There are many different ways to look at ADHD:
Some people deny that it exists. The fact that they have no idea what they are talking about does not deter them.
Some people say it is an executive dysfunction problem. I think that is one part of ADHD.
Some focus on the neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine), some on structure (basal ganglia, cerebellum), and some on networks (connecting amygdala, hippocampus, frontal cortex, cerebellum). I think it is all of these.
Some see it as a disease or disorder. Some see it as a variation of normal. Others see it as a gift. I am not one of those. I see it as a difference which, since it causes so many problems, is a disorder. I also believe there is an abrupt significant difference between us ADHDers and the vanillas, not just a gradual change on a curve.
Dr. William Dodson, an expert on ADHD who I highly respect, has a different view from mine, regarding the basic symptoms and dysfunctions:
“three defining features of ADHD emerge that explain every aspect of the condition:
1. an interest-based nervous system
2. emotional hyperarousal
3. rejection sensitivity”
from dr dodson on the three main features of ADHD
I see ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, highly genetic, present from conception, with differences in the networks, structures, and neurotransmitters. To me, the main issue is lack of control of focus, and that our “focus center” is not turned on in the same way as the vanillas. This basic feature causes a number of problems, which themselves cause other problems or symptoms, such as rejection sensitivity due to shame and low self-esteem, for example, which is caused by our frequent screwing up and the resulting criticism from others and from ourselves.
doug
@addstrategies #adhd #add @dougmkpdp
Sometimes it drives me up the wall. Or beyond.
What is it really, ADHD?
You think what about ADHD?
ADDadultstrategies 
Me too…i agree with you, Doug, thinking of adhd beeing rather a disorder than a desease…while i regard the idea of it beeing a „gift“ or relating to hunter/gatherer conditions as utter bs – excuse my german – otherwise i do find dr dodgons points quite interesting and i intend to follow his leads, at least for a while…my experience is, that low selfesteem in combination whith fear and anxiety
have had too much of a negative influence on the course of my life without good enough reasons,
but nevertheless creating the foundations of a path of constant uphill struggle….
thank you so much for your thoughtful and informative (and funny) postings, which i do rarely read whithouf some impression of enrichment,
regards
gert
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I’m no expert, but I agree with you, Doug. Also when it comes to being present from birth. And 99,9% sure that my niece has ADHD. She’s a smart, clever girl, but who has a very low threshold for frustration and as a consequence has incredible tantrums that seem to come (for anyone uninformed) out of nowhere. She was also a very, VERY fussy baby who had a real hard time getting through the night sound assleep. It was very rough on my sister. I think having an ADHD brain as a baby will make you just as sensitive as an adult (or even child) and since you can’t communicate what is aggravating you, you just yell and cry.
My niece is now almost 6 years old and going to school, and though she does well enough in school (same as me, her curious mind makes her hyperfocus on the subjects being taught. I too was an A student in elementary) I feel she would benefit greatly from medication. But I know my sister would not be up for that. She thinks she has everything figured out (and given the circumstances, she’s actually doing a good job) and I never even broached the subject of ADHD with her.
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ram – probably wise not to broach the subject, very touchy. could you maybe just talk with your sister about your own experiences with ADHD without any reference to the child? or not.
thank you for commenting, as always
doug
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Difficult. She doesn’t know I have ADHD. Not everyone in my family does. I stopped telling people after I got tired of getting the usual responsed: scoffing, anger and “your psychiatrist diagnosed you wrong!”, someone once even told me they were “Glad you found some sort of placebo that makes you feel better”. Ritalin. Ritalin, A PLACEBO! I gave up. And the few people who know me don’t seem to notice that I’ve managed to keep a steady job and a steady life, but they either don’t notice, or assume I just grew up – although I was about 32 when diagnosed.
My plan is, I’ll let my sister figure it out, and chime in with my niece when she’s 18.
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Ram
Families are truly difficult. Ignorance makes it even worse. You need to manage your way. you know them and you know you, and I don’t. One alternative way it could be handled is, when you feel there is reason to say that you have ADHD, say it. Then if they come back with crap, you just say, “That’s an interesting viewpoint.“ And then do not engage further on the subject. If they keep saying crap, just keep saying, “You have an interesting viewpoint there.” You don’t have to answer any questions or explain or defend.
It’s a shame you don’t get more support.
thank you for your contributions. these are common problems
doug
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That YOU for your support 🙂
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ram- you are very welcome. people shouldnt have to put up with this kind of abuse.
doug
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