ADHD
It’s a Neurotype
ADHD is a neurotype, meaning a certain way the brain works. ADHD brains work differently to non-ADHD brains, with differences in attention and/ or impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHDers have strengths in how their brains work such as thinking creatively and the ability to hyperfocus, but also experience executive functioning difficulties.
The Role of Dopamine
ADHD brains thrive on dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. ADHDers tend to have low levels of dopamine compared to neurotypical (NT) individuals and are therefore “chemically wired” (Dr John Ratey, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School) to seek more. There are a range of ways that ADHDers seek dopamine ‘hits’, which commonly include interest-based activities, scrolling social media, playing video games and eating impulsively. These things are/ can be healthy in moderation, but if engaged in extensively can get in the way of other life tasks and general health & wellbeing.
ADHD medication can help to support executive functioning so that individuals can be mindful of how they’re seeking dopamine. Psychologists can support individuals to find a healthy balance in how they’re seeking dopamine.
The ADHD ‘tax’
Many ADHDers can relate to the costs associated with executive functioning difficulties such as late fees, wasted food, etc. This is commonly referred to within the community as the ADHD ‘tax’ and we understand that it takes a toll on individuals - both financially and emotionally. We support ADHDers to accept this consequence of executive functioning difficulties, develop some humour around it if possible, and be kind to themselves when it happens.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) & Recognition Responsive Euphoria (RRE)
ADHDers are often more sensitive to real and perceived rejection by others, which we term Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria or RSD. This can take a huge emotional toll at times. We support people who experience this to gently challenge the facts and to increase their self-care during these times of vulnerability.
We also recognise the opposite phenomenon, Recognition Responsive Euphoria or RRE, which relates to the feeling of pleasure that individuals can get from being recognised for what they do well. Individuals can sometimes engage in significant amounts of people-pleasing behaviour to achieve this, which can also take a toll. We support individuals to find a healthy balance which fits with an authentic way of being.
