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ADHD, autism or complex trauma? [pdf]

230 points · 265 comments · skeptical1884

  1. thoughtpeddler · · focus · HN ↗
    ADHD/ND here, and I really agree with this one quote from this piece:

    > those most affected by executive dysfunction require therapy to be more directive, specific and accountable; that is, processing of past trauma and relational approaches are not sufficient. What often does not seem like trauma therapy at all can lead to great strides forward if it allows individuals to obtain a greater sense of structure and mastery in day-to-day life tasks

    I've spent so much time in therapy doing the whole "let's go through your childhood and your past" and it was just not effective in tackling what I really needed. It's remarkable how many licensed therapists just didn't know how to deal with this. I'm sure it's really helpful for some people, but outside of increasing some basic awareness about how my family of origin resulted in present-day behaviors, I definitely reached diminishing returns on that route.

    As skeptical as I am of AI as an interventional tool for "reaching our most effective selves", I can't help but feel that if it can be wired up to do the appropriate "micro-interventions" that reflect OP's insight ("directive, specific and accountable ... to obtain a grater sense of structure"), we might see 'ADHD' become a thing of the past (at least for the people that share my phenotype of it). It's my hope at least...

    1. jack_pp · · focus · HN ↗
      Why are you sure it's really helpful for some people?

      Before psychology you had religion, even in the oldest form of Christianity, orthodoxy, you are not too dwell on the past, not to blaim others.

      I doubt it really truly helps anyone to dig up the past

      1. mrcsd · · focus · HN ↗
        Logged in just to say, for me reaching into my past has been one of the most transformative and healing acts I've ever done.
        1. 453yuh46 · · focus · HN ↗
          It really depends. If those are your best memories, sure - that works and actually helps to even go back to things you enjoyed as a teen - this btw, has been as an positive example for people that struggle with depression.

          But if those are destructive memories, that you want to return to and that are at the base of your misery, then no - that is absolutely worst thing to return to, as there is nothing you can change there and the things that are affecting you are coming from that already. So, pretty much this is the reason why it is important for kids to have stable normal life.

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