A Hunter’s Brain: Adult ADHD, Biology, and Genetics

In the past few decades, ideas about ADHD—including its causes and origins—have shifted significantly. If you’ve been diagnosed with adult ADHD, you may find it useful to learn about the biology and genetics behind your behaviors. It may seem counterintuitive, but this knowledge can actually help you feel more empowered, while lessening any sense of guilt or shame.
 
Biological & Genetic Factors
 When it comes to the exact causes of ADHD, there’s still much that’s unknown. Nonetheless, as the disorder has been studied more in recent decades, scientists and researchers have generally agreed on a few important details. For one, while it was once believed that certain diets and behaviors—for example, children eating too much sugar—was a major factor in the development of ADHD, this has been mostly debunked.

In fact, ADHD appears to be largely biological, with a basis in the brain. Brain scans and studies have revealed differences in the brains of those with ADHD, including in areas specifically related to attention and movement. Adults with ADHD also seem to have lower levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, as compared to other adults.
 
ADHD seems to be at least partly genetic, too. We now know that the defining traits and behaviors of are often shared in families—children whose parents have ADHD are more likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms as well, for example. Studies of identical twins have led to similar conclusions.
 
Hartmann’s Theory of Hunters and Farmers
Knowing that ADHD is based in both biology and genetics seems to support a theory developed by Thom Hartmann. Originally put forth in his 1993 book, Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, Hartmann’s theory suggests that the traits of adult ADHD may actually be a carry-over from the days (actually, thousands of years) when humans were hunter-gatherers.
 
According to Hartmann, as our society shifted toward farming and agriculture and away from hunting, many humans still retained the traits of hunters. Back in those days, the traits and behaviors associated with ADHD were probably beneficial—and perhaps even necessary for survival. For example, the “hyperfocus” that is a common component of ADHD probably helped with monitoring one’s environment and avoiding dangers. In our modern world, however, these once-useful behaviors may present obstacles.
 
What Does It All Mean?
Okay, so ADHD is genetic and may be a vestige from a distant time—so what? After all, a hunter’s brain didn’t help you stay focused in a classroom, and unless you harness it correctly, it may not help you with your current job, either.
 
However, having this important information may help you to get past the stigma of ADHD. It could also aid you in explaining your behaviors to others.
 
Ultimately, it’s essential to understand that there’s nothing wrong with having ADHD: it may simply be that, on a genetic level, your brain has to work harder to adapt to our modern world. When it comes to managing your ADHD diagnosis, knowledge is power.
 
To learn more, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.