Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a hot topic of conversation on socials, in schools, among parents, among kids…it can feel overwhelming, controversial and, well, just all a bit much! To help us understand what having ADHD means, how it impacts on people’s day to day lives, what the challenges are and what the strengths are, I sat down with 5 people who have a diagnosis to hear their journey. You can listen to these conversations on Truthbook wherever you get your podcasts or here: https://truthbook.buzzsprout.com
What is ADHD?
The name “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)” entered the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in its 3rd edition in 1952 but was first described in 1798. Our understanding and research of the disorder has been exponential and in the era of social media, it’s gone ‘viral’.
A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control.
For reliable, evidence-based information about ADHD please refer to NHS sites, don’t only rely on Instagram.
ADHD is NOT…
a behaviour disorder or poor parenting
caused by too much screen time or sugar
a mental illness
a specific learning disability
There is a well-researched theory emerging that people with ADHD had an evolutionary advantage- they survived because of impulsivity, novelty seeking & movement, which allowed them to forage for food, be more vigilant for threats & move from place to place to find new resources. But as society has evolved it has created a culture that makes it challenging for people with ADHD to adapt to. It should prompt us to ask how we should change society to benefit these traits rather than hinder them. More on this here.
Listening to these 5 episodes, you will hear how it affects my guests day to day, how they have adapted to coping with the challenges it presents & what to look for if considering an assessment.
Conversations…
Through my conversation with renowned Scottish Fiddler Adam Sutherland who produces traditional Scottish music which you can feel the excitement behind, you are left feeling positive about his diagnosis and how he manages it. But a difficult time preceded his diagnosis as an adult in 2018. Adam was suffering from what he now knows is the ADHD tax- forgotten invoices, unpaid bills or fines and was struggling to make ends meet despite being a very talented musician. It was the compassionate approach his wife took to suggesting he may have ADHD that led him to going for an assessment.
Through my conversation with Dr Melanie Smart, Clinical Psychologist at Chichester Child Psychology, who works with young people, often with an ADHD diagnosis, you hear how her own diagnosis made a significant difference. That even though as a Clinical Psychologist she was confident to self-diagnose, the assessment process was validating, and medication has helped. Dr Smart shares her approach with young people and affirming words; “it’s not that you won’t, it’s that you can’t”.
Through my conversation with Dr Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist at Thomas Connection, she sums up life with ADHD as to ‘live in a perfectly imperfect way’. Dr Thomas focuses her work on women with ADHD and burnout and is passionate about helping them thrive by leaning into that ADHD ‘a little bit extra’. Dr Thomas shares her own moments as a mum where on the one hand being a little bit extra sees her loving life and dancing along to Eurovision with her son and on the other hand forgetting her bag with her phone and passports on the aeroplane while solo parent travelling!
Through my conversation with Eleanor Murray, a 19 year oldwith a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism she has invaluable advice for other young people wondering if they are neurodivergent and giggles at herself for wondering how people don’t get completely absorbed in a hobby. For Eleanor if something interests her, it become her “whole personality for a moment”.
My final conversation is with Dr Helen Galloway, manager of The St Andrews Practice, on assessments. One of the most contentious ADHD topics. Dr Galloway stresses the importance of a thorough assessment, which should feel therapeutic and like time has been taken to really understand you. She jokes about how her colleagues think it should be called ‘shiny things’ disorder and shares her own assessment experience.
This series of conversations allows us to feel more compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable about ADHD. I also hope it helps others have honest and open conversations about what can be an overwhelming and misunderstood topic.
Thanks for listening,
Kathryn
Instagram @realfamilylives
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