ADHD: what is it, and is it a trend? pt 1/2

In my quest for knowledge, one of the things I’ve been researching is ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity. Part of the reason for this is that neurodiversity is something that premature babies have a higher chance of showing, and even more in micro preemies. Benny is showing some symptoms. After talking to a psychologist we probably wouldn’t get a diagnosis as it isn’t causing trouble in two settings, like home and school (we’re managing ok even if there can be some challenges), but I still wanted to learn what I can about how it works and any ways to manage or treat it.

However when you start googling, targeted ads show up on your social media (thanks algorithm). Between these and looking into the symptoms, it makes me wonder if I have ADHD. I know it’s absolutely a spectrum and while I think if I do have it, I’m at the milder end of the spectrum (or high masking, high functioning), probably to the point where I might not get a diagnosis as it doesn’t seem to cause too many functional issues in my day to day life, but it’s making some things make sense in how my brain works. And it definitely seems to be getting worse as I get older and more into the perimenopause time of life, which is apparently quite common due to changing estrogen levels! There is an ADHD self screening tool here if you’re interested in trying it out. I’ll talk more about my experience with it all in another blog.

ADHD seems to often show up differently in women and girls than men and boys. With males, there is often a physical hyperactivity, whereas in females it seems to often be more mental hyperactivity, or more the inattentive type. Technically, ADHD is an executive function disorder. Executive function refers to the set of mental skills that help you manage your thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. These skills are like the brain's "management system", they help you plan, focus, remember instructions, shift between tasks, regulate impulses, and stay organised.

Key executive functions include:

• Working memory – holding and using information in your mind (e.g., following multi-step directions)

• Cognitive flexibility – adapting to changes or shifting between tasks or perspectives

• Inhibitory control – pausing before reacting, managing impulses or distractions

• Planning and prioritising – breaking down tasks, setting goals, and organising steps

• Emotional regulation – managing feelings in order to respond, not react

People with ADHD often have challenges with executive functioning, which is why tasks like finishing homework, cleaning up, managing time, or coping with frustration can be especially hard, even when they know what to do. The good news is, executive function skills can be supported and strengthened with strategies, routines, and the right kind of coaching or environmental adjustments.

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I know there is a lot of information out there and I’m probably just scratching the surface of it all, but some of the things seem to be coming up regularly. I know this can also be a charged discussion. I’m not trying to upset anyone or anything, just sharing my experience and what I’ve learned over the last few years thinking about this and researching different elements of it.

In this blog I’m going to talk about:

• what is ADHD and the history around the diagnosis

In part 2 I talk about:

• what could cause it

• how it can show up.

In following blogs I’m going to talk about things that can impact how it shows up, what you can do to support your brain (it’s not just medication!), and my journey of discovery.

However if you want to skip the reading and get practical, personalised support to understand your ADHD brain and unlock your strengths without the overwhelm, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, reach out today to start your journey.

Is it a new thing?

In short, no! Research over the years has suggested that ADHD traits may have been beneficial for our ancient ancestors. A 2024 study found that people with ADHD-like behaviours were often better foragers, which helped them adapt in environments where finding food and staying on the move were key to survival. A 2020 research review noted that nomadic groups showing ADHD-like traits were often better nourished than those who didn’t. Unpredictable behaviour, a common feature of ADHD, may have even helped protect early humans from dangers like raids or theft. In evolutionary terms, hunter-gatherers had to be flexible generalists, able to do a bit of everything, something that aligns well with how many people with ADHD are described today, with their wide range of interests and shifting attention.

Back in 1798, a Scottish doctor named Sir Alexander Crichton noticed that some people seemed easily distracted and had trouble staying focused compared to others. He also observed that these difficulties started early in life, something we now recognize as part of what we call ADHD. A bit later, in 1902, Sir George Frederic Still gave a series of lectures where he described children who, despite being healthy and having normal intelligence, struggled with impulsiveness, attention, and self-control. He documented 15 boys and 5 girls with these challenges. In 1932, German doctors Franz Kramer and Hans Pollnow described a condition they called “hyperkinetic disease.” These children couldn’t sit still, found it hard to follow rules in school, and often had trouble getting along with other kids. The symptoms usually started around ages 3 or 4, peaked by age 6, and often settled down as the children grew older.

ADHD didn’t officially make its way into the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until 1968. At that time, it was called “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.” In 1980, the name changed to “attention deficit disorder” (ADD), with two versions: one with hyperactivity and one without.

Finally, in 1987, the term we use today, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was introduced. It combined inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity into one diagnosis.

Outside of medical literature, it is suggested that Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Thomas Edison (1847-1931), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), and Agatha Christie (1890-1876) all show signs of having had ADHD. 

In Te reo Māori, ADHD is referred to as “Aroreretini,” meaning 'attention goes to many things'.

There are some experts in the area want to change the name again, to VAST, Variable Attention Stimulus Trait. VAST offers a refreshing way to understand ADHD by shifting away from the idea of it being a deficit. Instead, it recognises that people with ADHD have attention that varies depending on the situation, and that their brains are simply wired differently. VAST highlights the strengths often seen in ADHD, like creativity, hyperfocus, and deep curiosity, especially when these traits are supported well. It also acknowledges the need for high stimulation and novelty, as well as the emotional intensity many experience, including both the pain of rejection sensitivity and the joy of recognition. This perspective reduces stigma, promotes better understanding, and helps individuals and their support networks develop more effective strategies that work with the ADHD brain, not against it.

Check out part 2 here for my summary of what causes ADHD and how it can show up.