ADHD

-Attention De cit Hyperactivity Disorder

“
ADHD is a chronic condition including attention
difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
It often begins in childhood and can persist into
adulthood. It may contribute to low self
esteem, troubled relationships and difficulty at school
and work.
Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity
“
~GOOGLE

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/

Hyperactivity Disorder.
It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects
how the brain
functions, especially around attention, impulse
control, and
activity levels. It’s not a sign of low intelligence
or laziness —
it’s about how the brain is wired.
There are three main types of ADHD:
1.
Inattentive Type
(used to be called ADD)
People with this type mainly struggle with
focus and attention,
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not hyperactivity.
Common signs:• Easily distracted or forgetful
• Trouble staying organized
• Starts tasks but doesn’t finish them
• Frequently loses things
• Zoning out or daydreaming a lot
2.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type involves more physical restlessness
and impulsivity.
Common signs:
• Fidgeting or constant movement
• Talking a lot, interrupting others
• Acting without thinking
• Trouble sitting still•
• Feeling driven by a motor
3.
Combined Type
This is the most common type — a mix of
inattentive and
hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
~CHATGPT

DR GABOR MATÉ (a world renowned

physician and trauma expert) describes ADHD
as a form of coping mechanism. He describes
the dissociation as a coping mechanism.

Where does this theory come from?

• He explains that growing up in an unhealthy
environment, an environment where a child’s
needs aren’t met , emotional conditions under
which the child lives , starting from
pregnancy before the child is born. He further
explains that if the pregnant mother is under a
lot of stress during the pregnancy, chances of
that child being born with ADHD are high ,
which explains how a child can grow up with
ADHD if the environment they are born in
hasn’t changed.
• He also points out that it is not genetically
inherited , his explanation of that is:
something that is genetically inherited does
not increase because genetics don’t change
and with ADHD , as one grows , it increases
too. It is something that develops and
continues as a coping mechanism from
different circumstances each individual may
encounter. He further explains how it is not
ADHD that is inherited but the sensitivity
that might lead to the dissociation (ADHD ).
• So when the pregnant mother is under
stressful conditions it affects the development
of the brain of the growing fetus , resulting to
neurodivergency (a brain that works and
processes things differently) .

ADHD in my own experience

•Dissociation/Attention Difficulty : Zoning out ,

forgetfulness, flight(freeze) or fight.
•Procrastination: putting off tasks and later
forgetting them.
•Hyperactivity: my hyperactivity is in the brain.
Inability to quiet down my brain. Inability to sit
still.
•Impulsivity: I tend to make unnecessary ,
irrational and stupid decisions.

Despite all these , I’ve since found my ADHD

as some sort of super power.

•I can read a book in 24 hours.

•When I focus on something, I hyper fixate on
it.
•I’m good in researching , I learn new
information probably everyday.
•I can analyse things thoroughly. My analysis is
like a computer , I tend to look at the things
people often don’t recognise.
•I’m observant , which I think kind of relates to
analysing. I’m very observant, at even the
slightest thing.
•I’m creative , I often want to do things by
myself from scratch.
•I have fast reflexes , like a robot (not quite )

I don’t treat ADHD like it’s a mental disorder

or disease but like a gift , a super power. I can
do things normally functioning people cannot
do. It does have its lows but also the lows add
to the gift they don’t take away from it. I
choose to see it like that. I refuse to let myself
be consumed of the belief that it is a mental
disorder.
Neurodivergency isn’t a mental disorder.
People who fall under that spectrum are the
smartest, creative, intelligent, fast thinkers,
innovative individuals. Having a brain that
works, processes, analyse things in a different
way isn’t a disorder but a gift.
The fact that none of them (neurodivergent
disorders)are treatable proves that, they aren’t
meant to be treated but to be accepted, used ,
understood , respected and appreciated.
Most of the smartest inventions in the world
were invented by neurodivergent individuals.
That is because their brains are like built in
computers that have a very powerful ability for
processing, thinking, functionality.

“ADHD is not a disorder.

