ADHD & The Modern Attention Dilemma

ADHD is a topic of much debate, with opinions divided on whether it is over-diagnosed or under-diagnosed. The reality is, it’s both. The increase in ADHD diagnoses is notable, yet it’s not necessarily because more people are developing neurodevelopmental disorders.

ADHD is complex, with many individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria going undetected for years. These individuals often don’t exhibit the hyperactive behaviour typically associated with ADHD in children. Instead, they might just manage to get by in school, only to find themselves struggling in adulthood as life’s responsibilities mount. It’s here that their attention issues become apparent, impacting relationships, work, and financial management. Furthermore, ADHD can be mistaken for bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression, leading to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all.

On the other hand, the rapid changes in our lifestyle, driven by technological advancements, contribute to a rise in ADHD-like symptoms. Our symbiotic relationship with technology means that as we develop new technologies to improve our lives, these technologies, in turn, shape our brains. The omnipresence of smartphones, tablets, and the preference for short-form content on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram reels, and YouTube shorts, has shortened our attention spans and diminished our ability to focus. This environment of constant information and on-demand services has also altered our brain’s reward mechanisms, fostering a need for instant gratification — a challenge often faced by those with ADHD.

Thus, the issue isn’t that technology is directly increasing the number of people with ADHD. Rather, the way technology demands our attention and shapes our expectations mirrors ADHD symptoms. The prevalence of ADHD-like behaviours today does not necessarily mean more people qualify for a clinical diagnosis. Instead, it highlights how our changing behaviours, influenced by technology, resemble ADHD traits, such as difficulty focusing and a need for immediate rewards.