Episode 431: Pathological Demand Avoidance in Coaching & Persistent Depression

Welcome to another episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Dr. Robert Duff! In this Q&A episode, Dr. Duff tackles two insightful listener questions on very different but equally important mental health topics.

A listener working as an individual sports coach seeks advice on how to best support a talented but highly resistant student who displays signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Dr. Duff dives into:

• What PDA is and how it manifests in individuals, particularly in relation to autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions.

• The importance of reframing PDA as a high drive for autonomy rather than defiance.

• Practical coaching strategies to work around demand avoidance, including collaborative goal setting, offering choices, and making training sessions more engaging and playful.

• The significance of open-ended questions and genuine curiosity in understanding the root of a student’s resistance.

A listener describes their struggle with long-term, low-grade depression despite attempts with medication and therapy. Dr. Duff provides insights into:

• Understanding Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly known as dysthymia) and how it differs from episodic major depression.

• Behavioral activation as a treatment approach, including strategies for identifying and engaging in potentially enjoyable activities despite a lack of motivation or pleasure.

• The five-minute rule to help overcome resistance to activities.

• Medication considerations, including alternatives like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the combination drug Auvelity, which may have fewer side effects.

• Non-medication treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy.

• The importance of evaluating life circumstances to identify external contributors to chronic depression, such as hidden identity struggles or unsatisfying relationships.

[00:00] Intro and updates on Dr. Duff’s upcoming bipolar book [03:00] Question 1: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in coaching [12:00] Strategies for engaging students with PDA [14:00] Question 2: Chronic low-grade depression and treatment options [19:00] Behavioral activation and the five-minute rule [23:00] Medication alternatives and non-pharmacological treatments [27:00] Life circumstances and their role in persistent depression [28:00] Outro and listener support requests

• Dr. Duff’s website: http://duffthepsych.com

• Email your questions: duffthepsych@gmail.com

• Follow Dr. Duff on Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych

• Dr. Duff’s book “Hardcore Self Help: F**k Depression”: https://www.amazon.com/Hardcore-Self-Help-Depression/dp/B01J4H5A40

• Previous episodes on TMS and ketamine treatments: http://duffthepsych.com/podcast

• More on ketamine treatments: https://duffthepsych.com/ect-and-ketamine/

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