ADHD Experts Podcast 572- Why ADHD Brains Go Over-Bored
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Sep 4, 2025 Boredom can feel unbearable for those with ADHD, and this discussion reveals why. Explore the unique struggles faced by ADHD individuals and the mental health implications of tedium. Learn practical strategies for managing boredom and discover how to reframe its significance in your life. Delve into extreme measures people take to escape dullness and find out how play can be a powerful antidote to boredom.
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People Shock Themselves To Avoid Thinking
- Researchers left adults alone in a room with a button that gave a mild electric shock and many still pressed it to avoid 15 minutes of thinking.
- Participants earlier said they'd pay to avoid the shock, showing how aversive idle thought felt.
Boredom Creates A Risky Feedback Loop
- Boredom links to risk-taking and is more frequent in people with ADHD, leading to extreme behaviors for stimulation.
- A feedback loop forms where impulsivity increases boredom and stress, which then fuels more impulsivity.
Medication Can Reduce Boredom Temporarily
- Medication (methylphenidate) reduced proneness to boredom and improved ADHD symptoms in a small study over three months.
- Boredom returned after discontinuing the medication, showing its effect may be temporary without ongoing treatment.
