Everybody’s got ADHD?!
ADHD is one of the most familiar terms in recent times. It refers to a variety of human behaviors and experiences related to a person’s ability to regulate attention and emotion. But what exactly is ADHD, and is it really as common as we hear it is?
What is it?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it begins in utero as a “divergent” blueprint, impacting how the nervous system develops. It is recognized by the patient or by outside observers as differences in functioning: how a person thinks (cognition), behaves (actions), relates (social interactions), and moves (motor skills). ADHD symptoms are varied and unique to each individual. When evaluating for ADHD, it is important to look at three different categories:
Inattention: This can look like procrastinating, losing/misplacing items, interrupting conversation, changing topics mid-conversation, forgetfulness, and daydreaming/zoning out.
Hyperactivity: This can look like restlessness, fidgeting, and talking excessively/quickly.
Impulsivity: This can look like interrupting conversation, rash decision-making, and excessive risk-taking.
It’s centuries old
The diagnosis of ADHD has been around since 1798, when a Scottish physician described a condition he termed "mental restlessness," highlighting symptoms of
, impulsivity, and difficulty with sustained attention. In 1968, psychiatrists formalized ADHD as medical diagnosis with behavioral, emotional and cognitive criteria. Imaging techniques like fMRI in the 20th and 21st century have revealed differences in the ADHD brain structure and function, thus emphasizing its biological basis.
Current ADHD assessment considers more criteria than originally identified: 1) ability to regulate emotion, 2) sensitivity to perceived or real rejection, 3) perception and management of time, 4) development of executive functioning (e.g., planning, organization, task initiation, problem-solving), 5) difficulty focusing in sensory-rich (noisy, crowded, busy) environments, and 6) memory and motor coordination challenges.
Why is it on the rise?
Actually, ADHD as a condition is not necessarily increasing in frequency, but because we better understand this condition, we now recognize the truly broad spectrum of symptoms associated with it.
Considerations related to the increasing rates of diagnosis include the following:
ADULT ADHD ADHD is not just for kids! We now know that the condition often persists into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD may have been undiagnosed/misdiagnosed (e.g., depression, anxiety) and misunderstood/overlooked (shy, undisciplined) in childhood. Now that we have improved understanding and screening, adults are seeking information and treatment to address ongoing challenges in school, work, and relationships.
WOMEN AND GIRLS A previously overlooked population, women and girls may exhibit different symptoms due to internalizing their experiences to avoid cultural ridicule (e.g., girls should be quiet, well-behaved, self-disciplined). In this way, women and girls experiencing inattention may be viewed as shy, tired, fearful, “not bright”, uninterested, lazy. As they attempt to contain their hyperactive and impulsive tendencies, they may complain of stomach aches, headaches, anxiousness and depression; they may exhibit alarming behaviors such as cutting, substance use, disordered eating.
ACCEPTANCE AND ACCESS The negativity historically assigned to mental health and related diagnoses is decreasing and access to appropriate resources and trained professionals is increasing! Nowadays, people are more empowered to invest in their whole wellbeing.
NATURE vs NURTURE We now recognize the impact of both genetics and a person’s experiences on the increased rates of diagnosis. Consider this: one of the most effective interventions for relieving ADHD symptoms is regular physical exercise. Modern lifestyles are often more sedentary, making researchers consider the positive impact that historical ways of living, such as homesteading and manual labor, had on ADHD symptoms. In addition to reduced physical exercise, other modern-day attributes that exacerbate ADHD symptoms and prompt individuals to seek support include fast-paced schedules, increased access to screens, and disruptions that disconnect us from deep focused work.
Neurodivergence Enriches Variation in Human Experience
ADHD has journeyed from vague descriptions to established criteria with a broad-spectrum of treatment options beyond medication. We now view ADHD as not just a condition to be treated, but as a different way of experiencing life, both internally and externally. This alternate, more accurate viewpoint allows us to harness this “difference” in order to enrich human potential. Symptoms such as hyperfocus, creative out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to quickly evaluate a great deal of information make ADHD brains an untapped resource in education and workplace settings. As we continue to grow our understanding of this neurodivergent structure, we grow space in our communities for all abilities and talents.
For more information about ADHD and treatment options, the following resources may be helpful:
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