RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN BY Zofia Hochtaubel
EDITED BY Yuzu
The human brain is not perfect. Surely, all of us have experienced forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention. However, in some cases, these challenges can be more severe and persistent, significantly impacting an individual's daily life.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 6 million children and approximately 10 million adults. What's interesting is that more and more people are diagnosed with ADHD as they reach adulthood. This suggests that ADHD may not be solely a childhood disorder, but rather a condition that can persist and go undiagnosed until later in life.
The rise in adults's diagnoses might also be connected to a common phenomenon called ADHD masking, which refers to the ability of individuals to develop coping mechanisms and strategies that hide or minimize their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis until adulthood when the demands and responsibilities of life become more challenging and overwhelming. That's why it is extremely important to raise awareness about ADHD and its potential impact on individuals throughout their lifespan.
ADHD types
ADHD individuals show patterns of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. ADHD is classified into three subtypes based on which symptoms are predominant in the individual.
Predominantly inattentive is when an individual struggles to organize, pay attention, or follow instructions. It can manifest as a short attention span, making careless mistakes, forgetting or losing things, struggling with time-consuming tasks, struggling to follow instructions, managing time, and meeting deadlines. People with inattentiveness may avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, lose necessary items, easily zone out, and start daydreaming.
The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is characterized by excessive fidgeting, talking, difficulty sitting still, acting without thinking, and little or no sense of danger. Insistent impulsivity can lead to inappropriate behavior, such as interrupting others or grabbing items. People with hyperactivity or impulsivity may struggle with waiting their turn or listening to directions. They may also struggle with quiet hobbies, being constantly in motion, and excessively talking.
In the combined type, the symptoms of both types are equally present in an individual.
Interestingly, the inattentive subtype is prevalent in 18.3% of patients and is more common among females, while the hyperactive/impulsive and combined subtypes represent 8.3% and 70%, respectively.
But what causes ADHD?
ADHD's cognitive and functional deficits are related to diffuse abnormalities in the brain. A small anterior cingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are common findings in individuals with ADHD. These structural changes are thought to be responsible for deficits in goal-directed behavior.
Although there is no one cause of ADHD, scientists are investigating potential risk factors. It is crucial to understand that exposure to a risk factor does not always result in a condition.
Nevertheless, many studies suggest that genes play a crucial role here. ADHD appears to have a significant inherited component, with higher rates found in affected parents and siblings (the risk increases two to eight times) compared to unaffected controls. Twin studies indicate that monozygotic twins have a much higher concordance rate for ADHD than dizygotic twins. Additionally, adoption studies have shown increased ADHD rates in the biological parents of ADHD adoptees. Average heritability estimates are approximately 79%; however, it's not 100%, suggesting that non-heritable factors also contribute.
In addition to genes, scientists have identified several environmental factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD. These include exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol during pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight. Certain prenatal and early childhood experiences, such as maternal stress and trauma, have also been linked to the development of ADHD. Additionally, studies have also found that exposure to organic pollutants (e.g., pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)) and lead also increases the risk of developing ADHD.
But let's debunk a popular myth here: ADHD is not caused by eating too much sugar or watching too much television.
Even though sugar, artificial food colorings, zinc, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids have all been studied in relation to ADHD, there is no convincing evidence yet that they play a major causal role in ADHD.
Is ADHD a curse?
Life with ADHD is not an easy one. Individuals with ADHD often face challenges in various aspects of their lives, including academic performance, social interactions, and daily tasks. These challenges can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and difficulties in maintaining relationships. Additionally, ADHD can also have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, increasing the risk of developing anxiety and depression.
But attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder also has its positive aspects. People with ADHD tend to have high levels of creativity and can think outside the box. They're eager to take on new challenges and can excel in environments that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Full of energy and enthusiasm, they often make great leaders or motivators. Additionally, individuals with ADHD often possess a unique ability to hyperfocus on tasks that they find interesting or stimulating, allowing them to accomplish tasks with great precision and efficiency.
Despite the challenges, many people with ADHD can thrive and succeed in their personal and professional lives with proper support and management strategies. By increasing understanding and recognition of the disorder, we can ensure that those who may be struggling with undiagnosed ADHD receive the support and resources they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Sources:
"What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?" by Anita Thapar, Miriam Cooper, Rachel Jefferies, and Evangelia Stergiakouli
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" by Warren Magnus, Saad Nazir, Arayamparambil C. Anilkumar, and Kamleh Shaban
"The consequences of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults" by David W Goodman
"The effect of ADHD on the life of an individual, their family, and community from preschool to adult life" by V. A. Harpin
"Functional consequences of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on children and their families" by Masahide Usami
"Creativity in ADHD: Goal-Directed Motivation and Domain Specificity" by Nathalie Boot, Barbara Nevicka, and Matthijs Baas
"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) site https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
“What is ADHD?” - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
NHS site https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/
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