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Originally Posted by Icare dixit
Interesting!  Do you use any psychostimulants/meds for your ADHD (I can't see your signature right now)? Do you think they help your working memory, in that you have a more stable set of ideas/memories, more focus?
Anxiolytics/antidepressants might be detrimental a bit, I think: it makes you "float" a bit more, changing your thoughts/memory (but your experience might differ).
Considering your longterm memory, do you think you have easier access to negative/unwelcome/pessimistic thoughts/memories while depressed and likewise for mania (so easier/only access to optimistic memories)?
My working memory was also tested and mine was really bad, too. Antipsychotics have helped most to improve it, I think. But definitely also my general(ly) (improved) stability: it is less windy and floaty in my mind, so my clearly primarily affect-driven memory is more stable so that I can keep track of memories/thoughts/ideas.
I don't have ADHD, so I manage with coffee and (to stabilise more) nicotine/cigarettes.
Supplements have really helped with the residual "floating". I really need them.
My memory is also generally more impaired when depressed, which is (of course) very typical. I blame it on a lack of emotional "sight": emotional blindness in a affect-driven mind. Things have to take the slower, underdeveloped (memory-access-wise) rational route.
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No, I don't take any psychostimulants. My pdoc won't prescribe them. He insists they'll make me "manic", so he won't even let me try them. That's partly why I'm looking for a new pdoc... I mean, my poor concentration, attention, and working memory have been hurting me at work, and my pdoc should be helping me instead of ignoring me.
And yes, I do have easier access to negative thoughts when I'm in a negative (i.e., depressed) mood. I think that's fairly normal, though. Likewise, being in a good mood brings back "good" thoughts.
I don't try to self medicate with caffeine or cigarettes. Caffeine makes me tired for some reason, and sleeping pills make me more awake. Never tried cigarettes.
What actually works well is Sudafed... but that's not a surprise. People make meth with that stuff. It's a huge stimulant.