Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Thriving with Adult ADHD: The Science of Feeling Good!Graeme Dyck, Licensed Psychologistwww.resiliencepsych.ca

Credentials

Graduated from University of ManitobaForensic and Clinical Psychologist with CSC since 1998Group psychotherapist for family violence and sex offender treatmentClinical Director, Sex Offender ProgramsA/Chief Psychologist, Shepody Treatment CentreInternationally accredited trainer for Sex Offender Risk AssessmentClinical Specializations in in Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions and ADHDVice-Chairperson with CPNB Professional Affairs CommitteeOwner/Operator Resilience Psychological Services Psychologiques

AgendaWhat is ADHD?What are the Costs?What Causes ADHD?Signs, Symptoms and QualitiesHow to Thrive!Tips for RelationshipsMedication IssuesHow is it Diagnosed?

What is ADHD?A neurodevelopmental (medical) condition, found in 5% of peopleAffects males vs females (2:1)Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderFrequently occurs with other mental health conditions (more than 50% of the time)When unmanaged, it is a source of relationship, employment, legal and financial problems.

Inattention- Moving away from one goal and towards another Hyperactivity-Restless behaviour and/or thoughts

Impulsivity- Quick decisions that frequently yield costsADHD Sliders

5 KEY POINTSADHD is on a 3-slider spectrum; It looks different in everyone!

5 KEY POINTSYou can thrive if you own your condition; Brains can be rewired!"No longer at the mercy of the reptilian brain, we can change ourselves. - Carl Sagan

5 KEY POINTSYou can adapt your behaviour; Change your:

EnvironmentStrategiesChemistry

5 KEY POINTSAcknowledge your Weaknesses; Play to your Strengths!

5 KEY POINTSCreate Lifestyle Balance; Have a Plan!

School drop-out or suspensionVictims of bullyingAddictions2x more likely to be divorcedAccidents and Speeding TicketsLower earningsMore job changes and TerminationsIncarcerationSelf-injury and suicide (females)Risky Sexual Behaviour10 COSTS OF ADHD

WHAT CAUSES ADHD?There is no single causeGenes- highly genetic, particularly from fathers side

Chemistry- interaction between dopamine, seratonin and norepinepherine

Brain Structure- pre-frontal cortex, limbic system, RAS

BRAIN SYSTEMSPre-Frontal Cortex- Responsible for Executive Function Limbic System- Regulates emotion

Reticular Activating System- Attention, arousal and impulse control

RISK OF HAVING ADHDParent with ADHD - +50%Sibling with ADHD - 40%Child with ADHD - 25%Identical Twin - 80%

The Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

1. Inattention2. Impulsivity3. Hyperactivity

ADHD 101: 20 Qualities of ADHD brains...

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crave mental and physical stimulationpay too much attention to everythingmultitask, but leave things incompletewant shortcutswill wander and procrastinateleave projects unfinishedwill dwell on the details or injusticehave "different" prioritiesare born to imagine, create and problem-solveare spontaneous (and sometimes unpredictable!)20 Qualities of ADHD Brains

jump to conclusionsrequire motivationstruggle with self-talk and mental visualizationneed behavioural repetitionrequire more timeget tired fasterare less efficientfeel bipolarcan be oppositionalare often late20 Qualities (cont)

HOW TO THRIVE!Strategies: - Focus on your Point of PerformanceEnvironment: - Modify your Cues and SpaceChemistry: - Medication and Lifestyle Balance

20 Ways to ImprovePoint of Performance

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Schedule it!Break it down!Make it Fun!Do it to Learn it!Keep it Short!Add Time!Take Breaks!Make Signs!Give Reminders!Rehearse it!20 Ways to Improve Performance

Reward It!Multiply the Media!Exercise it!Feed it!Rest it! Paraphrase it!Reduce Stress!Visualize it!!Caution it!Own it!20 Ways to Improve

8 WAYS TO LIMIT IMPULSESSTOP THE ACTION!Buy yourself time Inhale/Exhale SlowlyParaphrase what you heardSay out loud, Let me think about that a moment.Imagine yourself doing the actionSay to yourself, What could it cost me?Are there other choices?Say to yourself, What will benefit me the most?

ADHD and Relationships

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Common Complaintsforgetfulnessbeing latechanging plansignoringdisorganizationnot finishing tasksreactive emotionslack of trustimpulse spendingrisk-takingalcohol and drugsdwellinginfidelityvideo games

Person with ADHD FeelsPerson with an ADHD Partner Feelsdepletedhelplessinferiorashameddefensivejudgedunacceptedunstimulatedtrappedanxiousexhaustedfearfulfrustratedangryignoredunhearddisrespecteddepressed

Play to your strengthsDelegate and divide"Should" is unhelpfulPlan ahead - use a calendar!Use timersWrite it downRehearse schedulesRepeat instructions Check-in and reviewFind the humour!10 Tips for Healthy Relationships

Medication

Why Medication?Brain stimulantHighly effective, 65-90% improveStrong evidenceVery safeFew side effectsLess expensive than life costsCan be used for years

Increased concentration and persistenceDecreased impulsivity and hyperactivityIncreased productivity, better gradesBetter emotional controlDecreased irritability and aggressionLess likely to smoke and use drugsBetter memory and self-talkImproved motor controlHigher self-esteem and self-confidenceWider field of vision/awarenessImproved attention and reaction timeBetter relationships with family and peersMedication Benefits

Less than 5% report adverse effects and discontinue medicationMost common side effects are insomnia (50%), loss of appetite (50%), headaches (20-40%), stomach aches (20-40%)Small short-term effects on height, weightIncreased BPM (3-10 BPM)No long-term effectsMedication Side Effects

HOW IS ADHD DIAGNOSED?Developmental HistoryClinical ObservationCollateral Information Psychometric TestingSelf-Report QuestionnairesOverlapping Conditions

ADHD is on a 3-slider spectrum; It looks different in everyone!You can thrive if you own your condition; Brains can be rewired!You can adapt your behaviour; Change your: Environment, Strategies & ChemistryAcknowledge your Weaknesses; Play to your Strengths!Create Lifestyle Balance; Have a Plan!

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

What are 3 actions you can take immediately to change your:

- Strategies- Environment- ChemistryMAKE A COMMITMENT!

Graeme Jan Dyckwww.resiliencepsych.cagraeme.resilience.psych@gmail.com506-961-9339

Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive. - Jamais Cascio