Decision paralysis is also known as “analysis paralysis.” It can affect anyone, but people living with ADHD, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders may tend to overthink. This is one reason ADHD and decision-making can be a challenging combination. Overthinking leads to feeling overwhelmed, and then even simple decisions feel impossible to make.
Anxiety treatment can help people with decision paralysis by teaching them how to stop overthinking before it overwhelms them. Therapy offers new tools that build self-confidence and support more effective decision-making skills. If you or someone you know experiences decision paralysis, the problem may be more serious than simply being indecisive. The professionals at Promises Behavioral Health can help.
The Effects of Decision Paralysis
The inability to make a decision when feeling confused by too much information is the core of decision paralysis. Many people classify themselves as “overthinkers,” but people who get stuck in a loop of rumination by constantly revisiting all options and reviewing all available information become lost in their storm of thoughts.
The habit of obsessive thinking doesn’t only affect decision-making. It can also make it difficult for people to perform daily tasks or complete projects. Decision paralysis can have a negative impact on almost every aspect of a person’s life, including:
- Career
- Relationships
- Finances
- Health
- Family
- Education
- Free time (hobbies and recreational activities)
Decision paralysis is more than being confused. It can also completely stop a person from moving forward in life.
Causes and Symptoms of Analysis Paralysis
People who experience extreme indecision may feel embarrassed or ashamed of being “wishy-washy.” Living with mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD, can contribute to decision paralysis.
These disorders affect brain chemistry and may inhibit the parts of the brain responsible for decision-making. Other issues can amplify an individual’s habit of overthinking.
Lack of Confidence
People struggling with their mental health may not feel confident in their ability to weigh options and make a sound decision. Perhaps you have made one or two poor decisions that caused a series of painful repercussions, and now you don’t trust yourself to make important decisions.
People Pleasing
The fear of letting people down is commonly associated with anxiety disorders. A desire to please everyone can make it impossible to make a decision. The weight of making a choice that impacts those you care about or those who are counting on you can be overwhelming.
Perfectionism
Perfectionists are careful people. To their credit, they want to consider all options and weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision. However, too much information can quickly lead to analysis paralysis. For a perfectionist, making no decision may be preferable to making the wrong one.
ADHD and Decision Making
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can complicate the decision-making process. Difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, and having memory problems can make normal tasks seem like Herculean feats to a person with ADHD.
Indecisiveness may not be a direct symptom of ADHD, but it’s easy to understand how the symptoms of the condition can affect a person’s ability to make decisions. Spending too much time analyzing a situation or acting on impulse can lead to poor outcomes. The fear of a bad outcome can hinder ADHD and decision-making even more.
Stop Decision Paralysis With Anxiety Treatment at Promises Behavioral Health
Decision paralysis refers to the inability to make a decision because your thought process becomes frozen due to too much information. A lack of confidence, the desire to please everyone, and a tendency toward perfectionism can also affect a person’s decision-making abilities.
Therapy can help people build confidence and learn how to stop ruminating before they become mentally overwhelmed. Call Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 or submit our online contact form to learn more about treatments for ADHD and anxiety.