WS41 Rethinking Adult ADHD with Dr. Russell Ramsay. Episode Replay.
Jan 15, 2025
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Dr. Russell Ramsay, a psychologist and expert in adult ADHD, discusses the multifaceted nature of diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. He sheds light on the intricacies of executive functioning and self-regulation, debunking common misconceptions. Cultural influences on ADHD perception are explored, alongside personal stories from Scotland and Italy. Ramsay emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies to counter procrastination and urges the need for self-awareness and support in the ADHD community. His insights highlight the significance of individual experiences in managing ADHD.
Dr. Ramsey emphasizes the critical need for accurate ADHD assessments to differentiate it from overlapping mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The podcast discusses the importance of building self-confidence in adults with ADHD, particularly through managing procrastination and overcoming self-doubt in challenging situations.
Deep dives
The Journey into Adult ADHD
Dr. Russell Ramsey shares his journey into the realm of adult ADHD, highlighting his evolution from a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania to co-founding the Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program. Initially unaware of the complexities surrounding ADHD, his collaboration with Dr. Tony Rothstein led to the development of psychosocial treatments and assessment protocols that are now recognized as evidence-supported interventions. Through this work, he emphasizes the significant challenges faced in diagnosing ADHD due to overlapping symptoms with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The need for effective assessment techniques that can distinguish ADHD from these 'fellow travelers' proves vital for proper treatment.
Self-Trust and Consistency Challenges
A notable theme in adult ADHD identified by Dr. Ramsey is the struggle with self-mistrust, where individuals often recognize their abilities but lack confidence in their performance during critical moments. This leads to feelings of frustration and anxiety around tasks they know they can complete, but without assured success. The concept of 'consistent inconsistency' captures this dichotomy, as adults with ADHD may perform well in supportive environments but falter when faced with new or challenging contexts. Building self-confidence through facing these challenges is crucial for mitigating self-doubt and improving overall functioning.
Coping with Procrastination and Motivation
Dr. Ramsey discusses practical strategies for overcoming procrastination, particularly that which arises from task aversion. He introduces the concept of 'procrastivity,' where individuals find themselves engaging in less critical tasks to avoid daunting ones, suggesting that identifying what makes certain tasks more appealing can help reframe approach strategies. Effective techniques include setting specific times and realistic goals for task completion, as well as utilizing cognitive strategies to push through the initial resistance to starting work. The underlying idea is to reduce the pressure felt around tasks by breaking them into manageable steps that entice action.
Cultural Perspectives on ADHD Diagnosis
The discussion delves into the cultural factors influencing the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, with Dr. Ramsey pointing out how variations in cultural attitudes toward mental health can affect identification rates. He notes that different communities may rely on family or faith-based solutions before seeking professional help, leading to inconsistencies in ADHD diagnosis across diverse populations. Despite these cultural differences, Dr. Ramsey emphasizes that ADHD's prevalence remains consistent across humans, regardless of background. He highlights the importance of competent assessments by trained professionals to ensure proper diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment.
Episode Replay. Originally aired September 27, 2023.
đ Episode show notes, including links, an ADHD test, an executive function skills assessment, articles, resources, and more, are available at wisesquirrels.com.
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