3 ms·
FWIW there’s anecdata out there that neurodivergent people (eg autists) get symptom improvements when they are ill. Maybe it’s a related mechanism for anxiety.
by manmal 4y ago
FWIW there’s anecdata out there that neurodivergent people (eg autists) get symptom improvements when they are ill. Maybe it’s a related mechanism for anxiety.
- n4r9 4y agoI've heard of that as well. There's a UK TV programme called The A Word about boy with autism, and in one episode his mother believes that he's suddenly developed a "normal" theory of mind, only to find out that it may be linked to his being ill. Although I don't have a diagnosis myself I do struggle with executive functioning and much of my anxiety is tied into that. Being ill definitely relieves this because there are no expectations on me to get things done to a schedule.
- manmal 4y agoI can relate a lot. Are you aware of PDA (pathological demand avoidance)? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathological_demand_avoidance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathological_demand_avoidance
- n4r9 4y agoNo, thank you for the reference. That's interesting, I don't have an issue with doing things that are asked of me but I do get easily overwhelmed when I have to start managing demands or expectations (e.g. by maintaining and committing to a schedule/roadmap). Then I have a tendency to distract myself with things that are more fun. I much prefer an academic style of work where I complete jobs as and when I feel in the zone.