Who are ADHDers?
ADHD is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
We ADHDers usually struggle with three main issues:
- Response inhibition
- Managing Emotions
- Working Memory
Of course, it’s a very simplified presentation of ADHD and doesn’t cover all our problems. The disorder is believed to originate in the prefrontal cortex.
As an ADHDer, I experience difficulties daily. My concentration often shifts from one thing to another, or I forget to bring essential items with me. I seldom complete tasks before the deadline and talk too much.
The functions and malfunctions of Prefrontal Cortex
There are three functions of the Prefrontal Cortex. These are response inhibition, managing emotions, and working memory.
1.Response inhibition
The response inhibition allows people to suppress their impulses and natural, habitual or dominant behavioral responses.
In the case of us ADHDers, the trouble with inhibitory control may result in us making impulsive decisions or taking action without rational analysis of its consequences. It may be randomly joining in other people’s conversations, but also compulsive shopping, e.g. purchasing based on the impulsive response, rather than on rational decisions.
2. Managing Emotions
We have great difficulty in managing emotions — such as motivation, satisfaction — as well as focus and memory. This is something I’m continually striving to improve, as trying to control these parts of me is a constant struggle. During concerts, I react badly to the noise, the music, conversations, the sound of spotlights moving and cracking. I often forget I have an appointment when I’m enjoying my work — I become so absorbed in what I’m doing, the rest just slips my mind. At the same time, I really dislike breaking a promise to someone, so all I can do is suffer the consequences, both practical and emotional.
People often call me lazy or unmotivated or tell me to focus on just one thing at a time. It’s not that easy, though!
3. Working Memory
In other words, it’s short-term memory. It’s said that it’s difficult for ADHDers to recall what we’ve done and learned. It’s not entirely true, however. We do remember, but we struggle with following the commands. It makes obeying instructions and tasks, and following schedule hard.
How can we resolve this issue?
It is a challenge, as solving these problems by ADHDers requires a fundamental understanding from others. Still, I believe that improving our condition is possible.
Here are some ideas on how to do that:
- Pre-registered Decision
- Expand Working Memory
- Factoring Methods
I’ll tell more about them in my next article.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any ideas regarding this problem or an opinion about my articles, you can get in touch with me here:
https://www.facebook.com/yoshiaki.kishi.14
