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ADHD is a neurological impairment, less developed hardware. Less severe ADHD can be self managed and possibly even become a strength through learned self-discip

ADHD is a neurological impairment, less developed hardware. Less severe ADHD can be self managed and possibly even become a strength through learned self-discipline. People tend to think of ADHD as a focus issue. It’s more of a memory issue with corresponding compensation behaviors. Extreme ADHD is like watching the movie Memento, except the focal span is condensed from 5 minutes down to about 12-25 seconds and only about a third of the memories are lost. Imagine pouring a glass of milk and half way through you have forgotten you are in the middle of task until there is a mess. The most obvious indicator is misplacing things several times a day. Other indicators include strange repeated behaviors to compensate for memory loss like hiding things in weird locations so you can find them later only to have forgotten that you have hidden things and then run out of those things and not know where they are.

adynaton 3y ago
Hello. Do you have any resources about this? I have memory issues similar to the ones you described.
- austin-cheney 3y ago
  I have just learned from observation, speaking with counselors, and watching videos online. I have a family member with severe ADHD. You might want to visit with a doctor to be evaluated for ADHD. There are medications that help, but they differ by person and medication with side effects.
- cncovyvysi 3y ago
  Read driven to distraction
- ZunarJ5 3y ago
  An excellent, easy to digest lay writeup: https://mashable.com/article/what-is-adhd-myths-stigma/ https://mashable.com/article/what-is-adhd-myths-stigma/. Also, check out this channel, "How to ADHD." Here is her playlist on 'What is ADHD?' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&list=PLvq9Tp5JZ8oCeV3YNlcWEi3ptdzmSHWzc&ab_channel=HowtoADHD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&list=PLvq9Tp5JZ8... This is my biggest hindrance, illustrated: https://adhd-alien.tumblr.com/post/186747323969/my-totally-unscientific-explanation-of-why-i-quit https://adhd-alien.tumblr.com/post/186747323969/my-totally-u...
- aimonster2 3y ago
  Check out Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023 https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
benjiManir 3y ago
[dead]
aatd86 3y ago
Can also be malfunctioning hardware. Can even be externally induced. Transient bouts of attention deficit with perfectly normal MRI would indicate that something else is happening.
- hirvi74 3y ago
  An MRI cannot diagnose ADHD in an individual. MRI's can see trends and variations in brains of large populations. For example, an MRI of 1,000 people with ADHD might show a different sized <insert brain parts> compared to 1,000 people without ADHD. However, a single person could have the same size <insert brain parts> as the average of 1,000 ADHD people and still not have ADHD, and a person could not have a significantly different sized <insert brain parts> and have ADHD. To date, there is not a single biological marker nor empirical test that can be used to diagnose ADHD beyond a reasonable doubt.
  - aatd86 3y ago
    We do not disagree. It's not necessarily faulty hardware but can be faulty software to reprise the initial expression. But the reasons for faulty software are not necessarily understood. (difference between a fault in structure vs. a fault in function)
lazide 3y ago
In my experience, it is as often a specific set of genetic traits exposed to a specific set of narcissistic abuse and environmental stressors. It’s why it tends to show up in early childhood, and ‘get better’ as they get older and learn how to defend themselves and avoid the destructive people and environments that are gaslighting them into doing things that are decompensating for them (actually, for everyone - which is why normal people are often not in those environments). Or not, if they aren’t allowed to leave. It’s also why the medication ‘stops working’ sometimes - the problem folks in the environment ramp up the abuse until the target is back in the confused/can’t remember what is going on state where they can be controlled. When in an actually good environment, and directed in a way that they can/will do the things they need to do to take care of themselves appropriately, all of the memory issues, emotional regulation issues, etc. become quite manageable or even disappear. There is often a lot of PTSD though, which requires special help. The challenge is that when abuse and destruction is present (but ‘not allowed to be seen’) from an early age, people develop protective blind spots for it. It’s normal and ‘not abuse’, near as they can tell. And narcissistic abuse is all about not being seen - at least by anyone who can or will do anything about it. And if it’s a parent doing it, seeing it requires rejecting a caregiver and role model - not an easy or often safe thing to do. Depending on how long it was ongoing though, it could be years or decades to recover.
- NoZebra120vClip 3y ago
  I concur completely with all lazide has written, and they'd get two upvotes if I had them. Abuse and neglect in the home is often the genesis of childhood "mental illness" but the industry can do jack-all about the home life of children. ADHD, bipolar, and PTSD are clusters of disparate symptoms, different with every child. They are chiefly the symptoms which annoy and inconvenience parents, caregivers, school teachers and administrators. Therefore, the drugging of children is oriented toward suppressing and/or eliminating these annoyances so that the people in authority can go about their business without having said authority challenged by uppity children who act out. My niece was not yet in 8th grade before the Catholic school proposed to drug her as well, and I know full well what sorts of domestic troubles she had undergone throughout her short life. I pity the children who endure such things but can't escape them. What are we going to do, break up 60% of families because their parents suck and they are permanently damaging all their offspring? It's tragic, and it's left me with the prospect of lifelong therapy to become normal, but there is healing and hope, and people do get better, despite the setbacks and damage caused by drugs, clinics, and hospitalization.
