Toxins linked to increased ADHD risk, particularly through prenatal or early childhood exposure, include heavy metals like lead, mercury, and manganese, organophosphate pesticides, industrial chemicals such as PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), and endocrine disruptors like phthalates and BPA (Bisphenol A), found in many everyday products, impacting brain development and increasing ADHD symptoms.
Although genetics is the most common risk factor for its aetiology but other factors such as exposure to toxic metals are equally responsible for ADHD in children11,12.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic substances that can potentially impair brain development and have been implicated in the development of ADHD.
One of the most significant differences between an ADHD brain vs. a normal brain is the level of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter). Norepinephrine is synthesized from dopamine. Since the two go hand-in-hand, experts believe that lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are both linked to ADHD.
There is no single cause of ADHD and the risk factors that have been identified so far appear to be non-specific. That is, risks such as chromosomal microdeletions (eg, VCFS), large, rare CNVs, extreme low birth weight and prematurity appear to affect a range of different neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes.
The ADHD "2-Minute Rule" suggests doing any task taking under two minutes immediately to build momentum, but it often backfires by derailing focus due to weak working memory, time blindness, and transition difficulties in people with ADHD. A better approach is to write down these quick tasks on a separate "catch-all" list instead of interrupting your main work, then schedule specific times to review and tackle them, or use a slightly longer timeframe like a 5-minute rule to prevent getting lost down "rabbit holes".
Simply put, when estrogen is low, either during the menstrual cycle or at menopause, dopamine skips a few beats and ADHD symptoms are high. Conversely, high estrogen strengthens dopamine transmission, so ADHD and executive functions improve.
Bill Gates
With an estimated net worth of $92 billion, Gates has admitted to struggling with ADHD, saying he has always had difficulties concentrating and learning things, and he is known as the richest people with ADHD.
The 5 C's of ADHD, developed by psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline, is a framework for parents and individuals to manage ADHD challenges, focusing on Self-Control, Compassion, Collaboration, Consistency, and Celebration. This approach builds skills for better emotional regulation (Self-Control), empathy (Compassion), working together (Collaboration), establishing routines (Consistency), and recognizing progress (Celebration) to foster a supportive environment and reduce stress.
Increase stress relief by exercising outdoors—people with ADHD often benefit from sunshine and green surroundings. Try relaxing forms of exercise, such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi. In addition to relieving stress, they can teach you to better control your attention and impulses.
The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. That's because the disorder has several possible symptoms, and they can easily be confused with those of other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Everyone misplaces car keys or jackets once in a while. But this kind of thing happens often when you have ADHD.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that may play a role in ADHD.
MCAS has been shown to impact the neuropsychiatric health of patients, leading to depression, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, memory loss, and more. MCAS is under recognized and most individuals are unaware of their existing condition. Mold is one of the biggest triggers of this condition.
ADHD is usually framed as a dopamine-and-norepinephrine condition, but recent studies have revealed that serotonin may also play a significant role.
The 24-hour rule for ADHD is a self-regulation strategy to combat impulsivity by creating a mandatory waiting period (often a full day) before reacting to emotionally charged situations or making significant decisions, allowing time for reflection and reducing regretful snap judgments, especially for things like impulse purchases or arguments. It's a pause button that gives the brain space to process, move from impulse to intention, and evaluate choices more logically, helping manage ADHD's impact on emotional regulation and decision-making.
Yes, Ryan Gosling has spoken publicly about struggling with ADHD and learning difficulties, including trouble reading (dyslexia), as a child, which led to challenges in school, but he found an outlet and success through acting, crediting his mother's support and homeschooling for helping him develop his passions.
Add to that a global pandemic that left everyone bored at home for 2 years or so, and it makes sense why people are so curious about ADHD. Which brings us to the biggest reason more people are getting diagnosed with ADHD: awareness. People know more about ADHD now than they ever have in the past. They know what it is.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. But research suggests that it's genetic. It's a brain-based problem. Children with ADHD have low levels of a brain chemical (dopamine).
24-Hour Hot Spot: Have a designated area somewhere like your desk where you can place your “need to-dos.” Place anything there that needs your attention within 24 hours so that it doesn't get lost. Pocket Notes: Writing on your hand is risky; try writing important things on notes and putting them in your pocket.
For adults, 7-8 hours is recommended. Try to avoid napping during the day. Optimise your sleep environment. Make sure your environment is quiet, calm and comfortable.
The one-touch rule
Teach your child to only pick up each item one time and put it away immediately. It could take some time to get used to, but once they do, this is a simple habit to keep things neat. For example, coloring books go onto their bookshelf, dirty socks go into the hamper, and so on.
Unlike traditional ADHD, which is characterized by visibly disruptive behaviors and severe impairments, high-functioning ADHD allows individuals to maintain a semblance of control in daily life. However, this comes at a cost.