What is ADHD?

The term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is misleading.
A person diagnosed with ADHD does not have a “deficit”, or an inability
to pay attention, but rather, their attention is not consistent. At times it
may be challenging to stay focused, while in other cases, particularly if
a person is very interested in something (a video game or an exciting
project, for example) they may “hyper” focus.

Someone doesn’t have to be hyperactive either. Activity levels can range from high to very low, or hypoactive. It’s common for people with ADHD to be distracted easily. Also, they may be impulsive and blurt out comments before they consider their impact and how their words may affect others. Telling Aunt Mary she has put on weight may not be appreciated by Aunt Mary- even if it is true! Acting without thinking about the consequences of their actions is another common occurrence.

What Causes ADHD?

While there are several explanations for the causes of ADHD, it commonly is inherited and boys as well as girls are affected pretty equally. About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to show some degree of symptoms as adults. Their brain (or ‘hardware”) is just fine, it’s that the neurotransmitters (“software”) that send messages and information to various parts of the brain are not working as efficiently as they could be and this leads to inconsistent behavior. An area of the brain that particularly is affected by this is the prefrontal cortex located in the front of the brain. This area plays a role in carrying out executive functions that give organization and order to our actions and behavior. Examples are goal setting, planning, self-monitoring, prioritizing, and emotional control. Working memory, which enables a person to hold new information, retrieve older knowledge and then apply it to new material, also may be affected.

Tell me Something Good!

ADHD is not something you should blame yourself for and it’s not something you can blame on your parents either! While those with ADHD face challenges, people with this condition are known for having many, many wonderful traits as well. They are very creative, entrepreneurial, determined, and energetic among other things.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you’re in very good company! Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Graham Bell, Emily Dickinson, Bill Gates, Pablo Picasso and Thomas Edison, are but a few believed to have or have had ADHD. Keep in mind that ADHD is not the only thing that defines you. While you may be faced with challenges that others don’t have, don’t use ADHD as an excuse. You are capable of achieving success and of leading a productive and fulfilling life!