Throwback Thursday: ADHD and Identity

The Impact of Untreated Mental Illness on Identity

Untreated mental illness in childhood can significantly affect a person's identity. The podcast discusses how the psychotherapy of ADHD, specifically schema-focused therapy, addresses the deep-seated beliefs or schemas that individuals with chronic mental health conditions, including ADHD, develop from early childhood experiences. Some common schemas in ADHD include beliefs of failure, defectiveness and shame, and unrelenting standards. Starting treatment early is crucial for better outcomes, as those who are diagnosed and treated early can realize their potential and develop a sense of hope. However, for those who have gone undiagnosed, it can lead to frustration, symptoms of panic and depression, increased substance use, and a sense of failure. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or schema-focused therapy, aims to address these lifelong patterns of disappointment, underperformance, and feelings of inadequacy.