Is there an evolutionary benefit to ADHD?
ADHD traits, such as novelty seeking, exploration, and vigilance, might have been an evolutionary benefit to our ancestors who had to move from place to place in search of new resources while being attentive to threats.
When people with ADHD have a strong interest in a task, they display an unusual level of concentration known as hyperfocus. This passion and persistence can translate into expertise which paves the way for gaining a substantial competitive advantage.
Modern research has shown that a number of genetic variants are most likely responsible for the neurodevelopmental disorder we call ADHD. These ADHD genetic variants is surprisingly persistent.
The analysis of the genetic variation of Altai Neanderthal suggests that this sample carries more ADHD risk alleles than current and ancient AMH samples. Moreover, we observed that introgressed Neanderthal alleles influence ADHD susceptibility in current populations.
Causes of ADHD
Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
Biological: ADHD is associated with the way certain neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help control behavior) work, especially dopamine and norepinephrine, and this difference causes changes in two different attentional networks of the brain — the default network, associated with automatic attention and the ...
They act first and think later. “Those with ADHD tend to spur themselves into action regardless of uncertainty,” says Johan Wiklund, Ph. D., a professor at Syracuse University who studies entrepreneurship. “An impulsive inability to wait comes with a willingness to take risks.
High-functioning ADHD doesn't just mean you can manage to live an average life. Some people with high-functioning ADHD do that and more — they go on to be highly successful.
Some of the conditions that are most common among those who describe themselves as neurodivergent include: Autism spectrum disorder (this includes what was once known as Asperger's syndrome). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Down syndrome.
We suggest that, from an evolutionary point of view, ADHD symptoms might be understood to result from an 'evolutionary mismatch', in which current environmental demands do not fit with what evolution has prepared us to cope with.
Why Is ADHD a controversial disorder?
ADHD has been a subject of great controversy and debate. A number of people who have been diagnosed with the syndrome—some of them psychologists and psychiatrists—have challenged the notion that personality traits such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and distractibility deserve the label symptoms.
Twin studies have demonstrated that ADHD in children and adolescents are predominantly under genetic influences (approximately 70–80%), with the remaining variance explained by child-specific environmental experiences (experiences not shared between siblings that make them different from each other) [16, 17].
Intuition. People with ADHD are often highly sensitive and intuitive with a keen ability to pick up on what others may be feeling. This can make them very empathetic, loving, and kind.
ADHD is often also associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ; e.g., Crosbie and Schachar, 2001). For instance, Frazier et al. (2004) reported in their meta-analysis that in comparison to individuals without ADHD, individuals with ADHD score an average of 9 points lower on most commercial IQ tests.