It’s a phenotype. A different kind of wiring.
People with ADHD carry the OG genetics -
traits that made them elite hunters , gatherers
and scouts in ancestry times.
Fast reflexes, heightened sensitivity, scanning
attention, and quick adaptability, were all
superpowers in natural environments.
It only gets labeled a disorder when you’re born
into a modern world that forces you to sit still
for 8 hours a day , memorise irrelevant
information and conform to systems designed
for industrial efficiency- not human brilliance.
ADHD isn’t the problem.
The environment is “
 DIVING INTO ADHD MEDICATION
What does ADHD medication do?
ADHD medications work in different ways depending on the type. But all ADHD
medications work by increasing the levels of important chemicals
(neurotransmitters) in your brain. These neurotransmitters include dopamine and
norepinephrine. Increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters helps improve the
symptoms of ADHD, including: Increasing attention span.
Reducing hyperactivity.
Controlling impulsive behavior.
Managing executive dysfunction.
ADHD medications affect each person differently. What works for one person may not be
effective for you or your child.
And the rst ADHD medication you or your child tries may not be the right one. It may not
be effective, or it may cause bothersome side effects. Or you may have the correct
medication but need a higher dose.

What are the different types of ADHD Medication?

ADHD medications include stimulants and
non-stimulants. Healthcare providers often prescribe antidepressants, as well.

•Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of
prescription medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. Despite their name,
stimulants don't work by increasing your stimulation. Rather, they work by increasing levels
of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine.
These neurotransmitters play important roles in your ability to pay attention, think and stay
motivated. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of children with ADHD have fewer
symptoms after nding the correct stimulant medication and dosage.
Stimulants are considered controlled
substances, which means they have the potential to be improperly used or cause
substance use disorders.

There are two forms of stimulants:

•Immediate-release (short-acting):
You normally take these stimulants as needed. They can last for up to four hours.
•Extended-release (intermediate-acting or long-acting): You typically take these stimulants
once in the morning each day. Some last from six to eight hours, while others last for up to
16 hours. Longer-acting ADHD medications may result in fewer "ups and downs" during
the day and may
reduce the need for extra doses at
school or during the day and may reduce the need for extra doses at school and work.

•Non stimulants
Non-stimulants are prescription medications, but they’re not controlled substances like
stimulants. That means you're less likely to improperly use or become dependent on them.
They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in your brain.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD take
longer to start working than stimulants.
You may not feel the full effects of these medications until you've been taking them
regularly for three to four weeks. However,
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 these medications can also help you improve your attention, focus and impulsivity. They
can work for up to 24 hours.

•Antidepressants
The FDA hasn't speci cally approved antidepressants for the treatment of
ADHD. However, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe them alone or in combination
with a stimulant for the
treatment of ADHD. The antidepressants providers typically prescribe for ADHD work on
the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ADHD MEDICATIONS

•Decreased appetite
•Unexplained weight loss
•Dif culty sleeping
•Anxiety
•Minor grown delay
•Upset stomach
•Changes in blood pressure
•Changes in heart rate
•Fatigue , increased activity or bad mood
•Tics

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN : How ADHD can come about.

1. Fetal Brain Development Overview

The fetal brain develops in stages throughout pregnancy:

• First trimester: Basic structures of the brain form

(neural tube, forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain).
• Second trimester: Rapid neural proliferation and the
beginning of neuronal migration.
• Third trimester: Synapse formation, myelination, and
the organization of brain circuits — especially those
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 linked to emotion regulation and executive functioning
(which are typically impaired in ADHD).

2. Maternal Stress and Its Biological Transmission

When a pregnant woman experiences stress, several biological

systems become activated:

• Cortisol (stress hormone) levels rise.

• Inflammatory cytokines (immune stress signals) may
increase.
• Placental barrier permeability may change, making it
easier for stress-related substances to pass to the fetus.

These substances can:

• Alter fetal HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal

axis), which controls stress response.
• Change neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine and
norepinephrine — both crucial for attention, impulse
control, and emotional regulation.
• Interfere with neuronal growth, synapse formation, and
the development of prefrontal cortex (the region involved
 in executive functioning, attention, impulse control — the
key areas affected in ADHD).

3. Epigenetics: Stress “Programming” the Fetus

Chronic stress can lead to epigenetic changes — that is,

changes in how genes are expressed, without altering the DNA
itself. These changes can:

• “Program” the fetus to be hypervigilant or anxious.

• Lead to dysregulation of brain networks, especially those
involved in self-regulation and attention.

4. ADHD and Prenatal Stress: The Link

Numerous studies support a link between prenatal stress

exposure and later development of ADHD symptoms:

• Children of mothers who experienced high levels of

stress, anxiety, or depression during pregnancy are
statistically more likely to develop attention deficits and
hyperactivity.
• MRI studies have shown differences in brain volume and
connectivity in children exposed to prenatal stress.
 • The dopaminergic system, often underactive or
dysregulated in ADHD, is particularly vulnerable to
prenatal stress.
In simple terms :
A stressful environment during pregnancy doesn’t cause
ADHD directly, but it can disrupt the natural development of
the fetal brain -especially in the areas responsible for attention,
regulation and impulse control. This can dispose to ADHD or
ADHD like traits as a neurodevelopmental adaptation to early
stress.

