A Different Look at ADHD: More Trait Than Disease?
"ADHS Praises Individuals: 'They Add Vibrancy to Our Lives'" - Individuals with ADHD: "Bringing Vibrancy to Our Existence"
Leonie Zimmermann's insightful piece delves into a nuanced perspective of ADHD, a term frequently tossed around but often misunderstood. ADHD, in fact, encompasses two distinct subtypes: ADD and ADHD. While the former is synonymous with impulsivity and a struggles with attention span, the latter includes hyperactivity that not all patients exhibit.
But why focus on boys? Well, it's not arbitrary. The daydreaming subtype is predominant among women. This surprising fact stems from the fact that women with ADD are often intelligent, cleverly navigating some deficits. They often excel academically and sometimes face under-challenging environments due to their quick understanding capabilities. As a result, they generally receive less attention and support compared to their hyperactive peers, who are more easily diagnosed during their school years.
The untold story is about those women who only comprehend their disjointed life narratives much later. Often recognized by the frequent changes in partners or careers, ADHD may become apparent to them only when they reflect upon their life.
ADHD | Psychiatrist | Andreas Jahne | Hyperactivity
Although the debate still lingers, ADHD is primarily recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, rather than a personality trait. Distinct from the Big Five personality traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, ADHD symptoms demonstrate persistence in behavior that cause significant impairment in various settings.
However, it's worth noting that there can be overlaps between ADHD and certain personality disorders or traits, particularly those relating to impulsivity or disinhibition. Yet, ADHD remains a distinct condition that differs significantly from a personality trait.
While the subtypes of ADHD have distinct presentations, boys and girls tend to exhibit different symptoms, which can impact diagnosis, especially as they grow older. Boys are more likely to display overt and visible symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are typically diagnosed during their childhood years. In contrast, girls often display less noticeable symptoms like daydreaming, absent-mindedness, and disorganization, which might lead to later or misdiagnoses.
As we age, ADHD can become less apparent and more challenging to identify. Adults with ADHD may struggle with internalized symptoms like organizational difficulties, time management issues, and emotional regulation challenges, which can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions or personality traits. Therefore, proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for accurate treatment.
- In light of the discussion on ADHD, it would be beneficial for community policies to include vocational training programs tailored to adults with ADHD, as they may struggle with organizational difficulties and time management issues.
- To promote overall health-and-wellness and mental health, it's essential for science and healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive training programs that address the unique needs of individuals with ADHD, as the symptoms can often overlap with certain personality disorders or traits, leading to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses.
