Counseling Reflections

ADHD and Sleep

How to Understand the Link Between ADHD and Sleep

ADHD and Sleep: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions worldwide, manifesting in various symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. However, an often overlooked aspect of ADHD is its strong correlation with sleep disorders, particularly the Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD). DSPD is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder that significantly affects the sleep patterns of 73-78% of individuals with ADHD. This connection between ADHD and sleep disorders opens up a new realm of understanding and managing ADHD.

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How To Understand Sleep's Impact on Children with ADD

How To Understand Sleep’s Impact on Children with ADHD

The study engaged parents of children aged 6-13 with ADHD in semi-structured interviews to gather their experiences and observations. These discussions revealed that good rest was integral to their children’s ability to manage emotional responses and navigate daily life more effectively. Parents noted improvements in their children’s vitality, self-esteem, and general well-being after a restful night’s sleep, highlighting rest’s critical role in their children’s health and development.

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The Digital Dilemma: How to Navigate Internet Use with ADHD

The Digital Dilemma: How to Navigate Internet Use with ADHD

One of the study’s primary findings is the mediating role of psychological distress in the dynamic between Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) and quality of life (QoL). It appears that while specific digital activities have direct impacts on facets of QoL — such as physical well-being and social connections — it’s the overarching psychological distress that significantly shapes overall life satisfaction.

This insight sheds light on a critical aspect of digital well-being for those with ADHD: it’s not just the amount of time spent online but how this engagement affects mental health that matters.

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The Hidden Gems of ADHD: The Science Behind ADHD Strengths

The Hidden Gems of ADHD: The Science Behind ADHD Strengths

In the realm of psychological research, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been associated with challenges in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, a burgeoning body of research is beginning to illuminate the unique strengths inherent in individuals with ADHD. Let us explore the current scientific understanding of ADHD strengths, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative studies to shed light on these positive traits.

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How to Understand Perceptual Experiences in Autism and ADHD

How to Understand Perceptual Experiences in Autism and ADHD

The Research Conclusion

The study on perceptual capacity in autism and ADHD opens up new avenues for understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. By embracing a strength-based perspective, we can move beyond a focus on deficits, recognizing the rich and varied ways in which people perceive and interact with the world around them. This approach not only fosters a more inclusive view of neurodiversity but also highlights the importance of tailored strategies that leverage individual strengths for a more fulfilling and engaging life experience.

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Embracing the Full Spectrum: A Paradigm Shift in ADHD Research

Embracing the Full Spectrum: A Paradigm Shift in ADHD Research

The landscape of ADHD research and understanding began to shift with the advent of positive psychology. This branch of psychology, founded by figures such as Martin Seligman, focuses on what makes life worth living and how individuals can flourish despite challenges. Applied to ADHD, positive psychology encourages a more holistic view of the condition, recognizing that alongside the well-documented challenges, there are also inherent strengths and talents.

This strength-based approach seeks to balance the paradigm, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of ADHD that includes the potential for creativity, hyperfocus, resilience, and dynamic problem-solving abilities often found in individuals with ADHD. By focusing on these strengths, the aim is to empower individuals with ADHD to leverage their unique skills and perspectives, contributing positively to their lives and society.

Positive Psychology and ADHD

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ADHD and the Evolutionary Advantage: Insights from Foraging Behavior

ADHD and the Evolutionary Advantage: Insights from Foraging Behavior

These findings open up a novel perspective on ADHD, framing it as a potential adaptation favoring exploration over exploitation. In the dynamic and uncertain environments of our ancestors, the very traits that are often seen as disruptive today could have been crucial for survival and success. People with ADHD pay a “tax” for their survival in the modern world. The consequence for this tax is rejection sensitivity, lowered self-esteem and a feeling that you are too “different” for this world. In treating individuals with an attentional diagnosis, reframing is a key factor in changing the way they think about themselves and, by extension, how they interact with the world. Studies like these help us in this reframe.

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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most extensively researched forms of therapy, proven effective for a wide range of mental health conditions. Its structured nature and practical approach provide clients with valuable coping skills that last a lifetime, promoting resilience and self-efficacy. In CBT, therapists and clients work together to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring help clients view situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively. Homework assignments are often used to reinforce learning and practice skills in real-world situations. These techniques are associated with the best outcomes in the therapeutic research literature.

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