Written By: Amanda Laub, Esq.
ADHD is three times more common in lawyers than it is in the general population. However, the prevalence in attorneys is about 12.5%. ADHD has been mistakenly referred to as a learning disorder for rambunctious boys. But, there is a lot of evidence to show that ADHD can help attorneys and business owners.
First, to understand how ADHD can have such value in the business place, it’s essential to understand what ADHD is. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (“DSM 5”), ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder where the individual exhibits a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. In short, a person with ADHD must show consistent symptoms over time for a doctor to diagnose them. You can diagnose it in childhood or later in life. It can be diagnosed as an adult or in childhood.
Because ADHD can cause severe symptoms, it is crucial to diagnose the condition. These symptoms are caused by a lower level of dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals. Dopamine makes you feel satisfied. Norepinephrine helps manage stress.
ADHD is characterized by a lack of dopamine, which causes people to crave stimulation.
There are many positive characteristics to ADHD that go along with the negative effects. These include creativity, multitasking, risk-taking and resilience.
ADHD also has a symptom that is counterintuitive, but it is also one of its most powerful weapons: hyperfocus. When someone with ADHD is passionate, they can focus on the activity for hours, neglecting the tasks.
ADHD is a chemically-rich brain that is hyper-stimulated and prone to panicking about risks.
Finding ways to manage ADHD symptoms and optimize performance is key. Also, a task-list will trigger a dopamine reaction every time a task gets marked off. This is because ADHD brains are more likely to focus on the most exciting tasks than the most important.
Taking time to daydream can also increase dopamine production. Setting alarms before starting a task that triggers hyperfocus will allow attention shift to another task of equal or greater importance.
Despite the stigma and stereotypes that still surround ADHD, it’s important to see it as a superpower. The skills required to be successful in long-term relationships with clients are creativity, problem solving and flexibility.
Amanda Laub, Esq. Laub Law was founded by Amanda Laub, Esq. Amanda is available to assist anyone who has been in an auto accident, or has been arrested. Amanda can also be reached at (702) 332-LAUB (5282) and [email protected]
The post ADHD – The Superpower in Business was first published on Vegas Legal Magazine.