The ADD Thought Process

1. The ADD Thought Process A Remix by: Alex Schuen

2. DISCLAIMER • Attention Deficit Disorder=A.D.D. • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder=A.D.H.D. • A.D.H.D.=A.D.D.

4. Why Map a Thought? • The process of using your mind to consider something carefully - definition of “thought process” • A unique process to members of my community • Shows how the same product can still be achieved

6. Meet the Community Question Answer Everybody has times of high energy, or inattentiveness, but ADD is more complex than just the occasional lack of motivation. ADD is a disorder that involves impairments in focus, organization, motivation, emotional control, memory, and other functions of the brain’s management system, over an extended period of time. • If I’m hyperactive or I can’t focus, doesn’t that mean I have ADD?

8. The Typical Myth Myth Fact ADD looks very much like a willpower problem, but it isn’t. It’s essentially a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain. • ADD is just a lack of willpower. People with ADD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they really wanted to.

10. Genetics Question Answer While there is not a specific gene that codes for the disease, recent studies have shown that people with ADD commonly have a variation of a gene known as the DRD4 gene. This gene is associated with a Dopamine receptor in the brain. • What is the genetic connection to ADD?

12. Other Psychological Conditions Myth Fact A person with ADD is six times more likely to have another psychiatric or learning disorder than most other people. ADD usually overlaps with other disorders. • Someone can’t have ADD and also have depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric problems.

14. Putting into Perspective Fact MSU Equivalent MSU has about 45,000 students, so that makes at least 1,500 of them to be diagnosed with ADD • A classroom with 30 students will have between 1 and 3 students with ADD

16. Gender Myth Fact Recent studies have found ADD in females also, however the symptoms appear different or less physically apparent in females than in males. ADD is more often found in males than females. The ratio is about 3 to 1. • ADD is only found in men.

18. Medication Question Answer Stimulant medication such as Ritalin and Adderall help to strengthen a weak Dopamine system in the brain of somebody with ADD. • What does ADD medication even do?

20. Drug Abuse Question Answer High doses of stimulants can cause irregular heartbeats, dangerously high body temperatures or cardiovascular issues (seizures, failure). • What consequences come about if you abuse ADD stimulants?

22. The Big Idea • People with ADD may take a longer time with their thought process but the same end result can still be achieved!

24. Thank You