Causes of ADHD

ADHD is not just about behavioral symptoms, like hyperactivity or difficulty with concentration or impulsivity. That being true, what are the medical and biological causes of ADHD? And stay tuned to the end of the video where I share 3 misconceptions about this disorder that are being accepted as fact.

Today we’re going to talk about the causes of ADHD.

I’m Angela Howard, my passion is to break the stigma of mental illness among fellow Christians. I’m here to help you live a more purposeful life with God, and with one another. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can get the first updates of new content and connect in community.

In 2013, the CDC released a report https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/key-findings-adhd72013.html that stated that 11% of children from ages 4-17 had been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. It is a neurological mental disorder that is a medically recognized condition with a genetic basis. This disorder affects the brains frontal lobes which conduct tasks known as the executive functions.

Executive Functions Affected by ADHD:

  • Planning
  • Organizing
  • Sequencing
  • Processing Information
  • Making Decisions
  • Planning Ahead
  • Mood Regulation
  • Learning From Mistakes & Consequences

This Results In:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty getting motivated
  • Tendency to loose things
  • Interrupting others
  • Hyper-focusing
  • Mood swings

Example from my house:

My daughter Emily is 16 and has difficulty processing information. This sometimes makes it difficult for her to pick up on awkward social tension. She also has a hard time at school when a teacher will give multiple instructions. She’s more likely to tune out, and hyper-focus on one thing, and that might be doing an assignment from another class. It can make her appear disinterested or disrespectful, but she’s neither, she’s just overwhelmed and will have to deal with that information later in the quiet of her bedroom.

My son Benjamin is 18 and has difficulty getting motivated. He’s learned that he needs a hard deadline in order to complete projects and get started on what needs to be done. Deadlines have consequences and this inspires him to make progress.

3 Misconceptions about ADHD

  1. You have it from a lack of discipline.
  2. You have it from your poor diet.
  3. You have it from bad parenting.

The key to understanding ADHD is to know that it is neurodevelopmental. It isn’t about trying harder to be organized. As someone who doesn’t have it, but lives with three people who do, it is painful to see the frustration it can cause their everyday lives. But I also see how they find ways around it. They are amazing people who are creative, intuitive, and brilliant.

Let’s remember what Colossians 3:12 says, whether you are struggling with ADHD or you love someone who does…

Scripture:  

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Question:

How does ADHD affect your everyday life? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Please subscribe for more videos. I’ll be sharing some great tips and encouragement for whatever you’re facing, whether you’re struggling with a mental illness, or have a loved one who does.

New Resource:

I know there’s a great need for education in the area of mental health, so a team of counselors, psychologists and I have been working hard to meet that need by creating, Mental Health University. Our first set of courses will be coming out later this month. Check out the link below. You won’t want to miss it!

A big thank you to Stephen Huggins, Psy.D., who provided all the research material for me.

Please subscribe for videos on our Youtube Channel for our amazing resources. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re fighting mental illness or have a loved one who is.

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