About ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodivergence, or difference in brain wiring, that is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, many individuals receive support, adapt, or are diagnosed later in life.

Previously, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was associated primarily with cognitive symptoms, while ADHD was linked to hyperactivity. Since 1994, the medical community has updated these terms: ADHD now encompasses inattentive with hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types.

There is a biological need for dopamine in individuals with ADHD, leading them to seek out dopamine boosts. This pursuit is often misinterpreted by others as impulsive or reckless behavior.

You may notice strengths:

• Hyperfocus
• Spontaneous
• Energetic
• Innovative and think outside the box
• Rejection of status quo, often pushing the system in ways it needs to be pushed.

ADHD Interesting Facts

• 99% of those diagnosed with ADHD also live with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) (Bhandari, 2020), which is an extreme emotional sensitivity to real or perceived rejection.
• There is a link between having a sensitively wired brain and an increase of anxiety (Katzman et al., 2017).
• Only 11% of adults with ADHD are receiving the appropriate treatment (Katzman et al., 2017).
• A growing – and misguided – societal fear of overdiagnosis and treatment of ADHD (Katzman et al., 2017).
• Due to the challenges in diagnosis, studies have found that other psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety may form or be exacerbated when ADHD goes undiagnosed (Alexander & Harrison, 2013).
• 15-20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence (NCI, 2022).  If there’s a stat regarding the prevalence of neurodivergence within families, it might be very powerful here (ADHD, Autism, etc. are often seen within several family members, and seeking help for children often sparks a new awareness of their own challenges)

Techniques to improve your focus

Routines can be helpful

• Have the same breakfast
• Leave at the same time for school
• Keep a calendar for each week with tasks, responsibilities and appointments (visuals are great and neurodivergent people have said this can have high success rates!)

Timing Tasks (Pomodoro Technique)

• Set a timer for 25 minutes
  • Complete as much as you can in this time
• Once the time rings, set a “break” timer for 5 minutes
• The completed 30 minutes is one Pomodoro
• Can plan to do 2 or 3 Pomodoros
• Make it fun! Keep track and compete with yourself to see how much you can get completed in the allotted time

Mental Health Toolkit
Having things that regulate your nervous system will help soothe you.

• Favourite songs on repeat
• A favourite warm or cool drink (tea, juice, coffee)
• Something soft to touch (a blanket, warm sweater)
• Something textured (fidget toy, elastic band)
• Something comforting to smell (candles, essential oils)
• A tasty, comforting snack (fruit, chocolate, something salty)

Further Reading/Resources

 - Neurodiversity MB