272 From Denial to Recognition: Let's Talk About Trauma and ADHD
Jul 16, 2024
45:59
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The podcast explores the impact of trauma on ADHD, delving into Complex PTSD and the importance of creating safe environments. It discusses the debate on whether ADHD is caused by trauma or genetics, highlighting the similarities between emotional flashbacks and ADHD traits. The host shares personal experiences and emphasizes the significance of seeking trauma-informed therapy for healing and growth.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding trauma responses is crucial for forming healthier connections and self-awareness.
Distinguishing between genetics and trauma effects on ADHD symptoms is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Deep dives
Discussion on Trauma and Personal Revelation
The episode delves into a personal exploration of trauma, highlighting the impact of past experiences on one's sense of self. The host shares her realization of being highly traumatized despite previously denying any trauma in her life. The conversation revolves around defining trauma beyond singular catastrophic events, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing emotional distress that undermines coping abilities.
The podcast examines trauma responses, encompassing fight, flight, freeze, and fawn reactions to threats. It describes how these responses, adaptive in past dangerous situations, play out as maladaptive coping mechanisms in adulthood. The discussion focuses on how recognizing and understanding one's trauma responses can lead to forming healthier connections and self-awareness.
Trauma's Influence on the Brain and ADHD Symptoms
The episode addresses the intersection of trauma and ADHD, highlighting how trauma can alter brain functioning and manifest symptoms akin to ADHD. It navigates the complex relationship between genetics, trauma, and ADHD, emphasizing the need for clinicians to discern between the effects of genetics and traumatic experiences on ADHD symptoms.
Resource Recommendations for Deeper Trauma Understanding
The conclusion offers resources for further exploration of trauma, including books such as 'The Body Keeps the Score' and 'Complex PTSD from Surviving to Thriving.' It suggests assessments like Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores Test and the Toxic Family Test to aid in understanding personal trauma histories. The host encourages seeking trauma-informed therapy for individuals navigating ADHD symptoms intertwined with traumatic experiences.
For the longest time, I denied having any trauma, but through therapy and a ton of research, I’ve come to realize its significant impact on my life and my ADHD. In today's episode, I discuss what trauma is and provide definitions and resources, especially focusing on Complex PTSD and its links to ADHD. One of the key takeaways is understanding how our experiences and the way we handle them can shape our mental health. For example, proper support and validation can prevent traumatic outcomes, as highlighted by trauma expert Peter Levine. I also delve into various types of trauma and the importance of creating safe environments. This is particularly crucial for neurodivergent individuals like us, as unhealed emotional wounds can have profound effects on how we show up in the world. I even share a personal story about my son to illustrate how validation, support, and protection can prevent lasting trauma. A significant part of our conversation revolves around the ongoing debate about whether ADHD is caused by trauma or genetics. While unaddressed trauma can mimic ADHD symptoms, it’s crucial to differentiate and understand both. We explore Complex PTSD and how emotional flashbacks can resemble the ADHD trait of emotional dysregulation. I also talk about the trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and share my personal experiences, including how I’ve often suppressed my true self for safety. Finally, I recommend some fantastic resources such as books by Dr. Bruce Perry and Pete Walker, and even suggest trauma assessments. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seeking therapy with a trauma-informed therapist. Addressing our past wounds is essential for personal growth and overall well-being. This episode is a deep dive into a subject that’s both personal and universal. Thank you for joining me in this exploration. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support systems available to help you through this. What Happened to You Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving - Free with a Spotify Subscription Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire Multidimensional ADHD Symptom Profiles Toxic Family Test Check out this Episode on YouTube! AG1
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