3 Aspects of ADHD
One of the most rewarding parts of working with teens and adults with ADHD is to help them to see the strengths they have because of their creative, neurodivergent brains. However, that’s not to downplay the challenges that may come with trying to learn or work in a setting that does not welcome and celebrate the way a neurodivergent brain works. There are 3 aspects of ADHD we’d like to address:
Executive function: the brain processes called “executive function” help us manage our day-to-day lives. Executive functions work to focus attention, control emotions, set priorities, plan and manage time, and stay organized. ADHD causes weaknesses in executive function, such as time management, organizational skills and memory. Depending on each individual’s experience, it’s possible to improve executive function skills so that it’s easier to manage challenges in this area.
Women and ADHD: More women are being diagnosed later in life. Adult women’s ADHD presents very differently from a six-year-old boy, who may be running around the room. Adult hyperactivity can be on the inside, often manifesting as racing thoughts, distraction or anxiety so it’s not as obvious. What can come along with a late diagnosis is self-criticism from a lifetime of feeling like you’re not quite measuring up, or having to work extremely hard to succeed. We can work through negative thoughts and feelings using cognitive behaviour therapy, along with learning specific executive function skills.
Rejection sensitivity: many people with ADHD are more sensitive to rejection, and are vulnerable to the perception that important people in our lives are rejecting or criticizing us. It’s called rejection sensitive dysphoria, and some people who experience it describe it as a physical pain. This makes sense, because fMRI studies of the brain that have been done on rejection have shown that the pain of rejection actually registers in the same part of the brain that registers physical pain. Compound that with challenges of the ADHD brain and we start to understand how painful this can be, and why it can lead to very intense emotions, such as anger and frustration. It is estimated that half the people who are mandated by courts to receive anger management training had undiagnosed ADHD. We can process incidents of rejection, challenge the thoughts about rejection that may not always be accurate using CBT, and learn emotion regulation skills.
Does any of this sound familiar? If you are interested in learning more about ADHD and whether it is part of your experience, we can help you get started on navigating ADHD in your life. Marlene has an assessment she can do with you, and you can bring the results to our Nurse Practitioner or your medical doctor to discuss further diagnosis and possible medication. Marlene can help you learn executive function skills, and how to challenge the negative thoughts that may have become automatic after a lifetime of criticism and challenges. Our Naturopathic Doctors can support your cognitive health through appropriate supplementation and can rule out vitamin and mineral deficiencies that might be contributing to fatigue, anxiety and brain fog. NDs take a holistic approach and have skills to help you navigate the many aspects of your mental, spiritual and physical health as well as help you improve your functioning at home and at work.
