Feb 15
In Episode 78 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy updates her second most popular podcast episode which is all about what ADHD looks like. She discusses: The fact that there is no cookie cutter, one-size fits all formula when we’re talking about ADHD symptoms. That we all have our own individual ADHD puzzle to solve. What ADHD is Why she believes that ADHD is misnamed and is not a disorder The importance of a comprehensive strategy. Medication is not enough. Why does she believe that all ADHD women are brilliant at something? What executive function skills are What ADHD is not ADHD statistics The fact that the existence and impact of ADHD has been validated for decades by various medical organizations. How ADHD brains are wired for interest not information.
The role of trauma in ADHD The three subtypes of ADHD The 18 symptoms the DSM uses to diagnose ADHD What symptoms look like for hyperactivity/combined-type ADHD What symptoms look like for inattentive ADHD What presentation of ADHD is seen most often in girls and women Why ADHD is often missed in girls Why smart girls struggle more than girls of average intelligence The positive side of ADHD The key to living successfully with ADHD.
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"Now ADHD, it's a brain based condition that looks a little different for everyone. And that's what makes it so hard to diagnose."
- Tracy Otsuka
"ADHD also involves our prefrontal cortex, which affects our executive function skills. And those are skills like planning and scheduling and time management."
- Tracy Otsuka
"For every negative symptom, I don't care if your combined type if you're hyperactive impulsive, if you're inattentive. For every negative symptom, there is a positive one."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy discusses ADHD in women, sharing her personal experience and insights gained from experts in the field.
- Tracy explains that ADHD is a unique brain wiring that requires engaged interest with a clear purposeful intention to activate and access attention.
- Tracy discusses ADHD, citing 9% of US children and 4.5% of adults diagnosed, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and diagnosing ADHD due to its unique brain wiring and tendency to be underreported.
[23:53 - 33:06] ADHD Traits and Coping Strategies
- Tracy shares 23 personality traits, including perfectionism, fast talking, and impatience, and reflects on how these traits affect her life and relationships.
- Tracy explains post-final depression, a phenomenon where ADHD individuals value receiving rewards less than anticipating them, leading to a lack of excitement after achieving goals.
- Tracy discusses various symptoms of ADHD, including imposter syndrome, difficulty paying attention, and repetitive behaviors.
[33:06 - 48:17] ADHD Symptoms in Women
- Tracy highlights the unique challenges faced by girls with inattentive ADHD, including difficulty with organization and focus, and tendency to space out or daydream.
- Tracy shares her experiences with ADHD, including being driven and ambitious, being intuitive and creative, and having a strong sense of justice and a love for travel.
- Tracy discusses how women with ADHD often internalize shame and blame themselves for their struggles, leading to lost opportunities and decreased self-trust.
DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD
American Psychiatric Association - Symptoms and Diagnosis
How to Prepare to Meet With Your ADHD Doctor, Ep. 40, ADHD for Smart Ass Women
Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman and Patricia Quinn
