This podcast explores the contemporary understanding of ADHD as a developmental syndrome of self-dysregulation. It discusses the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and emphasizes the importance of support and understanding. The causes and essence of ADHD are explored, including the role of dopamine deficiency and the reward networks of the brain. The relationship between perfectionism, mood, and cognitive themes in ADHD is examined. The concept of self-regulatory efficacy and its impact on ADHD are discussed, along with strategies for emotional regulation. The use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescents with ADHD is explored, highlighting the importance of finding the right fit for neurodiverse individuals. The concept of procrastivity, task bounding, and time management are also discussed.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various aspects of daily life and can lead to lower quality of life, diminished self-esteem, and strained relationships.
ADHD is characterized by impairments in self-regulation and executive functions, resulting in difficulties in setting goals, sustaining efforts, and managing emotions.
Psychosocial treatment, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is valuable for adults with ADHD as it helps reevaluate thoughts, implement behavioral changes, and focus on emotional regulation.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Daily Life
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can have significant impacts on various aspects of daily life. From difficulties at school and work to health implications and challenges in social settings, ADHD affects individuals in multiple domains. It can lead to lower quality of life, diminished self-esteem, and strained relationships. Adults with ADHD may face criticism from others, leading to increased sensitivity and altered self-perception. Coping mechanisms such as hiding the diagnosis or blaming others may be utilized. Understanding and support from others can have positive effects for individuals with ADHD.
The Cognitive Theme of ADHD: Self-Regulation Difficulties
ADHD is characterized by impairments in self-regulation and executive functions. These executive functions include self-directed actions that help individuals self-regulate, such as setting goals, creating plans, sustaining efforts, and managing emotions. Difficulties in self-regulation can lead to procrastination, poor task endurance, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. The inconsistent performance and punctuated efforts seen in individuals with ADHD stem from the chronic delays in self-regulation capacity and skills. The cognitive theme of ADHD is disengagement, making it challenging for individuals to initiate and maintain tasks and goals.
Psychosocial Treatment for Adult ADHD
Psychosocial treatment, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a valuable approach for adults with ADHD. CBT helps individuals understand and reevaluate their automatic thoughts and assumptions related to ADHD. It also emphasizes behavioral changes, such as breaking down tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic expectations, and implementing coping strategies. Emotional regulation is another important aspect of treatment, focusing on managing discomfort, normalizing emotions, and utilizing emotion labeling. Social support and understanding play a crucial role in navigating the challenges of ADHD. The therapeutic relationship is a crucial component of the change process.
Exploring the Intersection of ADHD and Autism
The intersection of ADHD and autism can present unique challenges for individuals who have both conditions. While there may be similarities in executive function difficulties, such as self-regulation and emotional dysregulation, it is important to consider the specific needs and experiences of the individual. Seeking guidance from experts in the field, such as psychologists specializing in ADHD and autism, can provide valuable insights and strategies for supporting individuals with both conditions.
Balancing ADHD and Opposite Defiant Disorder (ODD)
For individuals with ADHD and ODD, it is important to address both conditions in a comprehensive treatment approach. The oppositional defiant behavior in ODD can sometimes clash with the management strategies for ADHD. However, focusing on cognitive restructuring, emotion management, and behavioral coping strategies can help individuals navigate the difficulties associated with both conditions. Seeking support from professionals who specialize in ADHD and conduct disorders can provide tailored guidance and interventions for managing oppositional defiant behavior while addressing the underlying executive function difficulties of ADHD.
This session will provide an overview of the contemporary understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that goes beyond the “A” and the “H.” Instead, ADHD is understood as a developmental syndrome of self-dysregulation or executive dysfunction. From this understanding, the session will move on to an outline of the corresponding implications for psychosocial treatment of ADHD in adults, namely using cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). The different facets of CBT will be briefly reviewed with a proposed central therapeutic target for each. Lastly, emphasis will be given to the influential role of cognitions and beliefs in the experience of adults with ADHD and their relevance in treatment, including a proposed central cognitive theme, which was a central focus of Dr. Ramsay’s most recent book, Rethinking Adult ADHD.
---
Russell Ramsay, Ph.D., ABPP is co-founder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program and professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. He is also a senior staff clinician at Penn’s Center for Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Ramsay has authored numerous peer-reviewed professional and scientific articles and book chapters. He has written five books about adult ADHD, most recently Rethinking Adult ADHD. His book, The Adult ADHD Tool Kit, has been translated into French, Spanish, and is being translated into Korean. Dr. Ramsay is an inductee in the CHADD Hall of Fame. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Attention Disorders and The ADHD Report. Dr. Ramsay is board-certified in cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition to a full clinical load, he supervises clinicians-in-training in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD.
Links:
- Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5
- Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/
- Dr Russell Ramsay’s profile: https://www.med.upenn.edu/add/faculty_ramsay.html
- Dr Russell Ramsay’s books: https://amzn.to/3yOE41h
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode