Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors with Anxiety and ADHD Roberto Olivardia Podcast

Tara McGillicuddy and Dr. Roberto Olivardia are two experts in the field of mental health, specifically in relation to ADHD and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking (dermatillomania). In their interview, they discuss the important issues surrounding BFRBs, anxiety, and ADHD.

Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related disorders, including BFRBs. His expertise and research in these areas make him a valuable resource for understanding the intersection between ADHD, anxiety, and BFRBs.

During their conversation, Tara and Dr. Olivardia delve into various topics related to BFRBs, anxiety, and ADHD. Some of the key points they discuss include:

1. Understanding the connection: Both ADHD and BFRBs have a high comorbidity rate, meaning that individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience BFRBs. They explore the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to this connection, such as difficulties with impulse control, sensory regulation, and emotional dysregulation.

2. Impact of anxiety: Anxiety often coexists with ADHD and BFRBs, exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals. They discuss how anxiety can fuel BFRBs and ways to manage anxiety symptoms through various therapeutic techniques.

3. Coping strategies and treatment options: Tara and Dr. Olivardia share practical coping strategies for managing BFRBs and anxiety symptoms in individuals with ADHD. These strategies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), habit reversal training, mindfulness techniques, and medication management. They also emphasize the importance of seeking professional help and tailoring treatment to each individual's unique needs.

4. Psychoeducation and awareness: Both Tara and Dr. Olivardia stress the significance of raising awareness about BFRBs, anxiety, and their connection to ADHD. They highlight the importance of educating individuals, families, and professionals about these conditions to reduce stigma and improve access to appropriate treatment.

5. Support and community: Building a support system and connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges is crucial. They discuss the benefits of support groups, online communities, and therapy in providing validation, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for individuals struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and BFRBs.

Overall, this interview between Tara McGillicuddy and Dr. Roberto Olivardia provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between ADHD, anxiety, and body-focused repetitive behaviors. It offers practical strategies for managing these conditions and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and building a supportive community.


This interview originally aired at the 2017 ADHD Awareness Expo.

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) include:
Dermatillomania Excoriation disorder skin picking
Dermatophagiaskin nibbling
Morsicatio buccarum cheek biting
Morsicatio labiorum inner lip biting
Morsicatio buccarum tongue biting
Onychophagia nail biting
Onychotillomania nail picking
Rhinotillexomania compulsive nose picking
Trichophagia hair nibbling
Trichotemnomania hair cutting
Trichotillomania hair pulling

This podcast episode originally aired on 3/5/18

Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts.  He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  He also specializes in the treatment of eating disorders in boys and men.

He is co-author of The Adonis Complex, a book which details the various manifestations of body image problems in men.  He has appeared in publications such as TIME, GQ, and Rolling Stone, and has been featured on Good Morning America, EXTRA, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox and Friends, and VH1.  He has spoken on numerous radio and webinar shows and presents at many talks and conferences around the country, including the CHADD conferences annually.

He currently sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for ADDitude Magazine and serves on the Professional Advisory Board for CHADD.

Learn more about Dr. Roberto Olivardia at:
https://add.org/professional-director...

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