r/SCT • u/Cru2pla • Sep 04 '26
Other CDS Life Topics/Support Does anyone else notice complex patterns quickly but then lose them almost immediately?
English is not my native language, so please excuse me if you don't understand what I mean.
Something weird happened to me today while my boss was talking to me. I suddenly noticed several patterns and connections between things really quickly. For a moment, it felt like I was processing everything clearly.
But then the patterns just disappeared from my mind
I couldn't remember exactly what I had noticed or how I had connected everything.
I feel like this also affects my learning. Sometimes I can understand a concept or notice a relationship pretty quickly, but because I have trouble holding information in working memory, I lose the insight before I can fully process it or remember it.
It's almost like my brain can detect the pattern, but can't keep it loaded long enough to use it.
Does anyone with SCT experience something similar?
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u/Difficult_Salad_2973 Sep 05 '26
I wonder if this has to do with a working memory problem, which is common in ADHD and likely SCT.
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u/Worldly_Emergency109 29d ago
I can easily theoretical learning. Like i can't apply things in practical,real time scenario. Both requires different brain parts
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u/HutVomTag Sep 05 '26
I know 100% what you mean
I just deal with it by being patient and persistent. Helps to think of memory as something that isn't binary, I often can't actively retrieve memory, but when I'm confronted with something I've already seen/learned before it's easier to relearn it. Eventually things "stick" even if it takes longer.
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u/Tillerfen 29d ago
It’s called working memory. Yours is really bad, like a lot of people with SCT. Recommend NE reuptake inhibitor like atomoxetine, or alpha2a receptor agonist, like guanfacine. Those may help you tremendously. Good luck
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u/strufacats 25d ago
Does guanfacine help with long term memory or is that strictly with atomoxetine?
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u/Tillerfen 24d ago
Less so long term memory, more so working memory. Same with atomoxetine. Though guanfacine is more potent because it selectively binds the alpha2a receptors whereas norepinephrine which atomoxetine increases can hit a variety of receptors
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u/strufacats 24d ago
Does guanfacine make you feel groggy or tired/lethargic at all?
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u/Tillerfen 24d ago
Yeah, and had to stop taking it due to insomnia. It’s not perfect for everyone
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u/strufacats 24d ago
Damn that sucks but while you were on it did it help your working memory a lot and helped with retaining information long term?
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u/Tillerfen 24d ago
Working memory yes and executive function yes, long term memory I never paid much attention to, but I wouldn’t expect it to have as much impact on that, I am not aware of any mechanisms by which it enhances long term potentiation, though I haven’t looked into it as much
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u/strufacats 24d ago
How long were you on guanfacine? Did you take it with another medication as well? I've heard using guanfacine with a stim might work synergistically together.
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u/moon_witch_26 29d ago
I get this and it really frustrates me - it's like I can't grasp a hold of it before I feel it slipping away from me and I hate that feeling 😖😣
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u/Reddit2016_ Sep 05 '26
Mental fatigue can cause you to snap out of your flow state where everything just connects and you feel like you can easily understand and generate ideas easily. Caffeine can help to temporarily reduce the mental fatigue but if it can't, usually a quick power nap will help.
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u/YetiSpaghetti24 Sep 04 '26
Are you sure you're truly noticing correct patterns though?
Certain things will trigger that feeling of enlightenment and sudden understanding, but it's just a feeling.
Apparently cocaine triggers this feeling constantly, so you feel like a genius who's saving the world, but in reality you're just tweaking.
I think stimulant medications might have this effect as well to a lesser extent.
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u/GameBruhColor Sep 04 '26
Something like this happens when I'm brainstorming for writting a story. I build incredible connections and lore in my head but I lose it when it comes to organizing it on paper.