LIVING WITH ADHD

PART I: ADHD DEFINED

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuro-developmental diseases diagnosed in children and teens that is rapidly spreading not just in the United States, but across the world.

ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with an individual's daily activities, academic success, communication and emotional regulation skills, and interpersonal relationships.

ADHD demonstrates a deficiency in the brain's development of Executive Skills which each individual needs to:

Regulate emotions.
Behave independently of one's emotions.
Recognize their need for help in any given situation.
Set and achieve goals.
Take on initiative.

Additionally, the development of the brain's frontal lobes are inhibited by ADHD and often manifest as delays in emotional and cognitive maturity.

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." -Romans 7:15-20

ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. In fact, research has demonstrated both physical and chemical brain differences in those with ADHD.

This being said, our Maker is the LORD of all creation. He created us in His image, and it is important to recognize that "God don't make junk!"

Despite any mental or physical sufferings we may have, God still calls us marvelous:

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. - Psalm 139:13-16

As Christians, we are called to approach a diagnosis of ADHD with compassion and mercy:

"[Jesus speaking:] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:24

Biblically speaking, it is also important to recognize that a diagnosis of ADHD has spiritual implications.

In fact, the Bible speaks to many of the behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD.

Understanding that ADHD is a lifelong medical condition and knowing some of the ways the conditions can be treated help us better equip ourselves and those we know who have ADHD to follow godly standards.

Also, knowing that the hope of the Gospel and the truth that God is transforming each of us gives us grace for those suffering ADHD:

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." - Philippians 1:6

No one lives a godly life easily... but recognizing our limitations—be they the general limitation of a sinful nature or a medical limitation that affects our brain such as ADHD—helps us to be more aware of our weaknesses and therefore, more attuned to the ways in which God can show Himself strong in that area.

"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 1 Corinthians 12:9-10

Causes of ADHD

Scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD. While there is growing evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD and several genes have been linked to the disorder, no specific gene or gene combination has been identified as the cause of the disorder.

Additionally, several non-genetic factors have also been linked to the disorder such as low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins (alcohol, smoking, lead, etc.) during pregnancy, and extreme stress during pregnancy.

ADHD may also co-exist with other mental health conditions, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning disorders.

Research does NOT support some popularly-held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, poor parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos.

Of course, many things, including those mentioned about, might make symptoms worse.

Types of ADHD

There are three different types/ways that ADHD manifests itself in each individual:

Predominantly Inattentive

It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive

The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

Hyperactivity refers to excessive movement such as fidgeting, excessive energy, not sitting still, and being talkative. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences.

Combined

Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

ADHD STIGMATIZED

As with many mental health conditions, there’s a lot of stigma attached to ADHD. But, thankfully, this is changing!

One common myth and misconception about people with ADHD is that they are less able to do their job than others. This isn’t true, and employers should know about the realities of ADHD.

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." - Romans 13:14

It’s important to note, too, that discriminating against people because of their ADHD diagnosis is illegal.

ADHD is a protected disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This means that institutions receiving federal funding cannot discriminate against those with disabilities. Individuals whose symptoms of ADHD cause impairment in the work setting may qualify for reasonable work accommodations under ADA.

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First, get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye". - Matthew 7:1-5

LIVING WITH ADHD - PART I