ADHD and Me: When will I feel normal?

ADHD and Me: When will I feel normal?

3 years 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.

What to do with a family member with a personality disorder
What to do with a family member with a personality disorder
2 years ago

Dealing with a family member who has a personality disorder can be challenging and emotionally taxing. It's important to understand that personality disorders are complex me...

ADHD and the Friday night date
ADHD and the Friday night date
6 years ago

You have been working hard all week and really look forward to going out with your fiancé to a nice restaurant and enjoying yourself. She has not seen you all week and is excited about findi...

The Complex World of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment: Why They Aren't "One Size Fits All"
The Complex World of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment: Why They Aren't "One Size Fits All"
1 year ago

As a psychiatrist, I am well aware that the world of mental health is often far more complex than other medical disciplines. Psychiatric diagnoses and treatments can't always be treated like...