Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is something that has shaped my family significantly over the last several years. I would even go as far as to say that ADHD is one of the driving forces behind my passion for psychology and mental health. My brother's diagnosis of ADHD came at a time when I was just beginning to take interest in psychology. Because of the challenges he has faced with ADHD I am passionate about understanding this disorder and spreading awareness. ADHD is misunderstood. It's not simply a child with excess energy or a short attention span, it is much more than that. People with ADHD often have problems with impulsivity, staying still, forgetfulness, organization, social situations, school, and controlling their emotions. ADHD looks different for everyone, depending upon the severity of the case. While it is uncertain what causes ADHD, we do know it tends to run in families, and having a biological relative with ADHD increases the risk (Thapar, Cooper, Eyre, & Langley, 2013). Furthermore, some research suggests that there may be differences in how the brain processes information for someone with ADHD as compared to someone without. They're just "wired" differently if you will (Konrad and Eickhoff, 2010). As I've watched my brother grow up I've seen the stigma and stereotypes surrounding ADHD. I've seen him struggle with a disorder that he cannot change, or make disappear, or fix, a disorder that he will always have. I've seen him come home from school with tears in his eyes because he doesn't understand why it's so hard to pay attention in class. I've heard other kids tease him about taking medication. I've heard people joke about ADHD and I've heard it used as a pop psychology term that gets tossed around whenever someone gets distracted. The bottom line is there's a stigma surrounding all mental illness and ADHD is no different. Despite the fact that ADHD is one of the most common disorders related to neurodevelopment, it is still not well understood by many people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016) indicates that 6.4 million kids between four and seventeen have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2011, and that's just in the United States... It's likely that each of us knows someone with ADHD, probably someone we care about; which is why it's so important to have a deeper understanding of what ADHD is, how it effects people, what treatments are available and how we can help to create a culture of acceptance and understanding around mental disorders and illnesses. ADHD by Practical Cures CC by 2.0 Attention - Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. (2016, October 5). Retrieved February 7, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html Konrad, K., & Eickhoff, S. B. (2010). Is the ADHD brain wired differently? A review on structural and functional connectivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Human Brain Mapping, 31(6), 904-916. doi:10.1002/hbm.21058Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Eyre, O., & Langley, K. (2013). What have we learnt about the causes of ADHD? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 54(1), 3. I would love to hear more about other people's experiences with ADHD and your thoughts!
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AuthorAlaina is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University studying psychology. ArchivesCategories |