This upcoming Saturday at 10 o’clock, I will be present at Café Book Agora, located in the Palermo neighborhood, to showcase a book by the distinguished psychologist, Karen Sánchez Sánchez. Born in Aranzazu and currently residing in the scenic small republic of Malta, which is nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just 93 kilometers south of Sicily, 288 kilometers from Tunisia, and approximately 360 kilometers from Libya. The work is titled TDAH en primera persona and serves as a heartfelt testimony aimed at fostering empathy and understanding around Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among adult women.
Karen Sánchez Sánchez previously presented this compelling conversation at the Infinito editorial booth during the Bogotá International Book Fair, and now, she brings it back to her roots. With a background in psychology and teaching, along with specialized training in family dynamics, childhood, and adolescence, Sánchez’s book emerges from a deeply personal journey. After years of feeling a misalignment between her behavior and societal expectations, she received a diagnosis of depression in her younger years. However, the symptoms she exhibited—impulsivity, frequent forgetfulness, and challenges in organizing her environment—suggested a different reality.
«I definitely did not have depression,» asserts Sánchez. As she pursued deeper answers, she decided to undergo a clinical assessment that ultimately unveiled the true cause of her struggles: ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is frequently overlooked in women and often misdiagnosed.
«This book does not adopt a strictly scientific approach or present research findings,» she explains. It’s important to note that numerous publications already tackle these topics from that angle. Instead, her goal was to create a space of connection for women grappling with similar experiences. “In the realm of ADHD literature, there are countless scientific texts. So I pondered: ‘What would resonate with women who have ADHD? A safe place where I feel seen and heard.’ That’s exactly what my book aims to provide,” she emphasizes.
Initially, the book was aimed at women aged 30 to 45 who were undergoing diagnostic processes. However, its universality has sparked a connection with a broader audience, including individuals without ADHD, thanks to the relatable personal narratives woven throughout.
«Today’s book is for anyone who feels like they don’t fit in,» Sánchez expresses. She has received numerous messages from readers who find her story to be an emotional mirror reflecting their own experiences. Thus, her work evolves into an invitation to reflect on mental health through a gendered lens, fostering discussions that matter.
According to the author, one of the pressing challenges remains in transforming perceptions of this disorder from childhood onward. «ADHD is a problem that necessitates a more compassionate approach, particularly within the educational system, especially concerning girls,» she concludes.
