6.1 ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves a deficit of dopamine
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition and developmental disorder characterised by a lack of dopamine and an underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex.
This manifests as:
- difficulty with regulating attention levels, swinging between
- inability to concentrate on a task
- or hyperfocus, concentrating on a task to the exclusion of all else, including bodily functions
- Restlessness and/or hyperactivity
- Impulse control issues
- Forgetfulness
- Time Blindness
- Executive Function difficulties
- Difficulty regulating emotion
- Difficulty switching between tasks
- Struggles with addiction, often as a result of trying to self-medicate eg with caffeine, nicotine or hard drugs
ADHD has a high co-morbidity with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyspraxia. If not diagnosed until adulthood it is highly co-morbid with depression and anxiety.
Source: Solden, S (2005) Women With Attention Deficit Disorder
See: 6.2 ADHD Misconceptions to debunk common myths about ADHD
See: 6.1b pharmaceutical treatments are available for ADHD for what treatment options are available
See: 6.3 ADHD coping mechanisms and non-medication treatments for links to holistic coping mechanisms
See: 6.1f the ADHD tax is the extra costs accrued due to having ADHD for some of the ways ADHD can negatively affect your life
Deeper: 6.1a Dyspraxia is a condition affecting physical coordination and spatial awareness for more on dyspraxia
Deeper: Autism Spectrum Disorder for more on autism
See: Dopamine for more on the neurotransmitter dopamine