Jan 13
Tracy covers the basic facts about ADHD diagnoses. Find out what’s included, how does it show up, the differences in symptoms in children and adults. She gives specific examples of behaviors that you may find very familiar. She also talks about why many women are not diagnosed and the seldom discussed advantage of having an ADHD brain. Knowledge is powerful in understanding how the ADHD brain works.
Get a practical, real-life understanding how it affects women. Here’s what Tracy covers in detail: What ADHD can look like in real women. Tracy outlines the technical symptoms and shares how ADHD has affected her personally. Find out the 3 sub-types of ADHD to see if any of them feel familiar to you. ADHD explained, and why it’s not always a negative. This is so important and not discussed enough! Why traits aren’t the same in all people and why it varies and a big reason why most women have not been diagnosed. ADHD is heritable, but it doesn’t always show up the same way. Find out why (related) people who are diagnosed can have much different symptoms. Learn what qualifies for a diagnosis as explained in the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) There are 18 symptoms, 9 focused on inattention and 9 focused on hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These were developed for diagnosing children. Learn what the 9 traits are for adults according to the work done by Russell Barkley. Understanding how a diagnosis is determined and the differences between how symptoms show up when you were a child and now as an adult.
Note: Every ADHD brain is wired differently so symptoms may show up in a variety of ways. Tracy outlines 43 general symptoms. You may resonate with many of these – but some may not apply to you at all. Tracy covers 24 positive symptoms of ADHD. This is the part that is seldom covered but they should be! Find out why exercise is so good for our brains – and why many with ADHD exercise regularly. What resonated with you? Is there something that affects you that wasn’t mentioned? I’d love to know so we can all understand the unique ways that ADHD impacts women.
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"ADHD is a neurobiological disorder and it stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive hyperactivity disorder. But I think it's been mis named, rather than a deficit of attention."
- Tracy Otsuka
"Bottom line, those of us with an ADHD brain are genetically programmed to be endlessly inquisitive."
- Tracy Otsuka
"ADHD ears are nothing if they're not enthusiastic, they can be struggling, they can be so frustrated, but there's something about them."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy argues that ADHD is not a product of bad parenting or laziness, but rather a biological challenge affecting 9% of US children and 5% globally.
- Tracy explains that ADHD brains are wired for curiosity, with no in-between interest levels.
- Tracy discusses ADHD, its heritability, and diagnostic challenges.
[09:15 - 20:24] ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Tracy discusses ADHD symptoms, including distraction, impulsivity, and difficulty organizing tasks.
- Tracy discusses the signs of ADHD in women, including difficulty with organization, memory, and self-regulation, which may not be as apparent in childhood but can still impact daily life.
- Tracy emphasizes that every ADHD brain is unique and may exhibit different symptoms, and encourages listeners to ask family members or friends for insight into their past behavior.
[20:24 - 36:15] Personality Traits and Habits
- Tracy struggles with consistency and perfectionism, often finding it difficult to follow through on ideas and tasks.
- Tracy discusses inattentive ADHD symptoms in women, including disorganization, spaciness, and difficulty expressing oneself.
- Tracy shares insights on how to motivate children, including planting seeds for their ideas and exercising in the morning to focus better.
