ADHD and Your Memory – The Chain Is Broken
Oftentimes we tend to think of ADHD as a hyperactive disorder with a dash of daydreaming thrown in for good measure. While not inaccurate, it is much more common to find someone with ADHD who has trouble remembering and is paying attention. So memory, and problems with memory function, are not only central in recognizing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but gaining a favorable diagnosis as well. In this article we will explore this important concern impacting most ADHD individuals.
Memory is a complex storage system
I guess the best way to put it is modern science kind-of understands memory. The American Medical Association described it as the process by which information, knowledge, and past events are recovered, reproduced, or recalled and is thought to involve the storage of information through associative mechanisms.
For those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder there are genetic defects somewhere along the highly complex chain that makes up memory. Additionally, the filtering system which is responsible for filing, organizing, and disposing of needless information may be defective as well.
Breaks in the attainment chain
Have you ever experienced a light that is flickering due to faulty wiring. Eventually one of three things will happen; it will continue to flicker, it will start to burn bright for no apparent reason, or it will quit working altogether. This example is not that much different than what happens when someone has memory challenged ADHD. Often times their bulb (memory) will burn bright, other times it will flicker, and still other times it will go completely dark.
Most of the time the problem occurs in the memory acquisition process. The amount of information acquired is directly related to desire or interest along with the ability to process the information.
Those with ADHD will have considerable difficulty remembering details that don’t seem relevant, interesting, or important. An example might a an ADHD child who can remember every statistic about his favorite athlete but may not be able to name the letters in the alphabet.
Additionally, those with memory challenged ADHD may block out information when they aren’t motivated to remember it, or when the information is perceived as being boring or repetitive.
Breaks in the storage chain
For some of the those with ADHD the problem is not so much with attainment as it is with how the information is stored. Most research suggests that this problem is inherited and is in essence a predicament brought about by the brains inability to screen out unnecessary information.
This produces a flood of data resulting in information overload, which can, and often does, short-circuit memory. Short-term memory lapses will likely be a very noticeable symptom in ADHD individual of all ages which have breaks in the memory storage chain. This defect makes them highly susceptible to distractions and makes focusing on less than scintillating information next to impossible.
What next? For those struggling with ADHD memory problems finding an effective treatment option is an important first step. The most common forms of treatment for ADHD memory challenges are prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and non-stimulant medications such as Intuniv or Strattera. While effective, all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings.
The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success (30% of the time), has prompted many to consider non-prescription options. A couple examples of these are behavior modification therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other non-prescription alternatives. They also have been shown to produce long-term lasting benefits about half of the time.
Rob Hawkins has spent the last 20 years as an enthusiastic advocate promoting the benefits of natural lifestyle supported by the use of complementary herbal and natural medicines, with much of the last ten dedicated to spreading the word online. To learn more about natural health and healing Click Here
