An interesting piece from Scientific American notes an evolutionary reason ADHD can be a benefit. From my experience, the more you get comfortable with your adhd, the more BENEFITS you’ll find in having it today!
Anyway, the science is fascinating …
Dan Eisenberg is an anthropologist at NorthwesternUniversity. He investigated two groups of the same tribe of Kenyans. One group still lives a traditional nomadic lifestyle and one recently settled in villages. About 20 percent of individuals in both groups have a genetic mutation that’s associated with food cravings and ADHD. Eisenberg collected body mass index and height data of adult males. Those with the ADHD-associated gene who were still nomads were better nourished than those without the gene. But those with the gene who¹d settled down were less fit. The ADHD-related gene may encourage behaviors beneficial for nomads. A boy with this allele might more effectively defend livestock or locate food and water sources. But maybe he wouldn’t do so well at farming or sitting in a classroom.
Read the full story here.
