Enhanced Livability: Such individuals bring a vibrant touch to our existence - "Individuals with ADHD: "They add a vibrant touch to life"
In a recent interview from the stern archive, first published in February 2023, renowned psychiatrist Andreas Jähne discussed the nature and understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The conversation shed light on the often misunderstood condition, with a particular focus on its prevalence in women.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is commonly associated with persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impair functioning or development. However, there is an emerging perspective that views ADHD traits as natural variations in brain function and personality. This perspective, championed by the neurodiversity movement and some researchers, suggests that ADHD is more akin to variations in traits like extraversion or conscientiousness, rather than a disease or disorder in the traditional sense.
When it comes to women, ADHD symptoms often appear differently compared to men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit the inattentive presentation—problems with focus, forgetfulness, internal restlessness—without the overt hyperactivity more commonly seen in males. This can lead to symptoms being overlooked or misattributed.
Women with ADHD may also experience greater emotional sensitivity and hypersensitivity, which can amplify challenges such as mood swings, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in social relationships. These emotional and inattentive symptoms contribute to late diagnoses, often after struggles with depression or anxiety become prominent.
Girls with the subtype of ADHD known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often intelligent and can compensate for some deficits. However, they may sometimes be underchallenged in school due to their quick comprehension, leading to a fragmented biography with many changes in partners or jobs.
The interview also discussed the dreamy subtype of ADHD, which is more common in girls. This subtype is characterised by a tendency to daydream, lose oneself in thoughts, and have vivid imaginations. People with ADD are often very imaginative, which can be a source of strength but can also lead to difficulty in focusing on tasks that require sustained attention.
The hyperactive behavior associated with ADHD is not present in all patients. The dreamy subtype of ADHD, for instance, does not typically exhibit hyperactivity. The interview suggests that the dreamy subtype of ADHD is more common in women than previously thought.
This nuanced understanding highlights ADHD’s complexity as both a diagnosable condition and a spectrum of traits embedded in personality and neurodiverse variation. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis and support for individuals with ADHD, regardless of gender, to help them navigate life's challenges more effectively.
The community could benefit from a policy that provides in-depth vocational training to individuals with ADHD, considering their unique and often overlooked symptoms. This training could focus on teaching skills that help them manage their conditions better, particularly in areas like health-and-wellness, and mental-health, given the emotional sensitivity and hypersensitivity typically experienced by individuals with ADHD. Moreover, given the emerging perspective that views ADHD as natural variations in brain function and personality, it is crucial to recognize the often undervalued strengths of people with ADHD, such as creativity and vivid imaginations, in science and other fields.
