As the author of this blog, I am willing to admit that I have ADHD and was diagnosed as an adult. I struggled for decades, not understanding my symptoms and felt so ashamed and irritated at myself for not being ‘normal’. I believe it is important to bring increased awareness of this often-over-looked disorder to help others understand that communication is awkward and difficult for those afflicted with this misunderstood disorder and not meant to be perceived as personal. Please it is not personal. This blog is meant to help bring awareness for this disorder and elicit more patience from the recipients of ADHD symptoms from individuals.
Alas, if only one could wave a magic wand and do away with ADHD, life would be simpler., but then again, life would be less magical without the ‘Squirrels,’ lol.
ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common, non-discriminatory brain-based medical disorder, according to nearly all mainstream medical and psychological organizations. Both children and adults with ADHD can benefit from appropriate treatment, however there is no cure.
In 2011, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reported the percentage of children in the United States diagnosed with ADHD is now 9.5% and adults is 4.4%. Boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls.
By 2022, the statistics most assuredly have changed and may possibly have increased. Sometimes, it is not the increase in case reported, but the medical knowledge awareness and reporting of such disorders make it seem as if there are many more cases. That is difficult to ascertain.
The label of this order is often accompanied with shame or embarrassment because those afflicted have an extremely difficult time focusing. They also have such a short attention span; people often misconstrue that as disinterest in the topic being discussed or the lesson or the meeting and they believe the afflicted one to be ‘rude’ or not a ‘team player’.
The other symptom most misconstrued by others as impatience is the sudden verbal outbursts and constant interruptions of others during conversations. People have described it as “word vomit.” There are mood swings, high and low, and when it is high, the interruptions are prevalent, and the outbursts are instantaneous, and friends and family can grow irritated. When it is low, the attention span is so short, not even a kid on a bike chasing an ice cream cone truck making its last round through the neighborhood could overcome!
Other secondary problems associated with this disorder are impulsivity which sometimes leads to problems with the law, eating disorders, depression, trouble succeeding in school, including graduation rates, relationship and marital issues, and employee/employer issues.
There are many studies showing that ADHD is highly genetic in its inception, accompanied by environmental influences.
To my fellow ADHD family: let all your family, friends, and employers know that this is an authentic condition-not just rudeness or nonchalant, uncaring behavior of an employee, a friend, a brother, a sister, a wife, a husband, a son or daughter. Communication is the key to all our successes.