Areas of Interest
What I love most about Psychology is that it is such a diverse and interesting field. There is so much to learn and become passionate about. You'd think becoming an Educational & Developmental Psychologist would narrow things down somewhat, but I've discovered that even in this area of speciality, you can become hyper-focused on niche areas.
Over the years I have focused on many different types of disorders, including Anxiety Disorders (characterized by excessive worry, fear, or panic, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder), Mood Disorders: Disorders (characterized by changes in mood or affect, including depression) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety), neurodevelopmental disorders include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviours and Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities and Speech and Language Disorders.
Much of this knowledge overlaps and in order to understand one disorder one really needs to be across them all. A lifetime of study indeed. So my latest areas of interest, in addition to the above are: Psychologists as Entrepreneurs, Burnout and ADHD and their interrelations. This page likely reveals more about me than the lists of memberships and qualifications I have accumulated.
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Psychologist as Entrepeneurs
Running a health-related business can be challenging, but with careful planning, hard work, and effective management, we can overcome these challenges and build successful businesses.
Psychologist who run their own businesses may face a variety of challenges as we are generally not trained in the following areas necessary to run a successful business:
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Managing finances, including budgeting, billing, and taxes.
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Maintaining boundaries and balance the demands of your business with your personal and professional commitments.
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Marketing and brand development as we generally don't have a background in marketing.
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Managing staff: Health professionals including hiring, training, and supervising staff.
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Balancing work and personal life: Running a business can be stressful, and health professionals may struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
When I started my practice I had the benefit of previous work experience, having spent 12 years in corporate HR. I at least knew how to manage a team of 5, a large marketing budget as I was responsible for the marketing campaigns on campus to attract young graduates to the firm. The rest I have learned in the last 12 years in my own practice.
But I see many provisionals already in practice, striving to run their own practice as soon as they qualify. This is absolutely doable but I would highly recommend supervision and or mentorship, to avoid my next favourite topic: burnout.
2. Burnout
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) is the latest version of the World Health Organization's (WHO) international classification of diseases. In ICD-11, burnout is classified as a "condition developing in response to occupational demands and characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy."
Burnout is not recognized as a separate mental disorder in the ICD-11, but rather as a syndrome that can result from chronic stress in the workplace. The classification of burnout in ICD-11 provides a framework for further research and understanding of the condition and its impact on individuals and society.
Burnout and depression are not the same. Some key differences between burnout and depression include:
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Burnout is often a result of chronic stress and can occur in response to work or other demands.
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Burnout is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, while depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
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Duration: Burnout can be a temporary condition that resolves with changes in stress levels, while depression can be a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment.
3. Entrepreneurs & ADHD
There is some evidence to suggest that there may be a correlation between entrepreneurship and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHDers may be more likely to become entrepreneurs, as the traits associated with ADHD, such as risk-taking, creativity, and impulsiveness, can be beneficial in the entrepreneurial context.
However, not all individuals with ADHD will become entrepreneurs, and not all entrepreneurs have ADHD. And while there may be some correlation between entrepreneurship and ADHD, it is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The relationship between ADHD and entrepreneurship is complex and multi-faceted, and may be influenced by a range of factors, such as individual characteristics, life experiences, and environmental factors.
Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these two factors and to determine the extent to which ADHD may influence entrepreneurship and I for one will be following this research closely, not only because I wonder if I might by ADHD but also because I think there may be a link between ADHD and Burnout, leading to the perfect storm for psychologist who also may be business owners.
Burnout & ADHD
Individuals with ADHD often struggle with time management, organization, and completing tasks, which can lead to high levels of stress and exhaustion. Additionally, the impulsiveness and hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to manage their energy levels and pace themselves, increasing their risk of burnout.
Research has shown that individuals with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing burnout due to their symptoms, as well as the additional challenges they face in daily life, such as difficulty with relationships, employment, and academics. It's important for individuals with ADHD to seek support from a mental health professional and develop strategies for managing their symptoms and reducing their risk of burnout.