The New York Times – Magazine – By MAGGIE KOERTH-BAKER – Published: October 15, 2013
Human brains and bodies have not evolved exactly in sync with the low-movement pace of desk jobs and screen time. The delay is subtle but grating, like tracking a Skype session. People, both children and adults, need to move their bodies. They need rhythmic sleep cycles. They need daylight. They need wholesome, balanced diets (gluten and wheat, processed foods and high fructose anything are known to acutely exacerbate ADHD symptoms). Some people seem to need the horsemen of health (exercise, sleep, natural light, and nutrition) more than others; said differently, some people suffer more than others without these things.
This NYT article, The Not-So-Hidden Cause Behind the A.D.H.D. Epidemic, highlights another component of the ADHD diagnosis epidemic: educational policies and the implications of No Child Left Behind. It makes fascinating correlations worth consideration.
I suspect, as in most cases, it’s a both/and situation: modern environmental factors (educational, socio-cultural, nutritional) as well as ever-changing diagnostic criteria contribute to the ubiquity of the diagnosis.
As an aside, I am concerned that ADHD symptoms often look like trauma symptoms, when the nervous system is stuck on ‘on’. Un-discharged traumatic stress can manifest in symptoms of hyperactivity, inability to relax, restlessness, hyper-vigilance, difficulty focusing, problems with concentration. Sounds like a case of ADHD, huh?
Solution: move, play, run, dance, make noise, walk in the woods. If living remains more arduous than it ought to be, talk to a therapist. Together you can investigate whether you have a brain that is biologically inclined to fire with hyperactivity (and then you’ll discuss appropriate neurological testing with a psychiatrist). Cognitive and behavioral changes supported by a well-trained therapist are an excellent step. Slight lifestyle habit changes may be helpful, as may stimulant medication. On the other hand, you may discover with your therapist that the symptoms that have you stuck on the struggle bus are your natural responses to old un-processed trauma or current stress and chronic worry.
There are many options and solutions. You do not need to live with the symptoms.