Waking up only five minutes before my early morning class, I texted my classmate to let our professor know that I overslept. I accompanied the text with a crying laughing emoji to lighten the situation, and my classmate responded with the same emoji with confirmation to update our professor. What no one knew, however, was the night beforeI lay awake until four in the morning, surrounded by cluttered clothes on the floor, unable to figure out where to begin cleaning my room. Additionally, I spent nearly fifteen minutes rereading each paragraph of Othello, as the memories of the day replayed louder in my head than the words on the page. This is the reality of having ADHD.
People who know me say I act as if I’m driven like a motor. This constant state of motion is tied to my ADHD, and there is nothing exciting or glamorous about it. While I laugh off comments about my hyperactivity or inattentiveness, laughter is just what sweetens the bitter taste of my Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is a widely misunderstood neurodevelopmental disorder, largely due to a lack of education and exposure. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children need to exhibit six or more of the behaviors that come with inattention, and adults need to present five. These behaviors or symptoms also have to be present for at least six months. Although hyperactivity and impulsivity are not required for a diagnosis, these symptoms frequently accompany ADHD.
Too often, ADHD is not taken seriously. Some will laugh at others with the diagnosis due to their forgetfulness and hyperactivity, when, in reality, it constantly interferes with their daily lives. ADHD is much more than that and those with the diagnosis are more prone to mood disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety. The Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists report that ADHD also affects academic performance, time management, and even relationships with others. ADHD makes basic functioning significantly more difficult, and it is essential that as a society, we take it more seriously.
In recent years, there has been significant progress in how ADHD is medically treated. Stimulant medication, such as Adderall, are commonly prescribed to improve focus and impulsivity. Researchers are continuing to research and come up with more ways to relieve symptoms, while mental health workers are being trained so that they can teach clients how to manage themselves.
Although progress has been made, continued improvement depends on shifting public perception. ADHD is not a joke or personality trait, it is a struggle that many people have to cope with. ADHD deserves to be viewed as having the same relevance as other neurodevelopmental and mental health issues. Once there is a change in how ADHD is viewed, the path toward understanding and effective support will become far smoother.
