ADHD and technology have become increasingly discussed as researchers continue to study how digital habits affect attention and focus. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that is often diagnosed during childhood; however, it is estimated that 4.4% of adults struggle with this condition as well (NAMI, 2022). Someone who has ADHD is likely to experience symptoms such as becoming easily distracted, fidgeting, and impatience. While this is not a comprehensive list, and may seem somewhat “normal”, these symptoms are different in their frequency and duration of more than 6 months for those with possible ADHD (NAMI, 2022).
Diagnosis is often made in childhood, but can be made in adulthood as well. It is important to have a medical professional rule out any other causes that may express themselves in a similar manner.
Causes of ADHD are often attributed to genetics and certain environmental factors such as smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, and exposure to lead (NAMI, 2022).
Tech Effects
While researchers have not concluded a direct correlation of technology to the cause of ADHD, many digital technologies are designed to continuously present new stimuli. This can cause rapidly switching attention, rather than sustained focus. Frequent task-switching (infinite scrolling, autoplay videos) can make slower or less stimulating activities (reading, studying, long conversations) feel harder to sustain attention on.
Research consistently shows that “media multitasking” lowers performance on tasks requiring:
- working memory
- comprehension
- long-term retention
- sustained attention
People with ADHD may be drawn to high-stimulation, digital environments; however, switching between tabs, messages, videos, and tasks has a cognitive cost. Often, this will result in slower thinking, mental fatigue, distractibility, and lower performance on tasks requiring working memory, comprehension, and sustained attention.
Research supported strategies for managing use of technology include:
- disabling nonessential notifications
- scheduling focused work blocks
- keeping phones out of reach during deep work
- reducing multitasking
- taking screen breaks
- protecting sleep routines
- using long-form reading to rebuild sustained attention
Therapeutic interventions for ADHD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavior Modification Therapy. For parents of children with ADHD, it is imperative that they learn the strategies for reinforcing desired behaviors and creating predictability and routine in the home. Medication is often used in the treatment of ADHD, and accommodations at work or school may be used in conjunction with or separate from medication.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD that are affecting daily life, support is available. At Emerald Cove Counseling, our therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults to develop practical strategies and coping skills that support long-term success. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.