Vivanco 1

Carlos Vivanco

Mr. Powers

ENGL 1302

11 Apr. 2023

Challenging Misconceptions: Acknowledging the Struggles of Living with ADHD

Introduction:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition

which affects about 7.1% of children under 18 years of age and about 4.4% of adults (Adamou et

al. 1). As inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are characteristics of ADHD, functioning is

vastly hindered and the ability to perform well in everyday tasks without diversion (Adamou et al.

1). Furthermore, medication administered to mitigate the effects ADHD has on concentration;

however, the response to ADHD medication––like Adderall, a stimulant––is highly individualized

and the occurrence of adverse effects prompt individuals to discontinue its use. Without the aid of

stimulants there is a lack of dopamine binding to dopamine receptors in the brain which shortens

interest; Oscarsson et al. state, “Recurring…monotone and repetitive tasks…caused under-

stimulation, boredom, and subsequent dejection” (“Specific challenges” para. 2). Therefore,

individuals with ADHD are easily distracted and always looking for something outside of their

focus. People with ADHD face many struggles in carrying out everyday tasks; the particular

reason: being more prone to distractions.

Effects of Background Sounds:

Reading proves difficult with noise present in the background, as individuals with ADHD

have difficulty in selective attention. In a study by Babul and collogues, they discuss, “elevated

background noise suggests a compromised neuronal information processing and could explain why
 Vivanco 2

patients with ADHD are easily distracted” (7). The presence of background sounds in the

environment pose a challenge for individuals with ADHD when trying to concentrate on reading,

hindering their ability to learn effectively through this medium. Moreover, Seery and collogues

argue, “caught between the horns of a short attention span...for content, offer variety…an optional

(well) recorded voice for a long read, like a podcast with a transcript” (“The first round” para. 8).

Emotional Distractions: Impacts on Attention and Focus:

With ADHD, frequent distractions while attempting to complete a simple task, such as

reading, trigger intense emotions that ultimately steer an individual's attention away from the task

at hand and towards the emotional response. Oscarsson and collogues state, “Also

prominent…emotional dysregulation” (“Specific challenges” para. 2). To add, a study conducted

by Thorell and collogues states, “diverting one’s attention to something else to change the

emotional impact of a situation,” (“ADHD and emotional dysregulation” para. 2). Individuals with

ADHD redirect their attention away from the current situation to manage unwanted intense

emotions, according to research.

Basic Distractions in Line of Sight:

 Vivanco 3

Works Cited

Christina Seery, et al. “What Adults with ADHD Want to Know: A Delphi Consensus Study on

the Psychoeducational Needs of Experts by Experience.” Health Expectations, vol. 25,

no. 5, 2022, pp. 2593–2602.

Emanuel Bubl, et al. “Elevated background noise in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

is associated with inattention.” PloS one, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015.

Fatma Latifoğlu, et al. “Using electrooculography with visual stimulus tracking test in

diagnosing of ADHD: findings from machine learning algorithms.” Turkish journal of

medical sciences, vol. 52, no. 5, 2022, pp. 1616-1626.

Joseph Cohen, et al. "Attention Interrupted: Cognitive Distraction & Workplace Safety."

Professional Safety, vol. 62, no. 11, 2017, pp. 28-34.

Lisa B. Thorell, et al. “Emotion Dysregulation in Adult ADHD: Introducing the Comprehensive

Emotion Regulation Inventory (CERI).” Journal of Clinical & Experimental

Neuropsychology, vol. 42, no. 7, 2020, pp. 747–58.

Marios Adamou et al. "Advancing services for adult ADHD: the development of the ADHD Star

as a framework for multidisciplinary interventions." BMC Health Services Research, vol.

16, 2016.

Martin Oscarsson, et al. “Stress and Work-Related Mental Illness among Working Adults with

ADHD: A Qualitative Study.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 22, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1–11.

Matza S. Louis, et al. "Responsiveness of the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Quality of Life Scale (AAQoL)." Quality of Life Research, vol. 16, no. 9, 2007, pp. 1511-

1520.