ADHD and Celebrities
This superstar gymnast has spoken out about the importance of her ADHD treatment and medication
Simone Biles
True or False: Having ADHD means that you are not smart.
FALSE: ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence. It just might mean you do not learn the same way others might.
What does ADHD stand for?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Which brain chemical plays a major role in the reward and motivation pathways affected by ADHD?
Dopamine
This grammy-winning singer has struggled with ADHD and OCD his entire life (Hint: think Trolls)
Justin Timberlake
True or False: ADHD means you cannot pay attention to anything.
FALSE: ADHD means you may have trouble paying attention to what others think are the "right" things like homework, chores, etc. I am sure you know you have no problem paying attention to the things you love!
What are the three main types of ADHD?
Predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.
What term describes the difficulty people with ADHD have perceiving or measuring the passage of time?
Time blindness
his actress who played a the smartest witch in all of Hogwarts has been medicated for her ADHD for years.
Emma Watson (Hermoine)
True or False: Medication can help with some ADHD symptoms
TRUE: Medication can help you to stay focused and not get distracted as easily.
A social survival strategy where an individual consciously or unconsciously hides their neurodivergent traits to fit in.
What is masking?
What is the name of the front part of the brain that handles executive function and is often less active or structured differently in ADHD brains?
The prefrontal cortex (or frontal lobes)
This actor who has played a famous pirate was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
Johnny Depp
Ture or False: ADHD is overdiagnosed!
FALSE: There is growing awareness about ADHD.
Ture or False: People with ADHD rarely experience co-occurring condition.
FALSE: Between 60% and 90% of children and roughly 80% of adults with ADHD experience at least one co-occurring condition.
What are main functions of the prefrontal cortex? Name at least two.
Any two of these: executive functions, working memory, emotional regulation, impulse control, social cognition, empathy, decision-making
A famous Olympian who has ADHD and earned his medals through swimming
Michael Phelps
True or False: Technology causes ADHD
FALSE: ADHD is present from birth and highly genetic.
What physical habit is clinically proven to help regulate brain chemicals like dopamine and reduce impulsivity?
Regular physical exercise
What is the term for intense, prolonged emotional reactions or a sudden loss of mood triggered by perceived rejection or criticism?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)