The Circuits ADHD Changes: Understanding and Supporting Our Executive Functions

The Circuits ADHD Changes: Understanding and Supporting Our Executive Functions

ADHD Coach Katherine Sanders

In this episode of ADHD Powerful Possibilities, Katherine explores the critical role that executive functions play in the daily lives of those with ADHD. We break down how ADHD affects the brain's circuits, especially in areas like planning, emotional regulation, and time management. Then we discuss practical strategies to scaffold and support these executive functions, making them more manageable for those with ADHD.

If you've ever struggled with procrastination, organisation, or emotional overwhelm, this episode offers both insights and actionable tips to help you thrive.

Key Discussion Points:
  • Executive functions as project managers and air traffic controllers (00:01:12)
  • Katherine explains executive functions in relatable terms, highlighting their role in coordinating the brain’s activities.
  • The science behind executive function challenges (00:03:10)
  • Dr. Russell Barkley's definition of executive functions is discussed, along with ADHD's impact on these brain circuits. Barkley describes them as the "who, what, when, how, and why" circuits of the brain. Reference: Dr. Russell Barkley’s Research.
  • Working memory difficulties (00:05:07)
  • Katherine shares personal insights about how ADHD affects working memory, which can only hold around 7 pieces of information. She discusses why people with ADHD often struggle to manage these limits.
  • The role of the prefrontal cortex in ADHD (00:06:20)
  • ADHD impacts the prefrontal cortex, affecting gray matter volume, which in turn influences planning and emotional regulation.
  • Reference: Castellanos et al. (2002) study on ADHD and gray matter volume. Citation needed: Castellanos, F. X., et al. (2002). Developmental trajectories of brain volume abnormalities in children and adolescents with ADHD. JAMA, 288(14), 1740-1748
  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps (00:10:29)
  • Practical tip for reducing overwhelm by breaking large tasks into manageable pieces. Katherine recommends using sticky notes to create small, bite-sized steps to overcome emotional overwhelm and procrastination.
  • Mindfulness and emotional regulation (00:15:10)
  • Katherine discusses the benefits of mindfulness and grounding techniques for emotional regulation, referencing a 2016 meta-analysis by Veehof.
  • Reference: Veehof et al. (2016) meta-analysis on mindfulness and ADHD. Citation needed: Veehof, M. M., et al. (2016). Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for emotional regulation in ADHD.
  • ‍‍ Accountability and demand avoidance (00:15:55)
  • Katherine reflects on the challenges of accountability for ADHD individuals and the importance of maintaining autonomy. She emphasizes the need for equal partnerships in accountability systems rather than a top-down structure.


Join the Function Junction Course:
  • If you're ready to take action on your executive functions, check out Katherine's Function Junction course for personalised strategies to support your ADHD brain.

https://adhdfunctionjunction.teachery.co/promo-code

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Episoder(44)

ADHD adults be like: Why am I so bad at adulting?

ADHD adults be like: Why am I so bad at adulting?

Powerful Possibilities: ADHD Newly Diagnosed and BeyondEpisode 3 - Why am I so bad at adulting?In this third episode of the 'Powerful Possibilities' podcast, ADHD coach Katherine discusses the distinct challenges that adults with ADHD face, such as maintaining a nine-to-five job, forming stable relationships, and maintaining a home. She discusses the negative feedback and lack of understanding these adults often face, especially when they struggle with society's 'adult functions'. She explores the stronger likelihood of adults with ADHD to face executive function problems, lower income, having smaller social networks, and other difficulties. However, Katherine assures listeners that despite these challenges, a fulfilling life is possible with ADHD, it might just look different. She encourages her audience to get an assessment of their unique executive function profile to understand where they are struggling, build individual strategies to manage these struggles, and create a balance between structure and freedom. Katherine also hints at future episodes where these strategies to manage ADHD will be extensively discussed.00:07 Introduction and Overview What's up everybody....00:19 Understanding the Struggles of Adulting with ADHD - Why am I so bad at adulting?...00:59 Feedback and Reflections on Previous EpisodesThank you, everybody for your lovely feedback on the first two episodes of the podcast, this is the first time....01:11 The Challenges of Adulting with ADHD - First question is, why am I so bad to adulting?...01:41 The Impact of ADHD on Adult Life: Adults tend to be people who have jobs....02:36 The Role of Executive Functions in ADHD: So I love to do research for blog posts for podcasts, for everything....03:11 The Importance of Identifying and Addressing Challenges 03:31 Understanding the Inattentive Presentation of ADHD -  people with inattentive presentation of ADHD who are more likely to be missed when younger....04:23 The Concept of Adulting - what adulting usually means....04:47 The Impact of ADHD on Brain Maturation and Adult Responsibilities 06:19 The Role of Executive Functions in ADHD and Adulting06:38 The Importance of Research and Understanding ADHD09:15 The Challenges of Time Management with ADHD10:08 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD 14:09 Understanding Emotional Regulation in ADHD17:32 Strategies for Managing Executive Functions and Time Awareness23:19 The Importance of Emotional Self-Regulation 23:56 The Power of Reframing and Emotional Self-RegulationAnd we have social communication problems....Silverstein, M. J., Faraone, S. V., Leon, T. L., Biederman, J., Spencer, T. J., & Adler, L. A. (2020). The Relationship Between Executive Function Deficits and DSM-5-Defined ADHD Symptoms. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(1), 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054718804347https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1...Michielsen, M., Comijs, H. C., Aartsen, M. J., Sem...

