickly be overwhelmingly interested in the rewards we are getting! We invest all of our energy and time into this activity, often at the cost of our health, hygiene or relationships. That's why we often go from one instantly rewarding activity to the next, instead of working on long-term goals like studying or working out.

#adhd

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