Podcast Summary
A listener shares how 'adhdadotuk' resonated with him and his struggles with binge eating: A listener found comfort and acknowledgement for his binge eating struggles through the unconventional 'adhdadotuk' podcast, which covers various topics related to ADHD with a humorous approach.
The podcast "adhdadotuk," hosted by James Brown and Dr. Alex Connor, has gained recognition as one of the top 40 mental health podcasts in the UK, despite their unconventional and often humorous approach. A listener from Kidderminster shared how the podcast resonated with him on a personal level, particularly in an episode about ADHD and eating behaviors. He expressed gratitude for the duo's work and how it helped him acknowledge and seek support for his own struggles with binge eating. The podcast covers various topics related to ADHD, including hyperkinetic movements and tics, and often features a lighthearted and sometimes controversial tone. Despite their growing audience, James and Alex remain true to their unique style, promising an "attritional, hate filled, piss taking, targeting each other" episode in the future.
ADHD and tics are linked by a shared deficit in cognitive inhibition: Approx. 20-30% of people with ADHD have a tick disorder, and over 60% of tick disorder cases involve ADHD. Medications for ADHD can worsen tics in some individuals, and tic severity correlates with premonitory urges' strength.
ADHD and hyperkinetic movements, including tics, are closely linked. Approximately 20-30% of people with ADHD also have a tick disorder, and over 60% of children with a tick disorder have ADHD. This connection is due to a shared deficit in cognitive inhibition. Medications commonly used to treat ADHD, such as stimulants, can exacerbate tics in some individuals. The severity of premonitory urges, or uncomfortable sensations preceding tics, is also linked to the strength of the resulting tic. Despite this connection, the impact of diagnosis and treatment on the co-occurrence of ADHD and hyperkinetic movements is not well understood.
ADHD affects various parts of the brain beyond the prefrontal cortex: ADHD impacts motor cortex, affecting movement and inhibiting behaviors, due to a deficit in the inhibitory chemical GABA
While the prefrontal cortex is often the focus when discussing ADHD, there are other areas of the brain that are affected, such as the motor cortex. This area is responsible for movement and inhibiting behaviors, and a deficit in the inhibitory chemical GABA can lead to difficulty inhibiting certain movements or behaviors. This is just one example of how ADHD affects various parts of the brain beyond the prefrontal cortex. It's important to remember that ADHD is complex and affects individuals differently, and communication about it should be clear and respectful.
Understanding and Accepting ADHD Behaviors: ADHD behaviors vary greatly, acceptance is key to managing symptoms and maintaining relationships.
Living with ADHD can present unique and sometimes embarrassing challenges. The speaker shares an example of a behavior they exhibit, writing out words they're saying or thinking with their finger in the air, which they're unsure if it qualifies as a tic or stimming. Regardless, it's a behavior they cannot control and find it difficult to accept. The speaker also mentions their partner's experience with ADHD and how her tics have become more noticeable, leading to a vicious cycle of ticcing more as she becomes more aware of them. This discussion highlights the importance of understanding and accepting the various ways ADHD can manifest and the impact it can have on individuals and their relationships. It's crucial to remember that everyone's experience with ADHD is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to managing its symptoms.
Living with ADHD can lead to increased symptoms and impact mental health: Recognizing and addressing symptoms of ADHD, such as tics and fidgeting, is essential for improving overall well-being. Diagnosis and treatment can be complex when other conditions are present.
Living with undiagnosed or newly diagnosed ADHD can lead to an increase in noticeable symptoms, including tics and fidgeting, which can significantly impact mental health. For some individuals, these symptoms may be linked to other conditions like perimenopause, making the diagnosis and treatment process more complex. Sam's experience with tics is a prime example of this challenge, as she has noticed her tics becoming more frequent and less controllable since accepting her ADHD diagnosis. Similarly, Al shares his personal experience of living with both ADHD and hypokinetic movements, which include fidgeting, toe-clicking, stuttering, and tongue movements while driving. These behaviors, though common, can be distressing and difficult to suppress, especially in situations where stillness is required. Overall, the journey towards understanding and managing ADHD can be a complex one, but recognizing and addressing these symptoms is an essential step towards improving overall well-being.
Common struggles with memory and focus: We all face challenges with memory and focus, leading to misunderstandings, false memories, and unintended consequences.
Everyone, including the speaker, Alex, struggles with various aspects of memory and focus, which can lead to misunderstandings, false memories, and unintended consequences. During a conversation about his discomfort with sitting still during classical concerts, Alex shared a story of leaving a harp solo concert with his wife's permission, which he later distorted into a cooler memory. He also admitted to forgetting important details and stuttering, which he compared to real-time ADHD. In a game segment, Alex revealed instances of forgetting to order the correct medication, phoning for the wrong type of test, and forgetting the reason for a doctor's appointment. These shared experiences highlight the common challenges we all face with memory and focus, making us more relatable and human.
Accepting and managing mistakes in ADHD and hyperkinetic movements: Understand that mistakes happen, practice self-acceptance, seek help, and utilize techniques like breathing exercises and CBIT to effectively manage ADHD and hyperkinetic movements.
Managing ADHD and hyperkinetic movements involves understanding that mistakes can happen and self-acceptance is crucial. The discussion highlighted an instance where ordering the wrong medical test was an honest mistake, not a sign of being incapable. It's essential to remember that help is available, and various techniques and therapies, such as breathing exercises and Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT), can be effective. Moreover, it's important not to self-chastise or hate oneself for tics, as they are not something we can control. The NHS website is a valuable resource for learning more about tics. In summary, accepting and managing ADHD and hyperkinetic movements requires patience, understanding, and self-compassion.
Embrace who we are and find ways to live well: Focus on enjoyable activities, seek support, and embrace self-acceptance to manage symptoms of disorders like ADHD and Tourette's
Self-acceptance and finding healthier alternatives to cope with symptoms of disorders like ADHD and Tourette's are crucial. The speakers emphasized the importance of not blaming oneself for these conditions and focusing on enjoyable activities that don't worsen health issues. They also suggested seeking support from charities and resources like the BT Coach English app for managing symptoms. The speakers acknowledged their own forgetfulness and shared a product recommendation for those interested in exploring this tool. While the tone was lighthearted, the message was clear: it's essential to embrace who we are and find ways to live well with our unique challenges.
