Another aspect of the article stroke me, as it tries to shed some light on how parental alienation might have implications on ADHD families. This however ist not elaborated in depth, nonetheless it appears to be plausibel, that parental alienation does not help a family affected by ADHD. What I would consider even more of an interest are the potential implications of ADHD family dynamics causing parental alienation. Typically if children show signs of ADHD at least one parent is affected as well
and a key aspect is the parent child dynamic (see Melissa Orlov: The ADHD effect on marriage) at the level of the spouses. The ADHD partner may find itself unloved, as the personal needs are not experienced as fulfilled. The non-ADHD partner may be then perceived as “unloving, uncaring , unavailable and even maybe as unsafe” as explained by Amy Baker (Surviving Parental Alienation: A Journey of Hope and Healing). This may evolve in a basic belief shared between the ADHD partner and the children.
This could finally constitute parental alienation. I would highly appreciate any feedback on this consideration, especially if there are any references to publications.
There are medical journal articles that describe a link between CH and ADHD. Like migraines, they are a vascular headache and they are just as debilitating, often striking daily for months.
For many sufferers they are like a fire that begins behind one eye and cause it to water before the pain quickly spreads to the temple, jawbone and even teeth on that side of the face.
Normal painkillers often have no effect. Instead the first line medications constrict the blood vessels that press against the trigeminal nerve. The same medications are often used for migraine too.
Moreover, we are on the very verge of reversing / eliminating genetic conditions such as ADHD!
OK, I admit that I hate my fellow male gender people. That said, my personal experience is that females (of any gender identification) can do a MUCH MUCH better job than us hapless, helpless males!!! (I’m 75)
]]>I feel so ‘seen’ reading this, but so very sad because I’ve been through all of the above – but I wasn’t diagnosed until two years ago.
I’m 62.
All the doctors that I’ve ever seen, and have never actually ‘seen’ me.
All the years I’ve lost. I mourn for the life I could have lead, and, quite frankly grieve at the loss. The person I could have been.
I’ve tried so hard. I don’t drink. Don’t smoke. Don’t do drugs. Yet my life is in the sewer.
Don’t get me wrong, unlike so many, I still have a roof over my head, and a company that employ me for three days a week – they hired me after diagnosis, and know and support me. Yes, the unicorn of companies (it’s a not-for-profit, so not a surprise really, but still.)
My parents are now gone. My partner of 42 years and I have separated. My daughter has requested I do not contact her, and all I wish I could do is send all of them the link to this and ask them to read it. Because then they might understand.
I’d also like to send it to every doctor that I’ve ever had.
The lack of early diagnosis has caused those I have loved and lost pain that is indescribable and completely unnecessary.
What it has caused to my self-esteem and the lack of belief in myself (I must be the most horrible person on the planet et cetera) is unfathomable.
I have learnt in this life to keep to myself. Befriend no-one because I’ll just let them down or inadvertently hurt them.
I’ve had to stop writing this comment a few times now, because I’ve either had my face in my hands, or can’t see the page for tears.
I think that the very worst part in all of this, is that my daughter, who is now 40, and I believe (strongly) has adhd also won’t get this help. She will also go through life as blind as I was, and there is not a thing I can do to help her. Yes, that is the worst.
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