This podcast explores the connection between anxiety and ADHD, highlighting how ADHD can generate uncertainty and lead to anxiety. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the need to prioritize mental health and seek professional help for anxiety.
ADHD is an uncertainty generator, leading to anxiousness in individuals with ADHD.
Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry about future risks that are unlikely to occur, impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
Deep dives
Anxiety as a Reaction to Nonexistent Danger
Anxiety, rooted in the amygdala's fight-flight-freeze response, serves to protect individuals from perceived danger. However, when anxiety becomes heightened or overused, it can be problematic. Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry about future risks that are unlikely to occur, impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
ADHD as an Uncertainty Generator and Source of Anxiousness
ADHD is considered an uncertainty generator, leading to feelings of anxiousness. The inconsistencies and unpredictability associated with ADHD can evoke anxiety, especially when it comes to meeting external expectations. This uncertainty about future outcomes, coupled with concerns of judgment from others, can contribute to heightened anxiety levels for individuals with ADHD. While not dismissing clinical anxiety, it is important to differentiate between being anxious and having anxiety.
André reflects on his discussion with Dr. Russel Ramsey about Anxiety and ADHD. André describes his considerable insight that ADHD is an uncertainty generator. He also ponders that ADHDers are anxious due to their ADHD, which generates uncertainty. If the anxiousness goes too far, then it becomes anxiety.