What's The Juice

How to Go From Underwater to Thriving With ADHD | Dr. Laura Gouge

Aug 5, 2024

Dr. Laura Gouge, a naturopathic physician and experienced advocate for ADHD, discusses her insights on this often misunderstood neurodiverse condition. She explores how ADHD can manifest differently across genders and life stages, reframing it as an 'interest-based nervous system.' The conversation addresses time blindness, hyper-focus, and effective strategies for navigating ADHD challenges. Laura also emphasizes the importance of dietary choices and self-compassion, tying the conversation to managing emotional well-being and nurturing one's unique strengths.

01:28:16

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Laura Gouge

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Quick takeaways

ADHD's manifestation varies between individuals, revealing the importance of understanding its unique traits compared to traditional attention deficit views.

The concept of an interest-based nervous system challenges traditional ADHD perceptions by highlighting hyper-focus on stimulating activities as a unique strength.

Effective management strategies for ADHD include dietary changes and self-awareness practices, which can alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Deep dives

Understanding ADHD as Neurodivergent

ADHD is increasingly recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how individuals process information and pay attention. It is estimated to affect approximately 7% of the global population. Many people with ADHD experience a disconnect between their productivity levels and routine tasks, often excelling in high-pressure situations while struggling with monotony. This condition is noted not just for impulsivity and hyperactivity but also for the ability to hyper-focus on stimulating activities, indicating a unique gift rather than a deficit.

Navigating Relationships: The ADHD Perspective

01:01

Interest Drives Focus in ADHD

01:04

True Self Beyond Productivity

01:36

Embrace Balance Over Overwork

01:10

Intro

4min

Understanding ADHD: Challenges and Strengths

19min

Navigating ADHD: Balancing Energy and Focus

9min

Navigating ADHD: Strategies for Balance and Focus

24min

Understanding Capacity: Balancing Time and Energetic Resources

2min

The Power of Boundaries: Embracing 'No' with Confidence

2min

Reconnecting with the Self

15min

Nourishing the Mind: Integrative Approaches to ADHD

14min

Ep 127. What does ADHD *really* look and feel like – and does it manifest differently for women and men? Is it truly a lack of attention, or an “interest based nervous system,” where you have the ability to also hyperfocus where you’re truly passionate? Dr. Laura Gouge, a naturopathic physician, dives into both her own lived experience with ADHD and expert insights on how to support ADHD symptoms both physically and emotionally. This episode is a real "put the pieces together" moment for anyone looking to understand their own sensitive nervous system to create a more balanced life. We explore a ton of juicy topics, including ADHD as an adaptation, the pain-pleasure pendulum swing, and why we create chaos in our lives to trigger brain stimulation. Laura beautifully outlines why ADHD can often manifest as a streak of genius and why folks with ADHD can so easily hyperfocus on what they love.

HERE’S THE JUICE:

How symptoms of ADHD can vary quite a bit between childhood and adulthood
The TRUE reason why time blindness is such an obstacle for folks with ADHD and identifying tools to help
Why people with ADHD oscillate between hyper-productivity and struggling to get anything done & how to find the middle ground
Tangible ways to build up your nervous system
Why dopamine plays such an essential role in interest-based nervous systems
The idea that ADHD is actually an adaptation
How to support ADHD symptoms through diet and managing histamines
Why the liver plays a key role in ADHD symptoms