JRS Educational Therapy

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 by Julie Stoner | ADHD

The Hidden Struggle: ADHD in Girls, Perfectionism, Burnout, and Identity Issues

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While it's often associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity, the manifestation of ADHD in girls is not always as conspicuous. In fact, many girls with ADHD grapple with a unique set of challenges, including perfectionism, burnout, and identity issues. This entry hits home as I do my own Identity work at the age of 47. 

The Unseen Struggle

Girls with ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed due to the subtlety of their symptoms and the underlining societal values of the patriarchy. Unlike individuals who may display more overt hyperactivity, girls with ADHD often internalize and hide their struggles, and instead of acting out, they channel their energy into coping mechanisms like perfectionism and people pleasing. Unfortunately in our patriarchal society these are often seen as positive traits for girls and women.  

The Vicious Cycle of Perfectionism

Perfectionism becomes a double-edged sword for girls with ADHD. On one hand, it's an attempt to gain control over the chaos that ADHD can introduce into their lives. On the other hand, it intensifies the pressure to meet unrealistic standards, setting the stage for a perpetual cycle of striving for unattainable perfection.

This pursuit of perfection often leads to over commitment, overachievement, and a constant fear of failure. The relentless drive to excel becomes a mask, concealing the very real struggles with executive function, time management, and focus that are inherent to ADHD. As these girls strive for perfection, they unwittingly set themselves up for people pleasing and burnout.

The People Pleasing Trap 

Frequently apologizing, taking on more than she can handle, nodding along with others' suggestions even when she disagrees, all while suppressing her authentic self in a constant quest for approval. 

A people-pleaser is a person who puts others needs ahead of their own. We are highly attuned to others and often seen as agreeable, helpful, and kind. Our people-pleasing behaviors, stem from our heightened sensitivity to the emotional distress caused by past failures, rejections, and scrutiny (all our lives) for ADHD symptoms. In an effort to sidestep disappointing those around us and experiencing feelings of judgement, girls with ADHD often neglect their own needs and have trouble advocating for themselves, which can lead to a harmful pattern of self-sacrifice or self-neglect and burnout. 

The Burnout Conundrum

Perfectionism, when combined with the inherent challenges of ADHD, creates a breeding ground for burnout. The relentless effort to meet impossibly high standards takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Fatigue sets in as girls push themselves to the brink, trying to keep up with the demands of academics, extracurricular activities, and social expectations. Never asking for or expecting outside help. 

Burnout, of course, exacerbates the symptoms of ADHD. Our concentration wanes, organizational skills falter, and the ability to manage time effectively diminishes... enter here... hours of TikTok scrolling.  The very traits that initially masked the presence of ADHD become glaringly evident, leading to a potential spiral of shame and self-doubt and for some of us, the pursuit of another degree or certification. 

Identity Lost and Found

As girls with ADHD grapple with perfectionism and burnout, issues of identity often come to the forefront. The discrepancy between the façade of perfection and the internal struggles creates a profound sense of  imposter syndrome.  These girls may question their worth, feeling that their achievements are merely a result of tireless effort rather than intrinsic ability or the opposite. They might endure a constant search for more credentials or 'proof' that they are knowledgeable, proof they are experts in a field, or belong within a chosen community. 

Addressing these identity issues involves not only recognizing and understanding the intersection of ADHD, perfectionism, and burnout but also fostering an environment that embraces neurodiversity and dismantles the values of the patriarchy. Providing support, accommodations, and a safe space for these girls to express their unique strengths and challenges can be transformative. 

Breaking the Silence

It's crucial to break the silence surrounding ADHD in girls and to dispel the myth that it only presents in stereotypically hyperactive ways. By fostering awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and embracing a holistic approach to support, we can empower girls with ADHD to navigate their unique challenges, break free from the shackles of perfectionism, and forge a path towards self-discovery and acceptance.

Check out this Video from How to ADHD: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (ADHD Storytime)

https://youtu.be/g6wbCf0gNSw?si=Tkp7VjQIgqhvePjU

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 by Julie Stoner | ADHD

The Complex Link Between Untreated ADHD, Depression, & Memory Loss

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals of all ages. While ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are well-recognized, the consequences of untreated ADHD can extend beyond these primary symptoms. This blog post delves into the intricate connection between untreated ADHD, depression, memory loss, and the alarming statistics about suicide rates associated with untreated ADHD.

The Untreated ADHD Challenge

Untreated ADHD can present numerous challenges. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with organizational tasks, time management, and maintaining focus. These difficulties can lead to academic and professional underachievement and, more significantly, to emotional and psychological challenges.

Depression: A Common Comorbidity

One of the most prevalent comorbid conditions with untreated ADHD is depression. Studies have shown that individuals with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk of developing depression compared to those without the disorder. The reasons for this connection are multifaceted:

Low Self-Esteem: The challenges that accompany untreated ADHD can erode an individual's self-esteem. Constant struggles with inattention, impulsivity, and disorganization can lead to feelings of inadequacy, which are associated with depression.

Academic and Professional Struggles: Individuals with untreated ADHD often underperform academically and professionally. Persistent setbacks can contribute to feelings of frustration and hopelessness, which are common in depression.

Social Difficulties: Interpersonal relationships may be strained due to impulsive behavior and difficulty in maintaining focus during conversations. Social challenges can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression.

