ADHDers excel at cold decisions. Conversely, they have poor analytical skills.
New therapies working on Self-regulation, boost Analytical Thinking.
Is ‘Self-regulation’ the overall strategy? It would seem oversimplistic at first glance, although rightly evidenced by therapists.
Everybody will agree, neurodivergent or not, on the efficacy of Emotional Self-Regulation.
To stand correct, Professionals should emphasize how to achieve Self-Regulation.
Well, after extensive research, I found out the answer, still in the making.
Everybody will agree, neurodivergent or not, on the efficacy of Emotional Self-Regulation.
To stand correct, Professionals should emphasize how to achieve Self-Regulation.
Well, after extensive research, I found out the answer, still in the making.
Before going into depth, we must analyze how Emotions work in ADHD, to debunk the notion of “poor analysis”, coincidentally.
Addictive Behavior and Dopamine Dysfunction
ADHDers have naturally Addictive Personalities as result of Dopamine Dysfunction.
How does Dopamine Dysfunction relate?
It’s important to be very straightforward when it comes to Dopamine.
We are all comfortable with the Motivating, Disinhibiting, Feel-good neurotransmitter s definition, not so much with Bodily Cocaine.
In ADHD, Dopamine mimics this heavy stimulant drug, with sudden peak-levels followed by sudden drop-offs. Once the dopamine is absorbed into Receptor-neurons, it is not re-uptaken, leaving the brain starved.
Cerebral starvation is a potential contributor to Addiction, since the brain tries to make out for the missing chemical to no avail. Stimulant Medication is a life-saver, though it wears off in 6/8 hours.
This explains the excellence in cold-decisions in ADHD, whilst poor Analytical Thinking. It is either too much or nothing. Current medication aims to provide dopamine for the most demanding part of day, not the ultimate solution.
The stage where Self-Regulation comes into play by Crowding-out
ADHD coaches describe Self-Regulation as in Crowding-out.
Crowding-out means “making space” .
ADHDers process multiple thoughts simultaneously. Thoughts are 70% negative, they hold us back.
We must make space for positive thoughts by getting rid of unhealthy, intrusive, useless, enslaving, trapping thoughts.
The role of the therapist would be giving instructions, whilst the patient works out on their own achieving schedule by selecting positive feelings from negative ones. The therapist can help by giving a general list of most common thoughts to relinquish.
The practice is still being perfected and has a potentially high successful rate.
Medication will continue to be complementary however, with Self-Regulation we will abate the Emotional Crash following the withdrawal syndrome through Willpower.
