Login
You're viewing the mefi.social public feed.
  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 2:31 PM

    @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd

    Am learning about the concept of the Default Mode Network - this really rings true for me. Quoted from the article:

    "The DMN activates when we’re not focused on a specific task. In some cases, people with ADHD have trouble focusing their attention on tasks because their DMN is overactive compared to people without ADHD. It doesn’t subside when it’s supposed to, so one part of the brain is always wandering and exploring larger and more internal issues.
    ...
    ADHD may be caused by an imbalance between two very different neural networks: the active but resting DMN and the fixed and focused Task Positive Network (TPN).
    ...

    laconciergepsychologist.com/bl

    💬 1🔄 7⭐ 12

Replies

  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 2:32 PM

    @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd More from the article:

    " The Task Positive Network (TPN) is the neural network that activates when you start engaging in a task that requires cognitive focus and short-term memory. Your thoughts divert from your internal experiences and you give your attention to the task at hand. For people with neurotypical brains, the DMN fades into the background when the TPN activates. Their minds stop wandering, and their attention stays fixed when they start focusing on a task.
    Some researchers have proposed that one of the reasons people with ADHD struggle is because their DMN doesn’t go offline when their TPN kicks in. Your TPN kicks in to help you accomplish a task, but your DMN is still thinking about the interactions you had this morning, how you fit into your friend group, what that thing you read last week was about, or whether you upset your family on that vacation a few years ago."

    💬 2🔄 6⭐ 9
  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 2:37 PM

    @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd ...it goes on to state that one of the best ways to switch from Default Mode to Task Positive Network is grounding exercises that engage your body.

    I wonder if trying to deal with the ruminating and anxiety that comes with the Default Mode being too strongly active, is why I do things like doom scrolling , and why it helps me to monologue or pace, or stimming in general.

    💬 1🔄 2⭐ 5
  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 2:46 PM

    @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd ...something I'm still figuring out is that there seems to be a link between difficulty processing dopamine (typical of ND people) and an overactive Default Mode.

    I think this might play into why we often do things like doom scrolling, getting into online arguments, and other dopamine spiking activities. Being angry spikes your dopamine, and you feel briefly better.

    I get into a cycle sometimes where I start ruminating a lot (typical of overactive Default Mode, brain never switches off) and then getting into rage melt downs that I can't stop. It feels as if my brain is trying to kick itself into a better gear by using anger, but anger doesn't work for that.

    💬 0🔄 2⭐ 6
  • 💬 1🔄 2⭐ 0
  • 💬 1🔄 2⭐ 1
  • 💬 1🔄 2⭐ 1
  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 3:03 PM

    @CatsWhoCode @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd Absolutely. What is up with that? It's really not helpful! It's like I have a little demon on my shoulder poking at me going "remember when you did that thing thirty years ago???" just out of the blue when I'm busy tying my shoes or something.

    💬 1🔄 3⭐ 3
  • Cats Who Code (cursed)CatsWhoCode@twoot.site
    May 30, 2025, 3:04 PM

    @Zumbador I've heard theories that it could be some kind of survival instinct, but like you said, it doesn't help if it's not actually a "survival situation." Like, if you're in a fire or lost in the wilderness, sure, but the rest of the time it's just a pain in the ass. :catraLaugh: @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd

    💬 1🔄 2⭐ 1
  • ZumbadorZumbador
    May 30, 2025, 3:08 PM

    @CatsWhoCode @actuallyautistic @actuallyaudhd Yes it reminds me of the way intrusive thoughts are supposed to be a survival instinct - like your brain is so hyped about the fact that you should stay away from a dangerous thing, that it helpfully supplies the imaginary experience of doing that dangerous thing.

    💬 0🔄 2⭐ 2