The ADHD Brain
Clinical research shows that Executive Functions are delayed and therefore impaired by 30% in people with an ADHD brain. So, any tasks that call on them become difficult.
The result is unfinished jobs, half completed projects and becoming overwhelmed.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Research
Formerly known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD is a neuro-behavioural disorder commonly characterised by hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity or any combination.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recognises Adult ADHD as a genuine medical condition with a specific cluster of symptoms and they have issued clear guidelines on the best evidence-based treatments.
Click here to read the guidance released by NICE.
History
Before the 1980’s very few people were even aware of ADD/ADHD. It is also important to understand that historically research and diagnostic criteria were heavily influenced by studies on young boys and how they presented which has resulted in women and girls being underdiagnosed.
Instead of recognising your symptoms and identifying the real issue, your family, teachers, or other parents may have labelled you a dreamer, a slacker, a troublemaker, or just a “bad student”.
Interest Driven Brain
The ADHD brain has often been described as an “Interest driven brain” which is why we can soon feel bored or restless. Making sticking to jobs or relationships difficult. Needless to say this can have a negative impact whereby we can feel isolated and like our need for change makes us incapable of holding down a job or relationship long term.
You may have been able to compensate and mask the symptoms of ADD/ADHD when you were young. Only to run into problems as your responsibilities increase.
The more you’re trying to manage pursuing a career, raising a family & running a household, the greater the demand on your abilities to organise, focus, and remain calm.
Click here to learn more…
The ADHD brain seeks escape, novelty and stimulation. Every time we think, we engage our executive functions. These are a set of cognitive processes that allows us to plan, organise, remember information, and initiate action towards a goal. As well as maintaining habits and regulating our emotions.
With a suggested 30% deficit in this area, tailored solutions instead of “hacks” are required for long term benefit.
Undiagnosed ADHD & the Impact
Studies show that people with ADHD have an increased risk of also suffering from other psychological problems. Particularly depression, anxiety and substance abuse. This is often because their ADHD went undiagnosed and untreated in childhood. This can then have a secondary effect on mood, developing low self-esteem, anxiety or worry.
Some adults develop coping strategies such as people pleasing behaviours that mediate against or lessen some of the symptoms. However, these often result in harm in other ways.
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Sadly our lack of understanding can also lead people with ADHD to be more susceptible to being vulnerable to toxic relationships.
It’s much easier to convince someone who has been criticised or made to feel less than that they are somehow not worthy of love and respect.
It’s not all Doom & Gloom for the ADHD Brain
Our hyperactivity is energy and drive.
Our big emotions mean we are passionate and empathetic, caring for others and have a strong sense of social justice.
We keep our heads in a crisis when everyone else is losing theirs. People with ADHD can be found in emergency services and any roles that rely on our amazing brain. We make natural leaders, have the ability to communicate with anyone. We are innovative creators (so many successful business owners credit their success due to their ADHD brain).
Never a dull moment, always up for adventure and we often have a quirky but amazing sense of humour. All of these are qualities that make us amazing people to be around.