Dr. John Kruse

Although genetics contribute strongly to ADHD, numerous aspects of modern life are also pushing individuals further along the ADHD spectrum. Although immersion in on-line life has garnered the most attention, other factors, including plastic contamination, extreme temperatures, sleep deprivation, poor diets, decreased exercise, and loneliness lead to increased intensity and frequency of ADHD symptoms. Many of these factors involve feedback loops - poor sleep exacerbates ADHD and ADHD contributes to poorer sleep. Furthermore, many of these feedback loops interact with each other: poorer sleep is associated with poorer diets, less exercise, greater internet immersion, and increased loneliness.

We’re creating a world that promotes ADHD, yet our increasing distractibility, impaired concentration, and reflexive rather than reflective responses have made it more difficult for us to appreciate what we’re doing.

On a positive note, virtually all of the approaches - cognitive, behavioral and medications, that work for clinical ADHD also appear effective in reducing ADHD symptoms across the ADHD spectrum. ADHD World describes powerful ways to use scheduling, improve sleep and activity, and change habits to push back against the forces cultivating ADHD.

ADHD World adds nuance rather than creating new angst as we try to grapple with how our modern lives encourage ADHD symptoms in individuals, and is changing our entire society.