In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mine Conkbayir, an early years researcher and newly diagnosed ADHD advocate, teams up with her husband, comedy actor Paul Whitehouse. They explore the complexities of ADHD, including its impact on women and common misconceptions. Dr. Mine shares her childhood traumas and the challenges of emotional regulation, while Paul reflects on the surprising prevalence of ADHD among his comedy peers. They also introduce intriguing concepts like 'dopamining' and 'doom piling,' advocating for a more nuanced understanding of ADHD.
The podcast discusses how ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women, highlighting the need for better recognition and support tailored to their experiences.
It emphasizes the importance of personal coping strategies and self-awareness over reliance on medication, advocating for holistic approaches in managing ADHD.
Deep dives
Raising Awareness of ADHD
The podcast aims to raise awareness about ADHD, particularly the common misconceptions surrounding it, especially among females. Many guests share their experiences of being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression throughout their lives, highlighting the need for better recognition and support for ADHD in women. The hosts emphasize that more research is necessary to understand how ADHD presents differently in girls and women, which often leads to improper treatment. The discussion illustrates how addressing these gaps can change lives and improve supports available for those diagnosed with ADHD.
The Link Between ADHD and Humor
The hosts capitalize on humor to address serious topics concerning ADHD, which serves as a coping mechanism for many individuals. The podcast features prominent guests, including comedians, who discuss how ADHD can influence creativity and success in comedy. It questions the societal perception of ADHD, contrasting the experiences of those who find it enriching with those who see it as a burden. By blending humor with substantive dialogue about ADHD, the intent is to create a safe space for open conversations while respecting the challenges faced by individuals with the condition.
Understanding Medication and Coping Strategies
The conversation touches on the controversial topic of medication for ADHD, with some guests expressing hesitation to rely on pharmaceutical solutions. The hosts advocate for holistic approaches, emphasizing the importance of developing personal coping strategies such as journaling, mindfulness, and seeking therapy. They argue that medication can sometimes be overprescribed, especially for children, and encourage understanding emotional regulation as a vital skill. By promoting self-awareness and personal tools for management, the podcast seeks to empower listeners to take control of their ADHD experience.
Comedy actor Paul Whitehouse and his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir have turned their focus to ADHD.
Dr Mine is an early years researcher and author and was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023. She talks about how a traumatic childhood shaped her, needing plenty of noise and lights to function and her thoughts around medication.
Her husband, Paul Whitehouse is known for his sketches on The Fast Show and the more sedate Gone Fishing. All about the calm, he’s curious about why so many of his comedy colleagues are also being diagnosed with ADHD.
The couple say why they don’t like the term ADHD, explain what’s meant by dopamining and doom piling and also reveal more about their brand new podcast, ‘I’m ADHD! No you’re not’.
Presented by Emma Tracey
Produced by Alex Collins and Emma Tracey
Sound Recording and mixing: Dave O’Neill
Editors: Sara Wadeson and Beth Rose
We love to hear from you. Email accessall@bbc.co.uk to tell us what you think or suggest a story we should be covering. You can also find us on Instagram and X under @bbcaccessall
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