We all get overwhelmed or stressed out from time to time. People with ADHD, however, may have a different reaction than what’s typically expected. When emotions, environments, or tasks become too difficult to deal with, an individual with ADHD might freeze up completely. Instead of getting upset or trying to work through their feelings, they go into shutdown mode.
To understand why ADHD causes people to shut down in these situations, read the following guide that includes the symptoms of ADHD shutdowns, what may cause it, and tips for managing shutdowns when they happen.
What Is ADHD Shutdown Mode?
ADHD shutdown mode is a term used to describe what happens when a person with ADHD can’t seem to think clearly or take action in overwhelming situations. Also known as freeze mode or ADHD paralysis, shutdown mode happens when someone becomes overloaded with information, tasks, or emotions. It is more likely to occur if someone with ADHD is experiencing high levels of stress.
Symptoms of ADHD Paralysis
Some of the symptoms which might signal that a person with ADHD is experiencing this type of shutdown include:
The symptoms that someone experiences during a shutdown typically correlate to the type of ADHD paralysis they’re facing:
Why Do People with ADHD Freeze Up?
There are a number of things which can contribute to ADHD shutdown mode. With task paralysis and choice paralysis, executive dysfunction is a major factor. People with ADHD often have diminished executive functioning, which makes it difficult to do things like prioritize tasks, problem solve, and make decisions. When placed in a high-stress situation, it’s even harder than usual to do these things, which may cause someone to freeze up rather than take action.
ADHD mental paralysis is associated with emotional dysregulation. Individuals with ADHD often have a harder time regulating their emotions. This sometimes leads to emotional outbursts. In high-stress situations, however, they may simply shut down because they find it too difficult to process their emotions. This may be a means of self-protection since they’re trying to limit any further stimulation that could make them feel even more overwhelmed.
What to Do When You Have ADHD Paralysis
ADHD shutdowns are a fairly common experience among people with the condition. But you don’t just have to grit your teeth and wait until it passes. Instead, it’s important to have some strategies ready so you can manage periods of ADHD paralysis more effectively and prevent it from getting worse. Use the following tips to deal with ADHD shutdowns: