Re: Connection between ADHD and Blood Type

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure I agree that monogamy and ADHD are not complimentary. ADHD may involve distractability and impulse control, but it also comes with a well developed capacity for emotion and loyalty. Even if we assume an ADHD spouse is likely to have issues remaining faithful (I don’t know of any studies that say this), that does not mean they would not remain married or fail to support their offspring. In any event, most hunter/gatherer societies were/are monogamous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadza_people#Social_structure) Whether or not the father and mother remained paired or exclusively paired, the community was tribal and the father would still (directly or indirectly) provide for the child.

Hunter/gathering was a very unstable lifestyle. People lived longer and their offspring had a better chance of survival if they could manage (1) surviving attacks by competing tribes or predators; (2) finding and obtaining food and (3) managing a never-ending series of life or death crises. Being able to plan long term was a nice to have, but not an evolutionary necessity. Hartmann’s point is that this crisis lifestyle is where the ADHD traits are an asset over the long-range planning and executive function skills.

Again, that’s not to say ADHD is a gift. Take that person who excels in hunter/gathering and put them in a stable environment, and those assets become liabilities. They are no longer motivated without the crisis, and are likely to develop problems adapting. The restlessness that helped them compete for food and avoid predators is now a continuity problem. The impulsivity and distractability that kept them alert to danger is now burden and a huge waste of energy. The creativity that allowed them to build shelter out of local resources is now just a personality trait that keeps their friends amused.

Today, survival is more about, and your mate is more interested in, salary, job potential and providing security for their offspring. A healthy lifestyle involves long-term planning, contributing to your 401(k), eating in moderation and stable, strong relationships. Which means, sadly, today’s version of evolutionary advantages are remembering to put cover sheets on your TPS reports and sending thank you cards after birthdays and holidays. Not stuff ADDers are good at.

I believe we are, however, still good at managing a crisis. Maybe it’s because we learn how to manage and live crisis to crisis because, as Barkley says, we are unable to see and plan ahead. Maybe it’s innate. Hartmann says it’s innate, and I presume Barkley is saying it’s learned behavior.

I do agree with Barkley that calling it a gift, or confusing the issue leads to more misunderstanding in the general public and ultimately hurts the cause (i.e., awareness, acceptance and adaptation).

PS, this is so much more fun than doing work at work.

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