So many of us think that we need to fix or medicate ADHD. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) added Hyperactivity in 1968 and then updated to ADHD in the 1980’s. ADHD is not a typical mental disorder; it is more of a personality trait that doesn’t fit in our society and that we have vilified. Rather than change society to accept this group of people we want to drug them so they fit. According to the DSM there is no single test to diagnose ADHD and often there are comorbidities. Other problems can create similar symptoms. For those of you that are into science and want a test. This is not a good time for you. There is no physical test or no blood work that can be done. No, it is more of a let’s throw it on the wall and see what sticks or try this. Does the drug change the behaviors? If yes then we label it as ADHD. This is the prevailing thought is worked through, this is how we came to think if you have ADHD, you need medication to fix it?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is described as a mental health disorder that can cause above normal levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. People also may have trouble focusing attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods. So those are just “above normal.” Now can this make it hard to fit into our culture? Yes. Can this make some things more difficult? Yes. Can medication or caffeine change our behaviors? Yes. The reason I’m starting here is I want to change your belief that you need fixed. That ADHD is something wrong with you. That you need to fit into the bell curve or be drugged so that you do.
Let’s go over symptoms of ADHD. Short attention span, especially for non-preferred tasks. Now most people have a short attention span for non-preferred tasks. So, we with ADHD are just out of the norm. This is problematic in the classroom. Where we are supposed to all pay the same attention and learn the same way. Next, they list Hyperactivity, which is described as constantly active, inability to concentrate and impulsiveness. So, it is a word that combines the other symptoms listed here. Impulsivity, which may manifest as recklessness. This is often preempted with the statement “Watch this” Now this can be a problem causing many trips to the ER. Fidgeting or restlessness. Man, this is me to a T. I am bouncing during most waking moments. This is something that can annoy others, but that is the biggest downside for most people. Disorganization and difficulty prioritizing tasks. These are skills that are learned. They do not have to be strengths, nor do they need to be talents that you are born with. They are habits and they can be learned and adopted. And then there is Poor time management and time blindness.
I want to be quite clear I am not against medication. Especially for short term while building other skills and abilities. I know that medication has its place. It can be helpful in starting to develop tools. I don’t believe that medication should be a long-term answer. There are tools to overcome each of those symptoms. You can build them into your life and create an amazing life.
In our next podcast we will be talking more about overcoming the symptoms of ADHD…
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