graemep 3y ago
> ADHD is a neurological impairment, less developed hardware. Has that been established? This says causes are uncertain: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivit...
- austin-cheney 3y ago
  The causes are multiple and not clearly established, but it is clearly neurological (hardware) and not a personality defect. This is established through research into the brain and interactions with certain medications. Some examples of hardware disruption include extremely low production of neurotransmitters and extremely few neurotransmitter receivers.
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
acchow 3y ago
ADHD is not a memory issue. The memory issues are secondary. Ever seen someone with ADHD fixated on something? Memory is not a problem within that topic.
- gtvwill 3y ago
  ^^^ mate I can tell you a million facts about a million things as I've probably hyperfixated on something related to whatever your interested in at some point over the last 20 years. But I still can't remember where I put my wallet, phone and keys.
  - k8svet 3y ago
    I say this with love, not condemnation. You have to start caring. Like actually caring. Or develop habits and discipline. I was this person. I watched my dad be the person all his life, watching my mom both enable and resent him for it. Then I realize what a nuisance he was to those around him, and how embarrassing it was that he seemingly can't take care of himself. Now I have a cross body "man-purse", I've traveled half a dozen countries in a year and haven't lost a single thing. My wallet, my keys, my yubikey, my sunglasses, my backup meds, they have exactly one place they're allowed to be, and they're always there when I go to grab them.
    - soulofmischief 3y ago
      ADHD is not a "not caring" disorder. Most ADHD sufferers do not experience apathy but instead intense anxiety as their executive function is at odds with their goals. It's not a matter of simply thinking your way out of what is a very real, biological disorder. The ADHD brain fundamentally lacks the same dopamine receptors as a normal brain, among other mutations. These mutations have elaborate psychological manifestations. Some of us are able to improve with sustained practice, but even reaching a state of sustained practice can be a Sisyphean task for many.
      - tailspin2019 3y ago
        > Most ADHD sufferers do not experience apathy but instead intense anxiety as their executive function is at odds with their goals. Can confirm. This is an extremely good way of putting it.
bsdz 3y ago
I think research shows the most important genes are involved in producing dopamine. Two of the genes that have been found to be implicated most commonly are DAT1 and DRD4, although others are being discovered all the time. This means that brain signals are not carried correctly, and the signals may be carried to the wrong part of the brain. This, in part, leads to the well known symptoms of ADHD afaik. So memory definitely a secondary issue.
- austin-cheney 3y ago
  Dopamine is certainly a factor, but low serotonin is at greater distinction. The dopamine cycle exists to regulate task completion and is associated with reward stimulus. Serotonin is associated with mood regulation. In manically depressed persons and persons with advanced ADHD serotonin production is extremely low compared to normal. The primary compensating behavior then is seeking external mood stimulators. For the person in my family with ADHD their drug of choice is anything with large amounts of red dye 40. Although persons with ADHD have lesser DRD2 and possibly lesser DRD4 receptors using prescribed medication to raise serotonin production reduces the urge to hyper stimulate and thus drives behavior towards a more normal homeostasis, which then also solves for the forgetfulness.
  - aimonster2 3y ago
    Dopamine is critical because it is what signals thallamic and striatal signals to the prefrontal cortex which is where the executive function deficits originate.
nickfromseattle 3y ago
This sounds like me. Poor working / short term memory made school (memorizing facts) a nightmare. Do you have more resources that educate about ADHD from this perspective?
- austin-cheney 3y ago
  There is a world of difference between slow study and a severe brain impairment that blocks the ability to function normally in the world. For example perhaps there is a minor focus or motivation issue where you would rather be doing something else and so find the studying less of a priority. A person with severe ADHD may forget what they were doing while they are actively engaged doing it. Imagine driving a car and your mind drifts and you begin to focus on something at the side of the road now completely unaware of what is in front of you as you continue driving forward without reservation. A person who struggles to study, on the otherwise, does not suddenly become unaware they are holding an open book in front of their face. If you are concerned that you might have ADHD I recommend an evaluation by general physician.
- aimonster2 3y ago
  You want to watch Dr. Russel Barkley's videos. He does the best job of explaining ADHD as an executive function deficit, not an 'attention' deficit. https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023 https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023

adynaton 3y ago

Hello. Do you have any resources about this? I have memory issues similar to the ones you described.

