Is ADHD an Interest Based Nervous System? with Dr William Dodson
May 3, 2024
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Dr. William Dodson discusses his 'Interest-Based Nervous System' approach to ADHD, highlighting changes in treatment, differences between ADHD and neurotypical nervous systems, key questions to ask, areas supporting engagement, and dangers of urgency. Focus on motivation and engagement for those with ADHD.
Dr. Dodson emphasizes the difference between ADHD and neurotypical nervous systems in terms of motivation.
Individuals with ADHD are more motivated by significance rather than importance, highlighting the need for emotional engagement in tasks.
The podcast encourages individuals to self-manage their cognitive processes, prioritize effectively, and acknowledge personal achievements to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
Deep dives
ADHD Essentials Parenting Groups Registration
Registration for the spring 2024 session of ADHD Essentials parenting groups is now open. These groups aim to enhance cooperation and relationships between parents and children by employing ADHD-friendly strategies that enhance communication, foster independence, and reduce anxiety at home. The sessions, lasting eight weeks, meet one hour twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12 pm and 5 pm Eastern time. The 12 pm session is specifically for parents of teens, while the 5 pm session is open to all parents. Interested individuals can find more information and register via the link in the show notes or by contacting Brendan directly.
Dr. Dodson's Interest-Based Nervous System Approach
Dr. William Dodson introduces his interest-based nervous system approach to ADHD in the episode. He emphasizes the differences between ADHD and neurotypical nervous systems, particularly in terms of motivation. Key discussion points include essential questions about ADHD, the importance of interest in engaging with tasks, the five areas that support ADHD engagement, and the risks associated with inducing urgency and chaos to prompt action. Dr. Dodson also reflects on the changes in ADHD treatment throughout his extensive career.
Significance Over Importance for ADHD Individuals
The podcast explores how individuals with ADHD are more motivated by significance rather than importance. Importance, driven by external factors like rewards or consequences, does not effectively motivate those with ADHD. Significant emotional engagement and passion are pivotal in driving individuals with ADHD to engage effectively with tasks. The episode highlights the emotional resonance of significance versus the cognitive weight of importance in motivating individuals, emphasizing the need for personal meaning and purpose.
Cognitive Dynamism and Problem-Solving in ADHD
Individuals with ADHD possess cognitive dynamism, generating multiple ideas and solutions daily. Their ability for world-class problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking sets them apart. Discussing the struggle between starting tasks and finishing them, the episode delves into the challenges individuals with ADHD face in adequately planning and following through. The podcast encourages individuals to self-manage their cognitive processes and learn strategies for effectively engaging and completing tasks.
Setting Effective Priorities in ADHD Management
The podcast addresses the importance of setting appropriate priorities and recognizing when tasks are good enough for completion. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with self-judgment and feeling that their efforts are insufficient. Emphasizing the need to differentiate between significant achievements and excessive productivity, the episode advises on honing individual owner's manuals tailored to personal needs. Acknowledging personal strengths and progress is key to overcoming feelings of guilt and shame.
Embracing Self-Acceptance and Strengths in ADHD Management
The episode concludes with a message of self-acceptance and acknowledgment of personal achievements for individuals with ADHD. It encourages listeners to embrace themselves, recognizing their resilience and successes despite past challenges. By focusing on personal strengths and understanding individual traits, individuals can navigate ADHD management more effectively. The importance of improvement over perfection and continuous self-motivation are highlighted as essential aspects of ADHD self-care.
Now semi-retired, Dr. Dodson is a Board-Certified adult psychiatrist and was one of the first clinicians to specialize in adults with ADHD over 25 years ago. He has been on the faculties of Georgetown University and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He was the recipient of the national Maxwell Schleifer Award for Distinguished Service to Persons with Disabilities in 2006, and was named a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association in recognition of his clinical contributions to the field of ADHD in 2012. He has written more than 120 articles and book chapters designed to help a lay audience better understand ADHD and its treatment.
In this episode Dr Dodson shares his “Interest-Based Nervous System” approach to ADHD. We discuss:
The changes he’s seen in ADHD treatment over the course of his career
How the ADHD nervous system differs from the neurotypical one, and how that causes confusion and challenges when it comes to motivation.
Key Questions to ask about ADHD
The 5 general areas that support ADHD engagement
The dangers of creating urgency & catastrophe in order to activate
