Automatic Thought

Habit Memory

also called System 1 Thinking

Quick stimulus → response

Utilizes far less neural resource (glucose)

Shifted to when cognitive resources are low.

Controlled Thought

Executive Function, Cognitive Flexible Memory

also called System 2 Thinking

Used when carefully thinking through differential diagnosis, weighing pros or cons of a plan of treatment, etc.

Limited resource, high utilization of neural resource (glucose).