Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
ADHD Duos • The Flooded Brain: ADHD, Emotion, and the Biology of Overwhelm with Dr. Dodge Rea & Dr. Sharon Saline
Apr 24, 2025
Dr. Dodge Rea, an ADHD expert known for his unique grace sequence approach, joins Dr. Sharon Saline to discuss the neuroscience of emotional flooding in ADHD. They explore how overwhelming emotions are not flaws but responses shaped by biology and experience. Insights into the amygdala's role, coping strategies like the STAR approach, and the importance of self-compassion offer listeners practical tools for managing emotional dysregulation. They also highlight how humor and community can aid in processing these complex feelings.
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Quick takeaways
- Emotional flooding in ADHD is a neurological response driven by an overactive amygdala, complicating emotional regulation under stress.
- The cycle of shame and fear significantly worsens emotional flooding, often leading to disproportionate reactions rooted in past experiences.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotional Flooding
Emotional flooding is a state that people with ADHD frequently experience, characterized by overwhelming emotions that feel like a tidal wave. This phenomenon can hinder the ability to manage feelings effectively, often referred to as an 'amygdala hijack,' where the emotional brain overtakes rational thinking. For individuals with ADHD, the amygdala is more reactive, leading to heightened emotional responses, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functioning, is underactive. This results in difficulty distinguishing between real dangers and perceived threats, intensifying the experience of emotional flooding.
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