austin-cheney 3y ago
I have just learned from observation, speaking with counselors, and watching videos online. I have a family member with severe ADHD. You might want to visit with a doctor to be evaluated for ADHD. There are medications that help, but they differ by person and medication with side effects.
cncovyvysi 3y ago
Read driven to distraction
ZunarJ5 3y ago
An excellent, easy to digest lay writeup: https://mashable.com/article/what-is-adhd-myths-stigma/ https://mashable.com/article/what-is-adhd-myths-stigma/. Also, check out this channel, "How to ADHD." Here is her playlist on 'What is ADHD?' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&list=PLvq9Tp5JZ8oCeV3YNlcWEi3ptdzmSHWzc&ab_channel=HowtoADHD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&list=PLvq9Tp5JZ8... This is my biggest hindrance, illustrated: https://adhd-alien.tumblr.com/post/186747323969/my-totally-unscientific-explanation-of-why-i-quit https://adhd-alien.tumblr.com/post/186747323969/my-totally-u...
aimonster2 3y ago
Check out Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023 https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]

benjiManir 3y ago

[dead]

aatd86 3y ago

Can also be malfunctioning hardware. Can even be externally induced. Transient bouts of attention deficit with perfectly normal MRI would indicate that something else is happening.

hirvi74 3y ago
An MRI cannot diagnose ADHD in an individual. MRI's can see trends and variations in brains of large populations. For example, an MRI of 1,000 people with ADHD might show a different sized <insert brain parts> compared to 1,000 people without ADHD. However, a single person could have the same size <insert brain parts> as the average of 1,000 ADHD people and still not have ADHD, and a person could not have a significantly different sized <insert brain parts> and have ADHD. To date, there is not a single biological marker nor empirical test that can be used to diagnose ADHD beyond a reasonable doubt.
- aatd86 3y ago
  We do not disagree. It's not necessarily faulty hardware but can be faulty software to reprise the initial expression. But the reasons for faulty software are not necessarily understood. (difference between a fault in structure vs. a fault in function)

lazide 3y ago

In my experience, it is as often a specific set of genetic traits exposed to a specific set of narcissistic abuse and environmental stressors. It’s why it tends to show up in early childhood, and ‘get better’ as they get older and learn how to defend themselves and avoid the destructive people and environments that are gaslighting them into doing things that are decompensating for them (actually, for everyone - which is why normal people are often not in those environments). Or not, if they aren’t allowed to leave. It’s also why the medication ‘stops working’ sometimes - the problem folks in the environment ramp up the abuse until the target is back in the confused/can’t remember what is going on state where they can be controlled. When in an actually good environment, and directed in a way that they can/will do the things they need to do to take care of themselves appropriately, all of the memory issues, emotional regulation issues, etc. become quite manageable or even disappear. There is often a lot of PTSD though, which requires special help. The challenge is that when abuse and destruction is present (but ‘not allowed to be seen’) from an early age, people develop protective blind spots for it. It’s normal and ‘not abuse’, near as they can tell. And narcissistic abuse is all about not being seen - at least by anyone who can or will do anything about it. And if it’s a parent doing it, seeing it requires rejecting a caregiver and role model - not an easy or often safe thing to do. Depending on how long it was ongoing though, it could be years or decades to recover.

NoZebra120vClip 3y ago
I concur completely with all lazide has written, and they'd get two upvotes if I had them. Abuse and neglect in the home is often the genesis of childhood "mental illness" but the industry can do jack-all about the home life of children. ADHD, bipolar, and PTSD are clusters of disparate symptoms, different with every child. They are chiefly the symptoms which annoy and inconvenience parents, caregivers, school teachers and administrators. Therefore, the drugging of children is oriented toward suppressing and/or eliminating these annoyances so that the people in authority can go about their business without having said authority challenged by uppity children who act out. My niece was not yet in 8th grade before the Catholic school proposed to drug her as well, and I know full well what sorts of domestic troubles she had undergone throughout her short life. I pity the children who endure such things but can't escape them. What are we going to do, break up 60% of families because their parents suck and they are permanently damaging all their offspring? It's tragic, and it's left me with the prospect of lifelong therapy to become normal, but there is healing and hope, and people do get better, despite the setbacks and damage caused by drugs, clinics, and hospitalization.

