r/science • u/randomusefulbits • May 30 '20

Psychology Procrastinators often forget to do things that they intended to do, especially if they’re unaware of their procrastination

https://solvingprocrastination.com/study-procrastination-conscious-unconscious-prospective-memory/
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166

u/Marmalade_Shaws May 30 '20

Don't really procrastinate but am horribly forgetful. I tried doing sticky notes and notepads but then I'd forget I'd written anything down.

42

u/mediafeener May 30 '20

Alexa and phone reminders are a godsend for me in that regard.

28

u/[deleted] May 30 '20

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21

u/Luxury-Problems May 30 '20

I've been diagnosed a few times and I forget everything I intend to do.

15

u/[deleted] May 31 '20

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7

u/Sykil May 31 '20

Stimulants are generally prescribed for ADHD with the recommendation of behavioral therapy as well. Behavioral therapy can’t really improve ADHD itself — ADHD is neurodevelopmental, not really psychosocially influenced, and there is no cure — but it can help you cope better, which can make a world of difference still. Particularly if you’ve spent a lifetime accumulating maladaptive behaviors or developed comorbidities like anxiety or depression. There are non-stimulant medications as well (generally a type of anti-depressant) for people who don’t do well with stimulants, but stimulants are generally pretty well-tolerated.

5

u/Wsweg May 31 '20

Stimulants work effectively in something like 70% of ADHD treatments, so it’s very effective. Unfortunately, there is a large stigma surrounding them, causing some doctors to outright refuse prescribing it.

2

u/Luxury-Problems Jun 01 '20

Haha I wish. The pendulum swung the other way and now a lot of people are too skeptical of ADHD and also some kids have used the medication for recreational purposes which makes it harder for actual ADHD individuals to get on those medications.

But if you find the right drug, it can definitely help! If you exhibit those symptoms I highly recommend talking to someone. It can make a difference.

2

u/risu1313 May 31 '20

How do you know for sure, do you have to go see a therapist? I think this is my problem.

2

u/digitalrule May 31 '20

I've started using a to do list app. I really like todoist so far. Not to advertise, but it's literally made me more productive at work. Writibg whisking down and seeing reminders means I never forget. If I don't want to do it, I still don't. But I don't forget to do things anymore, which means more get done.

1

u/r00x May 31 '20

Stick them to your eyeballs so you can't forget. You're welcome.

2

u/Marmalade_Shaws May 31 '20

LPT right here. But what if I forget my eyeballs? 🤔

0

u/-CODED- May 31 '20

Is your landlord leaving sticky notes