The Memory Loss Connection

Memory loss is another significant consequence of untreated ADHD. While not all individuals with ADHD experience memory problems, many do. 

The relationship between untreated ADHD and memory issues can be understood in the following ways:

Inattention: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with sustaining attention, making it challenging to encode and retrieve information effectively. This inattention can lead to forgetfulness and memory lapses.

Working Memory Deficits: Working memory is crucial for holding and manipulating information temporarily. People with ADHD often have working memory deficits, which affect their ability to keep track of tasks, follow instructions, and remember details.

Cognitive Overload: Untreated ADHD can lead to cognitive overload. Individuals may try to compensate for inattention by multitasking, which can further strain their working memory and contribute to memory difficulties.

The Disturbing Statistic

The link between untreated ADHD, depression, and suicide rates is deeply concerning. Research has shown that individuals with untreated ADHD are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, children with ADHD are at a two-fold increased risk of attempting suicide, compared to their peers without ADHD. This statistic underscores the urgent need to recognize and address untreated ADHD and its associated mental health challenges.

Addressing the Link

Recognizing and addressing the connection between untreated ADHD, depression, memory loss, and suicide is crucial for improving an individual's overall well-being. Effective interventions include:

ADHD Medication: Medication can help manage ADHD symptoms, improving attention, focus, and working memory.

Behavioral Therapy: Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals develop coping strategies for both ADHD and depression.

Supportive Environment: Creating an environment that accommodates the individual's specific needs can reduce cognitive overload and emotional stress.

Emotional Well-being: Addressing depression often involves therapy and, in some cases, medication. Treating depression can help alleviate some of the emotional burden associated with untreated ADHD.

Final Thoughts 

The link between untreated ADHD, depression, memory loss, and suicide is a complex and serious issue that demands attention. Recognizing the interplay between these conditions is essential for providing appropriate treatment and support. With the right interventions, individuals with untreated ADHD can overcome these challenges, improve their overall well-being, and lead fulfilling lives. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to address these issues comprehensively and create a path towards better mental health and cognitive function, as well as to address the elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with untreated ADHD.

Saturday, November 4, 2023 by Julie Stoner | ADHD

The Power of Medication in ADHD Treatment: Unleashing Potential and Ensuring Safety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. ADHD presents a complex set of symptoms, making it challenging to navigate daily life successfully. In this blog post, we will explore the efficacy, safety, and the transformative impact of ADHD medications, along with valuable insights from Russell A. Barkley, a leading figure in ADHD research.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's academic, professional, and personal life. While behavioral interventions and therapy are valuable components of ADHD treatment, medication often plays a pivotal role in managing these challenges.

The Power of Medication: Efficacy and Safety

Improved Focus and Concentration

ADHD medications, including stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine-based drugs and non-stimulants like atomoxetine, have consistently demonstrated their efficacy. Clinical studies show that stimulant medications can enhance attention and focus in approximately 70-80% of individuals with ADHD, helping them stay on track and complete tasks effectively.

Reduced Impulsivity

Medications effectively reduce impulsivity, a common symptom of ADHD. Clinical trials have consistently shown that medications can lead to a significant reduction in impulsive behaviors in individuals with ADHD.

Enhanced Academic and Professional Performance

Multiple studies confirm that medication significantly improves academic and professional performance. Children and adults with ADHD who take medication often experience increased productivity, better task completion rates, and improved job performance.

Improved Quality of Life

The positive impact of ADHD medication on an individual's overall quality of life is well-documented. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that medication treatment for ADHD was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of injuries and emergency department visits, emphasizing the safety aspect of treatment.

Findings from brain imaging studies suggest, incredibly, that long-term ADHD medication use has lasting, positive effects on the brain. Research studies reveal that individuals who were untreated for ADHD in childhood continue to exhibit the previously mentioned smaller, underdeveloped areas of the brain into adulthood. But it’s a whole different story for those adults who were treated with stimulant medication as children. Over time, these same, smaller brain areas actually develop to reach average, adult size — no different than the brain areas of adults without ADHD. These findings do not prove that medication “cures” ADHD. But they strongly suggest that, over time, stimulants reduce or even eliminate some of the brain differences that may be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD.

Russell Barkley's Insights

Russell A. Barkley, a prominent figure in ADHD research, eloquently summarizes the condition: "ADHD is not a disorder of knowing what to do, but a disorder of doing what one knows." Dr. Barkley's words emphasize the disconnect between knowledge and action in individuals with ADHD and highlight the significance of interventions, including medication, to bridge this gap.

Safety and Efficacy Statistics

ADHD medications are considered safe and effective. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, stimulant medications are effective in about 70-80% of individuals with ADHD, leading to significant improvements in attention and hyperactivity. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine offer an alternative for those who do not respond well to stimulants or have concerns about potential abuse. Research shows that individuals who need stimulant meds are unlikely to abuse them. In fact, early treatment with ADHD meds reduces the risk of later substance abuse.

In closing

The power of medication for treating ADHD cannot be overstated. With a wealth of research supporting their efficacy and safety, these medications provide individuals with ADHD the tools they need to manage their symptoms, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives. When combined with behavioral strategies and support, medication can be a transformative aspect of ADHD treatment.