3 Nov 202331min

The Grief and Relief after an Adult ADHD Diagnosis

The Grief and Relief after an Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Welcome to the first episode of Powerful Possibilities.I’m Katherine.I'm an ADHD coach, and I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in my early 40s. Today I’m discussing life after being diagnosed with ADHD, particularly as an adult. For some of us, this can be an emotional journey. But there are powerful possibilities...Here are the highlights: (5:08) Emotions and coping strategies(12:00) An ADHD diagnosis for adults(15:40) ADHD diagnosis and identity (22:24) Managing an ADHD diagnosis and emotionsMore information:Elizabeth Kubler Ross - stages of grief:https://www.psycom.net/stages-of-griefTyrrell P, Harberger S, Schoo C, et al. Kubler-Ross Stages of Dying and Subsequent Models of Grief. [Updated 2023 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507885/Dr Kristin Neff - Self-Compassion:https://self-compassion.org/Dr Russell Barkley - Emotional self-regulation:https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/Barkley-emotional-regulation-v2.pdfSelf-assessment forms:Download (self-assessment link)Download (self-assessment for women link)Link to blog about ADHD and depression:https://lightbulbadhd.com/blog/depression-and-adhdConnect with Katherine here:WebsiteInstagramTiktokFacebookYoutubeLinkedINThreads

27 Okt 202328min

Navigating ADHD Medication in Adulthood - Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Navigating ADHD Medication in Adulthood - Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Should I take ADHD medication and supplements?This week, I’m discussing this all-important subject.After an ADHD diagnosis, one of the first things we think about is whether or not to try medication.This is a big topic. And each person is different. So, join me as we navigate ADHD medication in adulthood - the pros, cons and alternatives. I must clarify that I am a coach. I'm also somebody who takes ADHD medication. But I am not a doctor. I am not a psychiatrist, psychologist or nutritionist. None of the information in this podcast should be used to make any decisions about your treatment. Always consult with a qualified professional who deals specifically with the topic that you are facing right now.Here are the highlights: (3:47) The effects of ADHD medication(10:17) ADHD medication and supplements(16:47) Responsible use of medication(24:17) The pros and cons of ADHD medicationMedication - explainer articles:Main kinds of medication:https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-adhd-medication-worksNon-stimulant medication:https://www.verywellmind.com/non-stimulant-adhd-medication-20884New triple reuptake inhibitor medication:https://www.drugtopics.com/view/novel-adhd-therapy-more-tolerable-less-effective-than-current-treatment-options#Safely using Omega 3:https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-fish-oil-supplements-whats-a-safe-dosage/#:~:text=Although%20one%20Japanese%20study%20gave,3%20intake%20to%20that%20level.Fish oil or medication study:https://www.kcl.ac.uk/omega-3-fish-oil-as-effective-for-attention-as-drugs-for-some-children-with-adhdExercise:https://lightbulbadhd.com/blog/adhd-and-exercise-xPF6jhttps://www.additudemag.com/the-adhd-exercise-solution/Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, Müller HHO, Braun N, Philipsen A. Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020 Jan 6;7:1. doi: 10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2. PMID: 31921425; PMCID: PMC6945516.Sleep:https://lightbulbadhd.com/blog/adhd-and-sleep-problems-in-adultshttps://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/adhd-and-sleepCommunity:Harpin, VA The effect of ADHD on the life of an individual, their family, and community from preschool to adult life, Arch Dis Child 2005;90(Suppl I):i2–i7. doi: 10.1136/adc.2004.059006

27 Okt 202329min

Trailer

Trailer

Welcome to Powerful Possibilities. I'm Katherine, a certified ADHD coach with ADHD and autism, which was diagnosed in my 40s. This podcast is your go-to guide for navigating the uncharted territory of adult ADHD.Here we will explore the challenges, but most importantly, the opportunities and possibilities for growth and personal discovery that come with an ADHD diagnosis.So, join me for a safe space of genuine conversation and transformative change. Here are the highlights: (0:14) A bit about Katherine(0:25) What’s this podcast all about? (0:57) My own journey and diagnosis(1:20) What you can expect Connect with Katherine here:WebsiteInstagramTiktokFacebookYoutubeLinkedINThreads

24 Okt 20231min

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