All Things Private Practice Podcast: Grief and ADHD: Exploring Misdiagnosis
“In this episode, Patrick Casale with Debi Frankle, an LMFT and self-proclaimed "grief nerd". We tackled a topic that's rarely discussed but extremely important – the misdiagnosis of grief when ADHD is prevalent.
3 Key Takeaways:
Importance of Comprehensive Loss History: Debi emphasizes the need for therapists to thoroughly assess loss histories, not just recent events but all significant losses throughout a client's life. This helps in understanding the broader context of their behaviors and symptoms.
ADHD and Grief Overlap: Grief can exacerbate ADHD symptoms like difficulty concentrating, frustration tolerance, and impulsivity. It's crucial to distinguish between the two for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Misinterpretation and Communication in Grief: Statements meant to console, like "they're in a better place," often miss the mark and can feel minimizing. More effective communication includes acknowledgments like, "I have no idea what to say," or even offering a simple hug.
This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals and anyone looking to understand the intricate relationship between grief and ADHD better.”