Clutter seems to come along with the experience of ADHD. Organizing belongings, keeping up with housekeeping, and maintaining the flow of family life can get complicated because of ADHD symptoms.

This week's episode dives into the impact clutter has on the lives of those of us with ADHD and tips to put an end to it! 

Be sure to listen to how to get a free body double appointment if you're +18years old. 

Dopamine allows us to regulate emotional responses and take action to achieve specific rewards. It’s responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

Scientists have observed that levels of dopamine are different in people with ADHD than in those without ADHD. 

This episode talks about the neurobiology of the ADHD brain and the ways in which we attempt to get "hits" of Dopamine. 

As many as 80% of people with ADHD will have at least one other psychiatric condition in their lifetime. Just as untreated ADHD can lead to unnecessary problems in everyday life, comorbid conditions can cause a tremendous amount of harm in those with ADHD if left undiagnosed and untreated. On the surface, SAD and ADHD can sometimes look alike. We will discuss The following and few ways symptoms of ADHD and SAD overlap. As always this episode will include tips and ways to help minimize the suffering of Social Anxiety!

If you would like to become a patreon you can at www.patreon.com/theneurodivergentnurse

References used to help create this podcast:

Sobanski E, Brüggemann D, Alm B, et al. Psychiatric comorbidity and functional impairment in a clinically referred sample of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2007;257(7):371-377. doi:10.1007/s00406-007-0712-8

Kessler RC, Adler L, Barkley R, et al. The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(4):716-723. doi:10.1176/ajp.2006.163.4.716

Koyuncu A, Alkın T, Tükel R. Development of social anxiety disorder secondary to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (the developmental hypothesis). Early Interv Psychiatry. 2018;12(2):269-272. doi:10.1111/eip.12372

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed.). Washington, DC. 2013

The idea of non-judgmental awareness, core but not exclusive to mindfulness practice, means seeing life exactly as it is. The effect of ADHD and executive function is profound. Hiding from how it feels won’t help. But ADHD is a medical disorder, not anyone’s fault. Without judgment and self-recrimination, what’s the best step to take right now?

Self-compassion is a complementary approach that may let every other part of ADHD care move forward. This episode talks about the importance of self-compassion, the benefits it offers to the ADHD brain, and ways to start putting it into practice.

Research referenced on the episode:

Self-compassion and Perceived Criticism in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | SpringerLink

The Lafaya Way promotes healing in conjunction with every human’s authentic desire to connect with one another in a healthy way, by living their “Honest Truth.”

Lafaya Mitchell joins this week's episode to talk about being an author as well as her experience as a therapist to families, couples and those Hypersensitive Individuals. We discuss what led her to the path to have a deep connection with those who encompass hypersensitive traits. She also gives advice on how to find a therapist that works for you, the importance of dismissing the stigma surrounding therapy, healthy ways to reflect on progress, and more. 

Ms. Mitchell's specializations include: Hypersensitive Individuals (Autism Spectrum, ADHD, other moderate to severe social, emotional, and behavioral issues), Intergenerational Trauma, School Relations (i.e. bullying, student-teacher, etc.), Faith-based Relations, Professional/Work-Place Relations, Community Relations and Cops. 

You can find ways to connect to her at her website, Home - Peace of Mind Therapeutic Solutions // THE LAFAYA WAY. 

You can purchase her books on Amazon at Amazon.com

Shawna Hughes joins this week's episode to discuss the impact food choices has on the ADHD brain. She discusses her journey in discovering what is best suited for those of us with neurodivergent brains as well as foods that are best to avoid. 

You can find her website at Kids' Virtual Nutritionist ADHD (shawnahughesnutrition.com)

You can also find her on instagram at Shawnahughesnutrition 

If you're a Patron of the show, I'll post a few ADHD friendly recipes for you to try after you listen to this episode! If you're interested in becoming a patron you can sign up at Patreon.com/theneurodivergentnurse

ADHD can make it hard to pay attention, control your emotions, and finish tasks. Treatment may involve medication and therapy sessions to help get organized and stay focused.

One ADHD treatment that doesn't require a prescription or a visit to a therapist's office is exercise. Research is finding that getting regular fitness can improve thinking ability, and it may improve the symptoms of ADHD

To reap these rewards, though, you need to exercise the right way and the right amount. The key is to find an activity that fits your lifestyle and then stick with it. Today's episode will help you do just that!