This article is an interesting high-level big-picture perspective on key features of ADHD: “… core symptoms of what is now labeled ADHD can be considered to exist on a spectrum from really strong attributes to really significant deficits.”
The core symptoms of ADHD include:
- motor control (ranging from sedentary to active),
- attention control (ranging from distractible to hyper-focused),
- impulse control (ranging from impulsive to careful), and
- emotion control (ranging from suppressed to reactive).
“Many would argue that a better way to consider the ADHD individual as not having a ‘deficit’ or ‘disorder’ but rather as possessing a variable, fluctuating set of characteristics and/or behaviors that may be functionally impairing at times, but which at other times or situations may be beneficial. For example, in certain situations, it might be good to have a shifting attention span, to react quickly without hesitation, or to have a high energy level. ”
“It is the rule, and not the exception, that individuals with ADHD commonly get diagnosed with additional learning, emotional, behavioral, and even medical concerns. 55% of those with ADHD have additional diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant behaviors, social skills challenges, tics, sleep disorders, OCD, and asthma.”
“Emotionally challenging behaviors for people with ADHD can also include:
- Deficient emotional self regulation (DESR) is characterized by deficits in self-regulating the physiological arousal caused by strong emotions. Individuals with ADHD commonly have trouble inhibiting strong emotions and can experience a somewhat labile mood.
- Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception that a person has been rejected or criticized by important people in their life. It may also be triggered by a sense of falling short of their own high standards or others’ expectations. This can make it hard to discipline or set limits in those with ADHD because of their intense reactions. “
“It is also important to note that people with ADHD commonly have a behavioral tendency that is nearly the opposite of RSD called Recognition Responsive Euphoria or RRE. This refers to the experience of a meaningful and powerful increase in energy and self-esteem in response to words of encouragement, praise, or approval. Even the smallest gesture can power this euphoria and fuel great accomplishment! ”
https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/blog/new-thoughts-on-adhd
If you would like to explore how ADHD counseling with Elaine Korngold may be helpful to you or and to discuss the spectrum of your core symptoms, please contact her to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.