Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric
disorder among children and teenagers.
But what’s going on inside the brain and body of these individuals and could it actually
be an advantage?
While some environmental factors such as maternal drinking and smoking during pregnancy may
play a role in brain development, ADHD is highly linked to your genetics.
And most of these genes are directly associated to the brain’s reward pathways.
It turns out that those with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine receptors - dopamine being
the ‘feel good’ hormone.
This means they are less sensitive to rewards, ultimately making them feel bored or unstimulated
by what may keep another individual entertained.
We also see a major difference when we look at fMRI scans.
Normally, a brain at rest shows activity in the default mode network, and quickly switches
over to the task-positive network when your focus is required.
But for ADHD brains, the default mode network fails to automatically shut down, meaning
both networks stay active, resulting in a decreased ability to concentrate.
Scientists have also observed a thinner prefrontal cortex in ADHD patients, which is responsible
for attention control, emotional regulation, and response inhibition.
As a result of these difference, Ritalin is often prescribed for ADHD; it helps to increase
dopamine concentration in the synapse, increasing the likelihood of it binding to the fewer
receptors . However, there is conflicting research on its overall efficacy and concern
over unknown long term side effects.
Of course, many non-ADHD individuals have also been known to abuse ritalin as a method
to increase concentration during work or school to study more effectively.
Perhaps more controversial is the dramatic increase in diagnosis of ADHD over the years.
Whether warranted or not, a 5% increase was documented each year from 2003-2011 in the
US.
Medication prescriptions have also followed this pattern, with some reports indicating
a 35% increase in dispensed prescriptions from 2008-2012.
But it turns out that there may be an evolutionary advantage to having classic ADHD symptoms.
For hunter-gatherers and nomadic cultures, being restless and hyperactive translates
directly into higher chances of successfully bringing home food and increased vigilance
for protecting offspring.
This means a greater chance of survival and passing on your genes.
Even in a current study of settled vs. nomadic members of the Ariaal tribe in Kenya, nomads
that had a higher frequency of genes linked to ADHD were better at getting food.
On top of this, studies have routinely shown that those with ADHD tend to be more creative
in both controlled tests and in real life, as they often think randomly and outside the
box.
Finally, while structured and orderly school environments may not be conducive to ADHD
children, many adults thrive in the right work environment.
Studies show that if their high energy is channeled into the right careers, especially
those that demand great resourcefulness and adaptability, this once viewed handicap can
become a strong asset.
Special thanks to audible for supporting this episode to give you a free 30 day trial at
audible.com/asap.
This week we wanted to recommend the book ‘The ADHD Advantage’ by Dale Archer, which
highlights how some of the most successful entrepreneurs, leaders and entertainers were
strengthened by their ADHD.
You can get a free 30 day trial at audible.com/asap and choose from a massive selection!
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