Avoidance can look identical on the outside while serving totally different needs on the inside, especially when ADHD and OCD overlap. I share a client tax story that shows how quickly the driver can switch and how the right intervention changes with it.
Understanding the "why" behind avoidance can help you choose strategies that actually fit what is happening, instead of feeling stuck in a cycle of trying harder.
In this episode, you will learn:
• a real-life example of ADHD avoidance turning into OCD doubt mid-task
• ADHD avoidance as escaping overwhelm, friction, boredom, decision fatigue, and executive demand
• body doubling as external structure that supports focus and follow-through
• externalizing steps and lowering activation energy to make starting easier
• behavioral activation and why motivation often follows action
• OCD avoidance as escaping uncertainty and the fear of catastrophic mistakes
• spotting when ADHD accommodations become OCD compulsions through excessive checking or over-listing
• choosing interventions by asking what the behavior is accomplishing
• a two-question check-in to tell overwhelm from fear of mistakes
If you are enjoying Dopamine and Doubt, I would love it if you would follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who mind find it helpful!
Brain Bonus!
My brains favorite avoidance activity this week:
Organized my podcast episodes instead of responding to emails
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