this post was submitted on 10 Sep 2026
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Autism
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Tbh, that sounds more bipolar than ADHD.
ADHD is chronically low dopamine level. We try and self medicate with novelty seeking behaviours. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to boost dopamine (hedonistic treadmill in effect). We also have to deal with the effects of low dopamine on our executive functions. Basically, we lose most of our ability to direct our focus. This leads to both hyperfocus and hypofocus on various topics.
In a car analogy. We get painful electric shocks if the accelerator isn't to the floor. We also have the steering wheel replaced by a toggle switch (full left turn, or full right, no middle position). Oh and we only have a certain number of switch flips before it starts zapping us too.
Perfect descriptor. You can somewhat stem the bleeding of low dopamine with medication too, though.
Agreed. It turns down the shocks, making things a little more controllable.