Matt speaks to his very own psychiatrist, Dr James Kustow, about adult ADHD.

James studied medicine, before training in psychiatry. He’s now a consultant who specialises in ADHD and has trained further in psychotherapy and nutrition. 

But being an expert is only half of the story. Because, like Matt, James was also diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

In this wide-ranging conversation, the pair talk about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, the correlation with addiction, the use of medication, and the different targets for intervention that James explores, before taking a pharmaceutical approach.

Related links:

Dr James Kustow

How to Thrive with Adult ADHD: 7 Pillars for Focus, Productivity and Balance

Dr William Dodson on emotional regulation

Dr Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset

EFT (emotional freedom techniques)

NHS Guide to ADHD

(01:55 ) James’ training and specialism in ADHD

(05:06 ) What is ADHD

(09:50 ) Matt’s ADHD diagnosis

(10:47 ) Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)

(13:25 ) The clarity that comes with diagnosis 

(15:10 ) More on the symptoms of ADHD

(17:50 ) Adult onset ADHD, and other factors (environment, hyper-mobility & inflammation)

(22:18 ) The ADHD assessment and childhood history

(28:57 ) James’ ADHD diagnosis

(34:25 ) The challenge of achieving goals and completing tasks 

(37:42 ) Variations in the presentation of ADHD

(41:38 ) ADHD and addiction

(45:46 ) Medication

(55:18 ) Growth mindset

(59:56 ) Sleep, routine & ADHD

(1:01:33 ) Taking control of your time

(1:05:02 ) Systems to avoid feeling overloaded

(1:08:30 ) Looking at physical health 

(1:11:00 ) Emotional regulation techniques

(1:12:36 ) Matt’s outro