In 1993, ADHD advocate Thom Hartmann wrote that people diagnosed with ADHD are ''hunters in a farmer's world.'' In this video, I continue his train of thought by focusing on how ADHD may best be represented as a genetic adaptation to conditions during prehistoric times. The video describes Darwin's theory of natural selection and examines at how the traits of the hunter (always on the move, responds quickly to stimuli, attends to several things at one time) now manifest as the symptoms of ADHD (hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractability). I look at the DRD4 dopamine receptor gene and how researchers have sought to track down this ''hunter's gene'' in the genomes of people in the Paleolithic Age, thus providing support for Hartmann's claim. Finally, I describe careers for people diagnosed with ADHD where the skills of the hunter can be incorporated into contemporary jobs (e.g. firefighter, emergency room physician, forest ranger etc.) and thus help these individuals to find satisfaction in their lives and success in the world.
16 авг 2023
