Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a range of difficulties in the self-management system of the brain. This system is often referred to as the executive function system and includes sustained attention, task initiation, impulse inhibition, working memory, time management, prioritizing, planning, goal setting, organization, flexibility, regulation of emotions, and metacognition. The primary location in the brain that controls these functions is the pre-frontal cortex, which is not fully developed until one’s mid-20s to around 30. As slow as this area is to develop, it may develop even more slowly in an individual with ADHD.
As with learning disabilities, ADHD is a lifelong condition, though some difficulties – such as hyperactivity – may lessen between adolescence and adulthood. There are strategies and treatments to reduce symptoms in individuals with ADHD.
There are three classifications of ADHD – Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, Predominantly Inattentive (sometimes referred at as ADD), and a Combined presentation. As many as 11% of individuals by the time they are 18 have been diagnosed with ADHD, and diagnosis is more common in boys than girls.
Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention
- forgets things, seems confused, appears to be not listening
- difficulty concentrating, jumps from one activity to another
- gets bored easily with an activity unless it’s very enjoyable
- struggles to get organized and to complete tasks
- difficulty following directions and learning new things
- doesn’t understand things that peers typically grasp
Impulsivity
- impatient
- blurts out and interrupts
- overreacts in emotional situations
- doesn’t understand the consequences of his/her actions
Hyperactivity
- talks almost constantly
- has trouble sitting still and moves a lot
- can’t stay in one place for long
- fidgets, picks up things and plays with them
Impact of ADHD
ADHD affects one’s self-control over his or her body and impulsive behaviors. It also affects organization, planning and learning. Due to this, students in school and adults in jobs can struggle with the following: keeping track of things, breaking down assignments/tasks into steps, completing assignments/tasks, keeping track of their thoughts, understanding and following directions, applying knowledge from one area to another, staying focused without getting bored, and using metacognition. Social skills can also be impacted. Individuals with ADHD can often have a difficult time making and keeping friends due to difficulty following social cues, difficulty controlling emotions, saying inappropriate things, and constantly interrupting.
Benefits of ADHD
There are some benefits associated with ADHD. One is the ability to hyper-focus on a particular area of strong interest. Another advantage is that being easily distracted can have the benefit of noticing things that others do not. Struggling to follow directions can result in those with ADHD being creative since they need to become good at problem solving. Research has shown that those with ADHD are better at coming up with creative designs and new uses for objects.
Celebrities with ADHD
Musicians Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine; comedians Howie Mandel and Jim Carrey; actors Michelle Rodriguez, Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson, Will Smith and Liv Tyler; athletes Michael Phelps, Terry Bradshaw, and Simone Biles; political Consultant James Carville; chef Jamie Oliver; dancer Karina Smirnoff; reporter Lisa Ling; and businessman Bill Gates.
