You have questions about Adult ADHD? I work hard to provide answers. — Reliable answers honed over 20 years of primary research, writing books, blogging, presen...
Cyclothymia and ADHD — A Risk Factor or Misdiagnosis?
Send us a textThis episode is the audio version of a popular blog post—all about overlap—and confusion—between Cyclothymia (a mood disorder) and ADHD.📝 Read the full post here: Cyclothymia and ADHD: A Risk Factor—or Misdiagnosis? https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics-about-adult-adhd/cyclothymia-and-adhd-a-risk-factor-or-misdiagnosis/In this episode, I explore the risks of misdiagnosis and the fallout from confusing mood instability with core ADHD traits. Many individuals with ADHD are misdiagnosed with mood disorders—and prescribed medications that may worsen their symptoms.You’ll learn:What Cyclothymia is—and how it differs from Bipolar DisorderWhy ADHD-related emotional dysregulation is not the same as mood cyclingHow misdiagnosis can delay proper ADHD treatmentWhy getting the diagnosis right is essential before starting medicationWhat research and clinical observation tell us—and what the DSM doesn’tThis information is especially important for adults newly exploring a diagnosis and clinicians who want to avoid common pitfalls.READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS? 💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype! My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step: Solving Your Adult ADHD PuzzleFor adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms. Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/ Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course. Thanks for listening! —Gina Pera 🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/
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Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall
Send us a textThis is the audio version of one of the most popular posts at the ADHD Roller Coaster blog:"Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall" Read the full post here: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/breaking-out-of-adhd-relationship-dysfunction-after-not-breaking-a-fall/In this episode, I share a personal story that reveals hard-earned insights about ADHD, relationships, and what it takes to break out of long-standing patterns. My hope is that it helps smooth your ride—more fun, less whiplash.Here’s what we cover:How ADHD relationship patterns become entrenched—often before diagnosisWhy distorted assumptions and poor coping responses develop on both sidesHow to distinguish ADHD symptoms from these ingrained behaviorsWhy even good medication or therapy may not produce results—unless you understand thisThese are issues I’ve tackled in my writing and presentations around the world—from San Francisco to Turkey.Related episode: ADHD, Empathy, and Dopamine – Podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-relationships/empathy-dopamine-and-adhd-a-study-book-excerpt-and-definition/READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS? 💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype! My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step: Solving Your Adult ADHD PuzzleFor adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms. Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/ Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course. Thanks for listening! —Gina Pera 🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/
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What's Up with Concerta and General Stimulant Shortage?
Send us a textThis episode is the audio version of an important blog post, where I break down urgent issues affecting many ADHD medication users:What’s going on with the Concerta authorized-generic (the brand-name product sold as a generic by Patriot, a Janssen subsidiary)?What’s the status of the ADHD stimulant shortage that began in late 2022?Most importantly: What can you do now to protect your treatment and advocate for yourself or your loved one?Read the full post here: Janssen Quietly Ends Concerta Authorized-Generic https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medications/janssen-quietly-ends-concerta-authorized-generic/The post includes important clarifications, links, and reader comments.Quick clarification mentioned in the podcast: Many readers have asked: Will Janssen continue manufacturing Concerta? Janssen is still producing Concerta at its Puerto Rico facility—but questions remain about its continued use of the OROS technology (Alza’s patented delivery system). Janssen began phasing out its California production site in 2019, but details are scarce. Consumers are often the last to know. Janssen does not return my phone calls or answer emails.Is Medication Working for You or Your Loved One? If you suspect your prescriber is missing key factors—especially around medication options beyond Concerta, Adderall, or Vyvanse—you’re likely right.Tips, tricks, and therapy are often not enough. Sometimes, real progress starts with understanding how physical health affects ADHD symptoms and medication response.🎓 Take a deep dive into ADHD as a physical condition in Course 2 of my online training program: Solve Your Adult ADHD Puzzle – Course 2: Physical Strategies Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/course-2-physical-strategiesThis course focuses on:SleepMedicationNutritionExerciseAnd moreSophisticated science—made practical. Step-by-step. Life-changing. Even life-saving.Perfect for individuals, couples, and professionals.🆓 Preview free lessons at the course page above!READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS? 💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype! My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step: Solving Your Adult ADHD PuzzleFor adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms. Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/ Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course. Thanks for listening! —Gina Pera 🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/
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33:40
ADHD, Empathy, & Dopamine: A Book Excerpt, Study, and Definition
Send us a textWhat can a published study — and an excerpt from my first book — explain about ADHD, empathy, and the neurotransmitter dopamine? That’s what this post is all about.I started noticing a remarkable phenomenon 20 years ago. That is, stimulant medication, which targets dopamine, enhances empathy (or at least the ability to act on empathy) for many adults with ADHD. How is this possible?You can read this popular blogpost (and the comments!) here: ADHD, Empathy, & Dopamine: A Book Excerpt, Study, and DefinitionREADY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS? 💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype! My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step: Solving Your Adult ADHD PuzzleFor adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms. Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/ Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course. Thanks for listening! —Gina Pera 🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/
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"Self-Medicating with Argument"—Meaning and Connection to ADHD
Send us a textFor many obvious reasons, ADHD-challenged relationships tend to teem with arguments and conflicts. Especially when neither partner knows ADHD is in the mix! Apart from that, why do some people with ADHD self-medicate with argument? What does that phrase even mean? I wrote about this in my first book, in 2008. Since then, we hear about it more online—but seldom in a useful context.Simply, self-medicating with argument refers to the stimulation some folks get by provoking a conflict—consciously or not. It can spell disaster for your life and relationships.Why does this happen? Case by case, we can only speculate. For one thing, getting angry and arguing can release adrenaline—and thus calming focus. But we don’t have to know why it happens to know that it happens. Even when you do recognize the phenomenon, it’s no way to live. Rather, understanding paves the path to solutions.In this podcast sharing one of my most popular blog posts, I delve into the complexities: Why Some Adults with ADHD with ADHD Self-Medicate with Argument READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS? 💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype! My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step: Solving Your Adult ADHD PuzzleFor adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms. Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/ Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course. Thanks for listening! —Gina Pera 🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/
You have questions about Adult ADHD? I work hard to provide answers. — Reliable answers honed over 20 years of primary research, writing books, blogging, presenting at major conferences, and leading support groups. — Preeminent ADHD experts including Russell Barkley, PhD, endorse my work. — These podcasts share readers' most popular posts from my award-winning ADHD Roller Coaster blog—the second and oldest website of any kind on Adult ADHD. — Founded in 2008. — My long-awaited online courses are available NOW — For individuals, couples, and professionals. — Thanks for listening—and subscribing — Gina Pera, author and educator: "Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?" and "Adult ADHD-Focused Couple Therapy: Clinical Interventions" — Blog: https://ADHDRollerCoaster.org — Training site: https://adhdsuccesstraining.com/adult-adhd-solving-the-four-essential-puzzle-pieces-consumers/