ADHD and Me: When will I feel normal?

ADHD and Me: When will I feel normal?

1 year ago

One of the main misunderstandings about ADHD assessment and therapy is that there is a state that one reaches when you feel totally normal , balanced, able to focus, and free of distraction and attention problems. Unfortunately the reality is otherwise, as I often remind my patients. To me, ADHD is not a disease to be fixed but a condition or propensity towards a pattern of brain functioning that needs to be managed. There are aspects of an ADHD brain that are helpful in day-to-day functioning such as intuitiveness, excitement, eagerness, warmth and genuineness. The goal of the treatment, both psycho-therapeutically and with medication, is to address the problematic aspects of ADHD. The clinical question then is to balance treatment versus potential side effects from medications, and determine what kind of psychological stance will be the endpoint to the goals of therapy. This is something that requires patience, education, acceptance, and commitment to goals that are both immediate and long-term. An existential spiritual center or perspective on life also reminds essential for the best outcome.

Pornography addiction and ADHD in adults
Pornography addiction and ADHD in adults
5 years ago

67.4% of my patients have an addiction to porn. OK, I made up the precise statistic to get your attention; I just meant a significant subgroup! Pornography activates the novelty-seeking pathways in...

Are most addictions and ADHD spectrum disorders in adults on the same continuum?
Are most addictions and ADHD spectrum disorders in adults on the same continuum?
1 year ago

My clinical background as a psychiatrist started in treating addiction disorders. I was attracted to this field because it acknowledges the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual contex...

Turbulent times lead to strong emotions
Turbulent times lead to strong emotions
3 years ago

It's okay to feel anxious, sad and restless these days! It might point you to some corners of your mind and psyche that need working on. If you are a human anywhere on this planet you feel the unse...