Most people have probably already heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, but, how many people know what someone with ADHD experiences? This blog will be a little different from others I have done, where I will share some of my experiences as someone diagnosed with ADHD.
Just as some basic background, the Mayo Clinic defines ADHD as “… a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.” It is associated with low levels of neurotransmitters transmitting between the prefrontal cortex area and basal ganglia, in this case, the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline which are associated with regulating the reward system, mood, and attention. These low dopamine levels call for individuals with ADHD to seek out rewards to overcome this deficiency. There are various levels of severity to this neurodevelopmental condition, however, generally, symptoms start and can be recognized from ages 3 to 12 and can continue into adulthood. 3 types of ADHD presentation can affect the specific symptoms of this disorder. Those being predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
Predominantly inattentive individuals find it more difficult to finish tasks, focus attention, or follow regular conversation. These individuals generally are more inattentive to the world around them. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive individuals are constantly fidgeting, talk excessively, and are impulsive towards everything around them. Finally, combined is a combination of the two presentations, where symptoms are spread relatively equally indicating either presentation. Overall, having any form of ADHD is a hindrance to everyday tasks that make life more difficult than it should be.
As someone with inattentive type ADHD, I had shown signs of inattention ever since I was little which hinted to my ADHD early on. I have trouble focusing on one task for an extended time, I take longer to process information, I have trouble finishing tasks on time, staying on top of my workload, and sometimes zone out when others are talking to me, and more. I love learning, which is why I decided to go to college and pursue my interest in studying medicine, however, having ADHD constantly feels like a rope tugging me away from the goals I know I can achieve. The experience of ADHD is often misconstrued, and many people will deny its existence or claim it’s just “laziness”. This is far from the truth as ADHD has had a biological basis for decades before medication was even created for it.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/balanced/202302/why-is-the-prevalence-of-adhd-increasing
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/inattentive-type#behavioral-therapy
https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-does-ADHD-Affect-the-Brain.aspx
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