ADHD: Attention-deficit hyperactivity difference, not disorder

Throughout history, humanity has unraveled many of the world’s greatest mysteries, yet one of the biggest questions remains: How does the pink organ inside our head really work? As we delve into the intricacies of the human brain, one condition that captivates both the attention of filmmakers and the public is the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

People are made familiar with the stereotypical characteristics of a person diagnosed with ADHD. These characters are often identifiable through their impulsive behavior, difficulty in retaining attention, and hyperactivity. Besides this, other cognitive differences such as Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have made their rounds as trademark behaviors for on-screen characters. Although there is a widespread depiction of characters that exhibit these psychological conditions, the behaviors exhibited by the person often fit the same mold thus, creating a cliche personification of these real-life disorders.

In celebrating ADHD Awareness Month this October and acknowledging October 10 as World Mental Health Day, emphasis is placed on the portrayal of characters with neurodivergent behaviors–traits and patterns of thinking and acting that differ from what is considered typical–along with the need to break away from traditional stereotypes.

Many characters may express hyperactive behaviors like Joy from Inside Out, Phil Dunphy from Modern Family, and even Tigger from Winnie the Pooh; but only a handful have confirmed the ADHD diagnosis on popular shows.

Bart Simpson in The Simpsons was confirmed to have Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), an outdated term for ADHD, in the episode “Brother's Little Helper.” It began with Bart’s teacher, Mr. Krabappel, concern that led the Simpson son to being diagnosed and receiving medication to manage his impulsive behavior and his aim to intentionally irritate people.

Eventually, Bart became docile but the Simpsons family missed his rebellious nature and decided to help him stay healthy without losing his personality – a way to portray the move to embrace non-neurotypical behaviors and the difficulty in medicating children.

Past the over-excited nature of ADHD-diagnosed characters comes Percy Jackson in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. In addition to being dyslexic, the protagonist is characterized by his heightened awareness, instinctual decision-making, and quick reflexes which Riordan relates to Percy’s ADHD. This illustrates the unique strengths of Jackson from his condition which is unrelated to his demigod side.

Besides fictional depictions, celebrities have also publicly confirmed their diagnosis of ADHD.

Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps for swimming and Simone Biles for gymnastics – both who are thought of as the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT) in their respective sports. Swimming was Phelp’s outlet for his energy and his hyperfixation on activities. This was similar to Biles’ case where the attentive characteristics of ADHD helped her remain keen on enhancing her skill; it did not hinder her journey, rather, it became a personal touch to it.

Nevertheless, when Biles’ personal medical records were shown in 2016, she had to publicly address the use of her ADHD treatments as people assumed the stimulant, methylphenidate, was a performance-enhancing drug. Both athletes made their conditions into their own platforms to empower those in the same situation to become the GOAT of their own fields and to advocate for a safe space for mental disorders.

Besides them, people like Channing Tatum, Howie Mandel, and even Paris Hilton verified the ADHD claims while advocating for mental health.

Media has opened its mind to adding stories related to mental disorders; moving past the stigmatizing way cinema used to portray schizophrenic characters like in “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) or depression in “Girl, Interrupted” (1999).

There has been an increase in ADHD and other mental conditions in the media, but now puts emphasis on accurate yet varied behaviors as necessary.

With that said, these cognitive conditions do not just need more characters, but a diverse group of personas with the diagnosis. This is to ensure that individuals are neither singled out as ADHD for being impulsive nor left out as they do not fit the trope.

Ensuring that there are positive and nuanced depictions of the psychological traits makes way for a welcomed space for people to find treatment for their symptoms without fear of stigma or judgment.

Untreated ADHD can cause neurodivergent individuals to encounter poor academic performance, job instability, and strained relationships as they can either be unaware of their symptoms or in denial of being symptomatic.

This shift to authentic representation encourages open conversations about mental health, fosters empathy among audiences, and empowers individuals to seek help on their path to well-being. Ultimately, realistic experiences in media can reduce stigma and promote a culture of acceptance.