ADHD

The Webinar discusses the following:

Understanding Adult ADHD: The webinar begins by defining ADHD in adults, emphasising that it's not solely a childhood condition. It highlights common symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, and how these manifest differently in adults compared to children.

Diagnosis Challenges: Dean discusses the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in adults, noting that symptoms can often be mistaken for other issues like anxiety or depression. He stresses the importance of comprehensive assessments.

Evidence-Based Treatments: The webinar outlines various treatment options, including medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications. Dean emphasises that a combination of treatments often yields the best results.

Impact on Daily Life: There's a discussion on how ADHD affects various aspects of an adult's life, including work, relationships, and self-esteem. Strategies for managing these challenges are provided.

Q&A Session: The session concludes with a live Q&A, where Dean addresses specific concerns from participants, offering personalized advice and further clarifications.

Some of the resources mentioned in the presentation include:

In the podcast episode, Olivia:

Emphasises that ADHD affects individuals differently and that it's essential not to make assumptions about their experiences.

Describes ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to different ways of thinking, highlighting the strengths and positives that can come from it. She explains that ADHD can manifest differently in adults compared to children. Adults face challenges like relaxation, emotional regulation, motivation for mundane tasks, and time blindness becoming more prominent.

Explains how ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood, and how accessing treatment, including medication, is important for those seeking support. She suggests seeking an ADHD assessment from a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management, while also engaging with a psychologist for strategies and support.

Highlights the importance of self-compassion and self-awareness in managing ADHD-related challenges. She encourages people not to use ADHD as an excuse but to understand their struggles and seek appropriate support.

Recommends considering environment setup: i.e. creating a designated place for frequently used items, using visual cues, and setting up a "launch pad" for essentials like keys and wallets can reduce everyday frustrations.

Suggests that technology tools can be beneficial: such as utilising apps, widgets, and alarms for reminders, and breaking down tasks into manageable steps.

Establishing routines, adopting time-management techniques like the Pomodoro technique, and setting specific times for activities can help with focus and task completion.

Engaging with online communities, watching YouTube channels dedicated to ADHD, and participating in forums can provide valuable strategies and a sense of community.

Encourages friends and family to educate themselves about ADHD, offer empathy and compassion, and possibly participate in therapy sessions to better support their loved ones.

In the podcast episode,

Psychologist Janelle Booker explores how ADHD presents differently depending on the environment — often seen as a disorder in structured settings, but not in creative or supportive ones.
She introduces ADHD as discussed in The Academy of Imperfection, challenging common misconceptions.
The concept of “High Sensitivity Trait” is presented, reframing sensitivity as a strength rather than a flaw.
A powerful thought exercise helps listeners understand the daily struggles of living with ADHD.
ADHD is described as a regulation disorder rather than simply an attention deficit, with a focus on emotional intensity.
Janelle offers insights into how ADHD brains function differently, especially regarding focus and task completion.
The discussion addresses societal stigma, particularly the unique challenges women face due to misdiagnosis and misunderstanding.
She highlights the difficulty ADHD individuals face in balancing creativity with organisational demands in professional environments.
The episode also explores the connection between ADHD and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

COLLECTED MINDS RESOURCES: ADHD