@jaycub_1292: All people have three ways of handling and processing information. First, we can hold it in our working memory. Holding material there can stimulate us both positively and negatively, depending on how much we can manage and how stimulating the information is — with more stimulating information raising our heart rate and energy levels. When this becomes too much, we either address what’s in the working memory by taking action (the “Action Box”) and/or put it into the Abyss — essentially postponing it or adding it to a to-do list to revisit later. Each of these “boxes” has its function. With ADHD, the working memory box is effectively cut in half, leading to heavier reliance on the Abyss and/or the Action Box. This is why someone with ADHD may appear to take excessive notes during presentations — what might look like anxiety is often an attempt to compensate for reduced working memory capacity. Many also confuse OCD with ADHD because people with ADHD may compulsively take action to compensate for working memory limits — not to relieve the weight of working memory (as in OCD) but to act quickly before the information slips away. This difference also explains why people with ADHD can be highly intuitive: without a set “script” in working memory to rely on, they respond in the moment, not knowing what will surface in awareness. This can feel like a gift — allowing powerful flow states — but also a source of anxiety, as you can’t always predict when working memory will support you, especially with new tasks. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy. #adhd #neurodivergent #therapytiktok #adhdtips #SelfImprovement @Dr. Vincent Barbieri, PhD

Dr. Jay

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Friday 15 August 2025 21:02:31 GMT