ADHD AND GENETIC RELATION

• ADHD is highly heritable. Studies of twins suggest that

up to 70–80% of ADHD risk can be attributed to genetic
factors.
• It’s polygenic, meaning many different genes each
contribute a small risk.
• These genes often affect brain systems involving
dopamine, norepinephrine, and brain structure/function,
particularly in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia.
BUT !

Even if a child inherits genetic risks:

• It doesn’t guarantee they’ll develop ADHD.

• Environment, especially early in life (including the
womb), plays a huge role in whether and how those genes
 get “turned on” — this is called gene–environment
interaction.

Prenatal Stress as a Trigger or Amplifier

A mother’s stress, anxiety, trauma, or depression during

pregnancy can:

• Alter fetal brain development in ways similar to what’s

seen in ADHD.
• Epigenetically modify gene expression, especially in
stress-response and dopamine-regulation systems.
• Trigger ADHD symptoms even in children with no strong
family history.

So, a child might develop ADHD:

• Even without a strong genetic background, if early stress

is high enough (e.g., trauma in utero).
• Or more severely, if genetic vulnerability + prenatal stress
are both present.

So, is ADHD not genetically inherited?

👉 Not quite. ADHD can be genetically inherited, but genes
alone don’t tell the whole story.
It’s more accurate to say :
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that results from a
complex mix of genetic vulnerability and environmental
influences, especially during sensitive periods like fetal
development.
While traditional research highlights a genetic basis for ADHD
, trauma experts like Dr. Gabor Matè argue that the rising
prevalence of ADHD-and it’s clear connection to early life and
prenatal stress -suggests a more complex, rational and
developmental origin. ADHD may not be inherited in form of
bad genes but rather as transmission of stress , disconnection
and emotional dysregulation across generations.

IS ADHD A DISORDER / DISEASE ?

First: What is a “Disorder”?

In mainstream psychiatry, a “mental disorder” is defined

by:

• Persistent patterns of thinking/behavior/emotion that

 • Cause distress or
• Impair functioning in daily life

So by this definition, ADHD is labeled a

neurodevelopmental disorder because it affects attention,
impulse control, and functioning in environments that
demand conformity, focus, and executive functioning —
like school or work.

BUT…

A Neurodivergent Brain ≠ Disordered Brain

“Neurodivergence is not a defect- it’s natural variation in human brain wiring “

This movement is grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm,

which reframes conditions like ADHD and autism not as
“disorders” but as neurological differences with both
challenges and strengths.

1. 🧠

Brain Diversity is Normal

• Evolution favors diversity. Having a population of people

who think and react differently improves survival.
 • ADHD traits — fast reaction times, novelty-seeking,
scanning attention — would have been advantages in
hunter-gatherer societies.

2. 🛠

Many Great Innovators Were Neurodivergent

• Thinkers like Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Leonardo da

Vinci, Alan Turing, and Steve Jobs have all been
speculated to be neurodivergent.
• Their creativity, hyperfocus, and divergent thinking
weren’t flaws — they were superpowers.

3. 🌍

Environment Shapes What’s Called a “Disorder”

• In a society that values stillness, routine, silence, and

compliance, people with ADHD struggle.
 • But in different contexts, ADHD traits can shine: rapid
problem-solving, hyperfocus, creativity, intuition,
courage.

4. 🧬

It’s Not a Disease Because…

• Diseases are often curable or treatable via medication or

surgery.
• ADHD has no cure because there’s nothing “broken” —
just a brain that’s wired differently.
• Medications like stimulants help manage symptoms, but
don’t change how the brain is wired.

I’m not
denying that ADHD brings challenges — but I’m
reframing those challenges as context-dependent, not signs of
brokenness.

I’m also reclaiming the strength, creativity, sensitivity, and

quick processing that often comes with neurodivergence —
and that’s not just empowering, it’s true.
IN CONCLUSION
ADHD IS NOT A MENTAL DISORDER. IT IS A
DIFFERENT NEUROTYPE - a variation of how the human
brain can function. It only becomes a problem when placed
in environments that don’t accommodate this difference.
Being neurodivergent isn’t a disorder- it’s a difference.

ADHD
-MIVUYO TALITA TUSWA