Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

We call it ADHD because otherwise we’d get distracted halfway through

WHY A TALK ON ADHD?

WHY YOU?

WHAT ADHD ISN’T

WHAT ADHD IS

Psychiatric disorder of executive functionsSpecifically: attentional control and inhibitory control

6-7% of US children have ADHD

2-5% of adults have ADHD

Diagnosed 2.5x more in boys than girls

WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOU?

INATTENTION

IMPULSIVENESS

HYPERACTIVITY

BOTH

INATTENTION

• Easily distracted• Miss details• Forget things• Swap activities frequently• Become bored with tasks after mere minutes• Difficulty focusing on non-enjoyable things• Become easily confused• Daydream• Difficulty processing information quickly• Problems directing attention

HYPERACTIVITY

• Fidget or squirm• Talk excessively in social situations• Trouble sitting still• Constant motion• Inability to relax• Sensation-seeking behavior• Short temper

IMPULSIVENESS

• Impatience• Display emotion without restraint• Difficulty waiting for things they want• Often interrupt conversations• Act without regard for consequences• Start relationships on a whim

OTHER?

• Hyperfocus

THE F-STOP EXAMPLE

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR BRAIN, ART?

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Genetics determine about 75% of cases

Several other disorders can cause equivalent symptoms

Statistically significant environmental factors:• Premature birth• Low birth weight• “Early adversity”• Brain damage

Medical conditions:• Lead toxicity• Sleep apnea• Hyperthyroidism

Social Construction Theory

Normal Behavior

ADHD

(AND MAYBE EVOLUTION?)

COMORBIDITY

Depression

Anxiety Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Social Phobia

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Therapy

Meditation

Coping Mechanisms• Lists• Timers•Notes• Schedules

• Fanatical attentoin to detail

Thanks!Questions?