graemep 3y ago

> ADHD is a neurological impairment, less developed hardware. Has that been established? This says causes are uncertain: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivit...

austin-cheney 3y ago
The causes are multiple and not clearly established, but it is clearly neurological (hardware) and not a personality defect. This is established through research into the brain and interactions with certain medications. Some examples of hardware disruption include extremely low production of neurotransmitters and extremely few neurotransmitter receivers.

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]

acchow 3y ago

ADHD is not a memory issue. The memory issues are secondary. Ever seen someone with ADHD fixated on something? Memory is not a problem within that topic.

gtvwill 3y ago
^^^ mate I can tell you a million facts about a million things as I've probably hyperfixated on something related to whatever your interested in at some point over the last 20 years. But I still can't remember where I put my wallet, phone and keys.
- k8svet 3y ago
  I say this with love, not condemnation. You have to start caring. Like actually caring. Or develop habits and discipline. I was this person. I watched my dad be the person all his life, watching my mom both enable and resent him for it. Then I realize what a nuisance he was to those around him, and how embarrassing it was that he seemingly can't take care of himself. Now I have a cross body "man-purse", I've traveled half a dozen countries in a year and haven't lost a single thing. My wallet, my keys, my yubikey, my sunglasses, my backup meds, they have exactly one place they're allowed to be, and they're always there when I go to grab them.
  - soulofmischief 3y ago
    ADHD is not a "not caring" disorder. Most ADHD sufferers do not experience apathy but instead intense anxiety as their executive function is at odds with their goals. It's not a matter of simply thinking your way out of what is a very real, biological disorder. The ADHD brain fundamentally lacks the same dopamine receptors as a normal brain, among other mutations. These mutations have elaborate psychological manifestations. Some of us are able to improve with sustained practice, but even reaching a state of sustained practice can be a Sisyphean task for many.
    - tailspin2019 3y ago
      > Most ADHD sufferers do not experience apathy but instead intense anxiety as their executive function is at odds with their goals. Can confirm. This is an extremely good way of putting it.

bsdz 3y ago

I think research shows the most important genes are involved in producing dopamine. Two of the genes that have been found to be implicated most commonly are DAT1 and DRD4, although others are being discovered all the time. This means that brain signals are not carried correctly, and the signals may be carried to the wrong part of the brain. This, in part, leads to the well known symptoms of ADHD afaik. So memory definitely a secondary issue.

austin-cheney 3y ago
Dopamine is certainly a factor, but low serotonin is at greater distinction. The dopamine cycle exists to regulate task completion and is associated with reward stimulus. Serotonin is associated with mood regulation. In manically depressed persons and persons with advanced ADHD serotonin production is extremely low compared to normal. The primary compensating behavior then is seeking external mood stimulators. For the person in my family with ADHD their drug of choice is anything with large amounts of red dye 40. Although persons with ADHD have lesser DRD2 and possibly lesser DRD4 receptors using prescribed medication to raise serotonin production reduces the urge to hyper stimulate and thus drives behavior towards a more normal homeostasis, which then also solves for the forgetfulness.
- aimonster2 3y ago
  Dopamine is critical because it is what signals thallamic and striatal signals to the prefrontal cortex which is where the executive function deficits originate.

nickfromseattle 3y ago

This sounds like me. Poor working / short term memory made school (memorizing facts) a nightmare. Do you have more resources that educate about ADHD from this perspective?

austin-cheney 3y ago
There is a world of difference between slow study and a severe brain impairment that blocks the ability to function normally in the world. For example perhaps there is a minor focus or motivation issue where you would rather be doing something else and so find the studying less of a priority. A person with severe ADHD may forget what they were doing while they are actively engaged doing it. Imagine driving a car and your mind drifts and you begin to focus on something at the side of the road now completely unaware of what is in front of you as you continue driving forward without reservation. A person who struggles to study, on the otherwise, does not suddenly become unaware they are holding an open book in front of their face. If you are concerned that you might have ADHD I recommend an evaluation by general physician.
aimonster2 3y ago
You want to watch Dr. Russel Barkley's videos. He does the best job of explaining ADHD as an executive function deficit, not an 'attention' deficit. https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023 https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023