By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 13, 2020
Our ancestors foraged for food because it was necessary. Today, food is in abundance, freeing up time for us to forage for information. Why are we… especially those with ADHD… prone to forage for information? Because it is pleasurable! You see, one of the key neurotransmitters that impacts the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder plight is dopamine, the reward neurotransmitter. It’s the reason we procreate, why we forage for food or seek anything pleasurable.
In my years of coaching, I’ve noticed many who would get on the Internet at night, losing track of time only to realize suddenly it’s 4 am. This pleasurable activity is seemingly addictive. While learning is a good thing, often I find those with ADHD get lost in it, so lost that it has a negative impact on their lives.
This motivated me to produce a video on the topic (https://youtu.be/11s5s8sh1Dw) and to write this article printed in the April 2020 edition of Attention Magazine. We all agree that the quest for knowledge is good, but if we are not careful, it can impact our lives negatively. I encourage you to read this article and keep in mind your life balance. Read the PDF here: Foraging for Information
I have ADHD, take meds, then off…then on… then off.. .I will soon be 71 and would like your thoughts about when/ever, (age) do people no longer take meds. My biggest concern is elevated blood pressure, next concern is getting/staying asleep.
I am under a doctors care and review meds with him everty three months, when on meds. No matter all the things I try, which are helpful, I still become scattered very easily. I am my husbands fulltime care giver, he has alzhimers, but I feel like I can barely handle myself! I am just getting back on meds after 9 monthes of not taking them and would like your thoughts.I am not asking for medical advice.
I’m not sure there is a right answer to your question, as it depends on the individual. From my perspective, I see it through the lens of “quality of life.” When should you stop? When it negatively affects your quality of life. Of course, the answer to that is subjective. Hope this helps. Thanks for your comment.