ADHD As an Evolutionary Advantage in Prehistoric Times (and Today)

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.

[@sigsauer7929]

I completely agree, my sons absorb a lot of information which is a gift, but in second grade they have each been singled out as having potential learning disabilities and ADHD. The simple truth is that they had not yet developed the ability to filter and manage information. They have all gone on to become exceptional learners, problem solvers, and students. It really is criminal the way the public schools treat boys, it's like they have decided to abandon everything we know about how to best cultivate a learning environment for boys. Instead, we funnel them through the therapy/drug cycle.

[@ull-ko1js]

I wonder how this theory could also tie to people with ASD. Generally ,ASD is charachterized by a need to sort and a preference of routine.If ADHD makes an excellent "hunter" , then could ASD make a superior "farmer"?

[@michaelhicks8603]

The same as it does for adhd - it doesn’t.

[@StarMagic-yb6jn]

I think "ADHD" evolved humans now and always has. Group thinking is the most devolving in the advancement of humans to me at this time. We have "immortal" jellyfish regenrating their organs. THEY DEFINITELY HAVE TO BE LAUGHING AT US HUMANS.❤

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Please could you edit the titles of your twelve video series to include the episode number?

[@Matt_K1NG]

Thank you for made this video!

[@TDAHexploration]

Wonderful. Thanky you very much for this clear synthesis video. But, unfortunately, that doesn't help me to survive in our modern world. I don't want to hunt. And I don't want to plan. I still do not see any valuable job for me. (I am 46, I had time to think and to experiment...)

[@michaelhicks8603]

The video and its creator are a fraud

[@Robey1Kenobi]

Yeah, I'm not completely sold on this. I thought Dr. Russell Barkley disproved this theory. Correlation is not necessarily causation. What would the evolutionary advantage be to misplacing and forgetting things? You would be screwed if you forgot your axe or something else when out on a long hunt.

[@kralanonymo5431]

Interesting perspective 👍🏻

[@michaelhicks8603]

No, it’s a complete fallacy