Ep. 206: Lifestyle Activities That Can Improve ADHD Symptoms with Dr. Joel Nigg

It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are committed to providing resources and information that increase understanding about ADHD. Today, let’s revisit an episode with Dr. Joel Nigg about lifestyle activities that can improve ADHD symptoms. Dr. Joel Nigg, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University, is the author of the book Getting Ahead of ADHD. In this episode, he offers great insight, describes some ADHD research studies, and gives actionable steps to take now to help children thrive at school and in life.  We discuss things to look for regarding ADHD symptoms and some simple changes in our daily routines as families that can make a huge impact. Dr. Nigg is doing fantastic work with the OHSU Center for ADHD Research and I am thrilled to revisit this podcast episode. Show Notes: [2:55] - There has been an increase in parents seeking evaluations for ADHD after seeing children learn from home. [3:47] - Dr. Nigg shares some data that shows the impact of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic across the world. [5:01] - For those already diagnosed with ADHD, services were challenging during the pandemic and school closures. [6:25] - You lose the advantage of a teacher’s perspective when learning from home. Demands at home from a parent are much different than those in the classroom. [7:42] - Dr. Nigg recommends seeking services for the difficulties the child is experiencing  [10:39] - A valuable goal is to think hard about structuring your day to fit self care in. [12:23] - Another factor that impacts mental health is sleep and the quality of rest. [15:00] - The key is to shift the thinking around sleep to be positive. Counselors can help with this transition. [19:52] - Family rules for a screen-free bedtime are hard to follow, but they are important. [20:54] - Dr. Nigg addresses the claim that high levels of screen time causes ADHD. [22:25] - Media content needs to be monitored for children and teens even though it is a part of their social experience. [25:16] - Children with ADHD are more inclined to experience depression and anxiety. [29:33] - Children need to be prepared for possible changes again as they go back to school. [32:27] - Medical centers around the world have websites with tons of resources. They will also have current and updated recommendations and guidelines. [33:36] - Dr. Nigg’s book is a great resource for parents of children with ADHD. About Our Guest: Joel Nigg, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Vice Chair for Psychology, and Director of the Center for ADHD Research at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He obtained his AB at Harvard College, MSW at The University of Michigan, and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a licensed clinical psychologist with clinical experience in multiple settings. He is a leading researcher in the area of developmental psychopathology with a focus on ADHD. He is the author of 2 books on ADHD including a recent book written for parents: Getting Ahead of ADHD: What Next-Generation Science Says about Treatments that Work and How you can Make them Work for Your Child. His work has been funded continuously by NIMH for over 20 years. The recipient of several awards, Dr. Nigg has served on the editorial boards of several leading scientific journals. Connect with Dr. Joel Nigg: Joel Nigg, Ph.D Home Page Twitter  |  Facebook Links and Related Resources: Getting Ahead of ADHD: What Next-Generation Science Says about Treatments that Work and How you can Make them Work for Your Child by Dr. Joel Nigg Is ADHD Overdiagnosed? What are the signs of ADHD? Understanding ADHD Assessments Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.