ADHD, sleep apnea, and symptoms beyond the DSM (Roberto’s story)

Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a clinical psychologist and ADHD expert
who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. As he learned about ADHD
in his career, the signs felt familiar: impulsivity, trouble with
focus, and more. He procrastinated constantly in college and was
mischievous as a kid. He was even kicked out of Sunday
school. 


Once he got his sleep apnea under control, his ADHD difficulties
became even clearer — and it wasn’t just what you’d typically
find in the DSM. (That’s the handbook health care professionals
use when diagnosing things like ADHD.) 


Roberto is the host of Season 2 of Understood Explains,
where he unpacks the ins and outs of adult ADHD diagnosis. He
also has two kids with ADHD. Listen to this episode of ADHD
Aha! to learn about ADHD and trouble sleeping, plus ADHD time
zones (the “now” and the “not now”). 


To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit
the episode page at Understood.  


We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at
ADHDAha@understood.org.  
Related resources


Driven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and
John J. Ratey, MD

How ADHD affects sleep — and what you can do to help

Is it ADHD or a sleep disorder?


Understood Explains Season 2: ADHD diagnosis in adults



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empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like
ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work,
donate at understood.org/give


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