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?
