Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD for short, has seen a drastic and sudden rise over the past couple of years. This disorder is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, which points to the fact that it is caused by hereditary genes being passed down as opposed to developing out of trauma, stress, or depression. It also means that it carries over to adulthood, which has its own set of unique challenges. If you suffer from ADHD and feel like you need professional psychiatric care, Beethoven Recovery Centre is your answer near Gauteng.
Today, we talk about the sudden rise of ADHD in modern society and how it influences the current generation of young adults.
What Caused This Rise of ADHD Diagnoses?
- Increased Overall Mental Awareness: Although the Gen-Z populus loves to (jokingly) blame their shortcomings on their ADHD, this is a real neurodevelopmental disorder that has seen a drastic amount of diagnoses over the past couple of years. In most cases, people tend to self-diagnose themselves with ADHD, as they can relate to various symptoms. However, they do not realise what they are saying when they claim that they have ADHD. Luckily, more people are open to the idea of being evaluated and receiving an accurate diagnosis, which is part of the rise of ADHD around the world.
- Predominant Adult and Female Diagnoses: With the latest research showing that ADHD carries into adulthood and presents itself differently in women, this disorder is better understood by medical and psychiatric professionals. Evidently, women pass it down to their offspring, as it is a disorder that is directly linked to their genes. This also led to more cases being diagnosed around the world.
What Causes ADHD?
- The Primary Cause: As mentioned before, the primary cause of ADHD shows that 70% – 90% of cases are hereditary, pointing back to the specific gene pool of the person who is affected. This isn’t something new, as the same rings true for autoimmune diseases, behavioural disorders, and mood disorders.
- Brain Function and Structure: People who suffer from ADHDhave a 5% smaller and less developed prefrontal cortex, basil ganglia, and cerebellum. These parts of the brain control impulsivity, overall executive function, and the ability to keep their attention on a single point. This directly influences their behaviour in comparison to someone who does not have ADHD, which is why they stand out like a sore thumb in groups and social environments. They view the world around them differently.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: People who have ADHD experience a reduced level of dopamine releases, as well as imbalances in their norepinephrine systems. This has a direct impact on their brain’s reward systems, which can lead to depression or not ever feeling like they are worthy or deserving of anything. This also leads to a lack of motivation, which causes adults with ADHD to be completely codependent and unable to provide a life for themselves in most cases.
Beethoven Recovery Centre has a professional psychiatric clinic near Gauteng that can treat adults who suffer from ADHD and do not have a directive for their foreseeable future. Feel free to contact us today if you want more info about how we can assist you.