New Study Suggests ADHD is a Genetic and Evolutionary Condition that Helped Early Humans Survive
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide, has long been considered a psychological disorder. However, a groundbreaking new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B challenges this notion, suggesting that ADHD is actually a genetic and evolutionary condition that helped early humans survive in the wild.
ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, disorganization, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, leading to accidents, addictions, relationship difficulties, and work problems if left untreated.
In recent years, researchers have discovered that ADHD is linked to specific genes and even a different brain structure compared to individuals without the disorder. Building on these findings, scientists embarked on a quest to uncover the genetic roots of ADHD and explore its potential evolutionary advantage.
A study conducted in 2008 had already identified certain genetic mutations associated with ADHD among primitive tribal populations in Africa. These populations exhibited an “exploratory” behavior that aided them in hunting and finding new food sources. This discovery hinted at the possibility that ADHD may have played a role in early human survival.
To delve deeper into this hypothesis, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology, devised an innovative experiment. They recruited 457 Americans and asked them to participate in a computer game set in a virtual forest. The objective was to collect as many fruits as possible within a given time frame.
During the game, participants had the option to either stay in a known food site or explore other areas in search of more fruits. Afterward, all participants were tested for ADHD. The results were astonishing.
The researchers found that individuals who tested positive for ADHD gathered significantly more forest fruits than those without the disorder. This led them to conclude that the impulsive component of ADHD may provide a competitive advantage. People with ADHD tend to learn from competitors and quickly adapt to new methods, giving them an edge and enabling them to achieve greater success.
Prof. Iris Manor, a specialist in child psychiatry and director of the ADHD unit for Israel’s Clalit health fund, commented on the study’s findings. “There is no doubt that ADHD has a deep genetic basis and has existed since the dawn of history,” she said. “The frequency of the disorder is more or less similar worldwide, indicating its prevalence throughout different populations.”
While the exact survival advantage that ADHD provided to our ancestors remains unclear, researchers have discovered that the condition also involves changes in inflammatory and stress-related components. For instance, cortisol-stimulating hormone, which is associated with ADHD, may have played a role in human hunting.
This groundbreaking study challenges our understanding of ADHD and sheds new light on its origins. It suggests that rather than being a psychological disorder, ADHD is a genetic and evolutionary condition that helped early humans survive in the wild. By embracing this new perspective, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse range of traits that contribute to our species’ success and adaptability.
