Curiosity activates many of the same brain regions, but with a crucial difference in framing. Instead of asking “What might go wrong?” curiosity asks “What might I discover?”

The anterior cingulate cortex, which processes uncertainty in both anxious and curious states, shifts from threat-detection mode to exploration mode. The prefrontal cortex,... See more

This is particularly relevant in ADHD, where a strong drive for novelty often comes with a heightened sensitivity to uncertainty. That combination can make creative work especially rewarding, but also especially vulnerable to perfectionism. In these cases, leaning into curiosity can be a powerful way to regain creative flow.

Curiosity activates many... See more