Did you know there is such a thing as ADHD paralysis? It is also referred to by the term ADHD freeze. It is a type of symptom that is characterized by behavior where the affected individual feels like they have a million but is unable to do anything. If you are under the impression that there is no treatment for it then you are absolutely wrong as ADHD and paralysis are both inherently treatable. Let’s define ADHD paralysis and how it can be treated:
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a type of mental condition that is characterized by the symptoms the affected individual displays extreme excitability, hyperactivity, and inattention. They may also seem restless and are unable to focus on even a single task. It basically affects the executive functioning of the affected individuals. Executive functioning involves tasks that you need to do in order to get by every day.
Symptoms tend to be more prevalent in teenagers and children but nonetheless, adults can also display different types of symptoms that sometimes also relate to ADHD paralysis.
When it comes to hyperactivity and impulsivity these are the symptoms:
- Inability to stay calm
- Unable to stay quiet
- Cannot focus on anything
- Extremely talkative
- Fidgeting and uncontrollable movements
- Putting themselves in dangerous situations
- Acting without any thought processes
Inattentiveness symptoms:
- Short attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty staying on one task
- Unable to follow instructions
- Tardy and tedious
- Difficulty organizing
One symptom that stands out is paralysis. Let’s talk a little more.
What is ADHD Paralysis?
For starters, ADHD Paralysis isn’t a diagnosis, it is an actual state that comes on due to the presence of ADHD. It describes a common experience of sudden freeze, where one stops from doing what they were doing previously that is felt by people with ADHD.
The Common ADHD Paralysis Symptom: Choice
When you have ADHD, it can be difficult to stick with a choice or make a decision based on it. Often referred to as indecision or decision-related procrastination. It is one of the common symptoms that are related to ADHD paralysis. Research has suggested that indecision paralysis is more common in people with ADHD than the general population.
Hyperfixation Due to ADHD Paralysis
People who have ADHD and paralysis, often report that they tend to hyperfixate or create obsession-like focus on a task they deem engaging. While not as common as choice paralysis, relatives and friends of people with ADHD can get confused over how their affected friend or family member is able to put concertation into one task that seems to be engaging for them but might feel lazy doing other tasks, especially related to them. They need to understand that it is just one of the common ADHD symptoms in adults, which clearly needs to be diagnosed first and is not easily controllable. It is not something rooted in some affected individual’s lack of willpower or motivation but is a symptom that manifests due to the unique wiring of an ADHD brain.
Is ADHD and Procrastination the Same?
Procrastination happens when somebody postpones an action or a task for long periods of time. It is something that people have felt at some point in their lives and often happens due to being lazy, or feeling tired and may even be forgetful.
In people with ADHD, procrastination is exaggerated as they may feel chronic or repetitive procrastination. So, it is not something similar but can happen due to the presence of ADHD in an exaggerated form.
Different Types of ADHD Paralysis
When something affects the executive function of your brain that means your everyday life is going to be altered. During this state of the “freeze,” you may also feel elevated adhd paralysis symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed and this state of overwhelm can make you shut down in different ways that pertain to executive functioning. These are the common ways you can feel the ADHD overwhelm paralysis:
Mental paralysis
This type of paralysis is characterized by converging thought processes and emotions. It can make it extremely difficult to convey what you are presently thinking, thus making the freeze more cumbersome. This one is also called arousal procrastination, as people who have ADHD who have this type of paralysis, often feel a need for regular excitement, leading them to delay their tasks and feel the thrill of completing tasks at the last minute.
Choice paralysis
Having a lot of choices can also put someone with ADHD into a freeze where they are unable to make a decision. This can interfere with the decision-making process and therefore can lead to consequences.
Task paralysis
ADHD paralysis symptoms are much more evident when you feel a freeze of motivation as during this period you are unable to start new tasks or complete the tasks at hand. People with ADHD who suffer from this type of paralysis often complain about how they might have flaws in their work and are afraid of creating something imperfect. This is also referred to as avoidance procrastination.
How to Stop ADHD Paralysis? First Try Doing it Yourself:
Before we talk about the treatment for ADHD paralysis, we wanted to give some heads up on how you can overcome ADHD paralysis by yourself. All you have to do is follow some mere instructions. So, let’s begin:
Break down your tasks
You can break down your tasks into subtasks with the help of a timer. Some tasks, like cleaning your room or even home can be daunting by itself, now imagine how much more tedious it is going to be for someone who has ADHD. Now try adding a timer in the midst of these cleaning tasks, and find out how much more helpful it can be to divide tasks.
Stop Follow Perfection
Nothing ever is going to be perfect. Even we as god’s perfect creation are not perfect. So follow it? Abandoning perfection can considerably help you overcome ADHD paralysis.
Set Realistic Goals
Letting go of some tasks literally can help you get rid of the symptoms related to ADHD paralysis in adults. Setting realistic goals can help you unburden from the mental baggage that comes with stacking up tasks as these are easily reachable.
Incorporate Fun
Gamifying the everyday tasks can also help in overcoming the inherent rote that comes with household chores. This can trick the brain into doing tasks that usually would want to miss out on. This is kind of a soft treatment of sorts for ADHD overwhelm paralysis and ADHD paralysis in general.
Treatment
Actual treatment for ADHD paralysis treatment involves one, two, or a combination of different treatments. Predominantly, medication is used for treating ADHD itself or ADHD paralysis as a symptom. The treatment methods are mentioned below:
Medication
To see what is suitable for you, a mental health professional will monitor your ADHD paralysis symptoms and then adjust the medication management accordingly. Some of the most common prescriptions for this ailment and the ensuing paralysis are:
Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants
Stimulants like these work on regulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and epinephrine as these are the ones. These stimulants are able to produce a calming effect that paradoxically also improves attention span and reduces hyperactivity. Examples are amphetamine-based stimulants and dextromethamphetamine.
Non-Stimulants:
This type of medication is used when the stimulants do not work or are causing harmful side effects. Non-stimulants focus especially on the norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which helps regulate memory and attention span. Examples are atomoxetine and antidepressants like nortriptyline
Psychotherapy:
This is the type of therapy that helps cope with the feelings you have and can support you in coming to terms with them. Also called talk therapy, it can help you in providing treatment for ADHD paralysis. Two of its types can especially help:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of short-term goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses on the negative patterns of thinking. It can especially help with problems associated with ADHD such as procrastination and poor time management.
Behavioral Therapy:
This type of therapy is all about teaching the affected individual how to strategize and monitor the negative aspects of their behavior and then find resolutions for them, for example developing a reward system around the avoidance of ADHD paralysis triggers.
Concluding Words
At last, we finally know what ADHD paralysis is and now also know how to stop ADHD paralysis. Keeping that in mind, we at Inland Empire Behavioral Group, are adept at treating everything related to ADHD and other conditions such as anxiety, OCD, or PTSD, so why not book an appointment with us?
