ADHD ‘I can’t do the thing because I have the thing!’

[BabyYodasGotMyTeacher]

Not a TAAT but a couple of days ago someone mentioned ‘I can’t do the thing because I have the thing!’. Is anyone able to point me at more information about this behaviour pattern please?

[puddleduck234]

Sorry I don't understand? Can you give an example?

[WeirdPookah]

Do you mean if you have an appointment at e.g. 3pm, then you're in waiting mode for that all day and get nothing else done?

[BabyYodasGotMyTeacher]

@WeirdPookah

Do you mean if you have an appointment at e.g. 3pm, then you're in waiting mode for that all day and get nothing else done?

Possibly? It was something that was written as if its a known "feature" of ADHD and I was trying to find out more about what it meant and what it means in practice for those with ADHD?

[puddleduck234]

I think PP maybe right, I hate afternoon appointments because I constantly need to watch the clock to make sure I make it. Even then I'm mega early or late, never on time.

I don't make plans before an appointment with other people, but I will pop to the shop or do errands if I'm not at work. I just have to be extra careful not to plan too much into my day.

[SquirrelSoShiny]

Yeah this is totally a thing for me. Hate it.

I used to get literally nothing done for hours before collecting DC from school because I was terrified of forgetting.

Post diagnosis I just set multiple alarms without shame and carry on with life.

The worst for me is waiting on hold on the phone. It actually feels like torture.

[vivariumvivariumsvivaria]

Why does it happen? Is it overwhelm?

I can't work from home efficiently because I need to clean. I can't clean because it is so messy. I can't tidy because I need to decorate. I can't decorate because I'm not making enough money because I'm not working efficiently...

It's a NIGHTMARE just now!

[DinosaurOfFire]

I can't do anything before something is scheduled. For me, its a time-displacement/ procrastination issue- If I start a project but have to go out at 2pm, I will forget to get ready at 1pm. My brain doesn't register time, so I have to wait for the 'Important Thing' to happen and after that I can do the 'less important thing'.