I became interested in working with people with ADHD when I was working as a professional organizer. The clients I enjoyed the most just happened to have ADHD. Why is getting organized so hard for people with ADHD? Lots of reasons! Skills involved with organizing: Decluttering: Making decisions about what to keep and what to let … Read more
If you don’t believe me, check this out! Neurobiology of ADHD There are very real differences in the brains of those who have ADHD and those who don’t, and the challenges of ADHD are easily explained by these differences. So yes, when I say ADHD is all in your head, I mean this very literally. … Read more
Does this happen to you? You start one project, like reclaiming your kitchen countertop, and suddenly you’re working on three projects: Updating your filing system so you can file the tax documents that came in the mail Researching recycling bins so you can find something large enough to hold all the empty bottles littering your … Read more
One of the biggest obstacles to asking for help is the belief we should be able to do something by ourselves. Many clients tell me, “I know how to do this. I shouldn’t need someone else here to help me.” Just because we know how to do something doesn’t mean we can stay focused on … Read more
Most of us are familiar with the phrase, “empty calories” to denote foods that offer no nutritional benefit. Several clients have recently described some of their time-wasting behaviors, and I realized, they are filling up on empty dopamine! Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved with sensations of reward and pleasure. We get a good hit of … Read more
I just learned about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), which describes the experience of people who are extra sensitive to rejection. They feel rejection more intensely. They may perceive it when it isn’t there. They may exaggerate its significance, and they can be paralyzed just anticipating it. An Example of RSD at Work Several years ago, I was working with a regular, … Read more
I speak with many people who are surprised when I ask if they have ADHD. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) is the official name for the condition, but it can be misleading. It’s possible to have ADHD without hyperactivity, and it’s also possible to have intense focus, under the right circumstances. Red flags for ADHD: Your level of achievement is … Read more
Just listened to yet another excellent podcast this morning about managing ADHD, and couldn’t help but thinking that it all really boils down to money, doesn’t it? Not sure I have any answers, but I just want to acknowledge how frustrating it must be for people to hear things like: Hire an assistant. Leave your … Read more
I just got back from the annual CHADD conference, where the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness and/or meditation was a huge topic. Mindfulness is helpful not just for reducing unwanted aspects of ADHD, but for improving mental and physical health in all sorts of ways. If you’re skeptical, check out these websites from Harvard, the American Psychological Association and UC … Read more
Very interesting article in the Summer 2014 issue of ADDitude Magazine, about Concentration Deficit Disorder, or CDD. I first learned about CDD a few years ago, when it was being referred to as Sluggish Cognitive Tempo—a terrible name! Dr. Russell Barkley and other researchers in the field of ADHD have theorized that some people who have been … Read more