Is ADHD a pandemic or neurodevelopmental disorder?
Stay cool, you’ll never find a general consensus.
Some claim it to be a “Life Choice”-Pandemic- patients a “Different Wired Brain”.
Despite discordances between professionals, the DSM acknowledges the Disorder theory characterized by Executive Dysfunction as the condition’s benchmark.
Although ADHD is not environmental, the Brain is naturally wired to seek External Long-term Reward.
Digital Platforms exploit this natural process.
Their algorithms are purposely designed to foster immediate Addiction by nonstop clicking and scrolling, providing continuous, short-lived Reward.
A detrimental result in long-lasting ADHD Reward-seeking.
That’s when we talk of Pandemic.
We’re right in the middle of it.
Pharmaceuticals struggle with Demand.
ADHD diagnoses have never been so high, to the extent that pharmaceuticals can’t keep pace with ADHD medication.
Supplies are running out all over the world.
Social Media’s texts and likes are the primary dopamine triggers for few seconds, prompting users to scrolling through chats and apps, interfering with distraction from the task at hand.
The phenomenon is still prevalent among teens, nonetheless a reassuring factor.
We’re creating Virtual ADHD, until it will indeed classified as “Pseudopandemic”.
ADHD is typically acknowledged in School-Age. Nowadays, 6 yo kids already have the latest model of iPhone.
I better don’t say I had my first “mobile phone”, as they were called back in the day, at 30, although my ADHD was diagnosed before, still accounting for Neurodevelopmental Disorder.
Since Primary School starts around age 6, Professionals will face a major challenge, so will do the DSM.
There is still time to stop the Deceit.
Social Media must take responsibility by adopting non-addictive strategies.
Parents must advocate for Regulations to protect children, like setting boundaries for smartphones, i.e. minimal age.
Last but not least, this is valid for all, removing all devices from workplace.
ADHD wired brains know all too well the aftermath of short-lived Reward: dreaded Crash, something they wouldn’t wish to anyone, starting from their offsprings.
