What is ADHD?
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition, impacts vital cognitive functions like attention, memory, and self-control. Roughly 5% of the global population grapples with this challenge.
It's something we're born with, and unlike what some used to believe, it's a lifelong companion. Much like autism, there's no magical remedy for ADHD. However, there's a wealth of coping strategies and ways to enhance the lives of those dealing with ADHD.
We might come across as a bit clumsy, forgetful, or socially awkward – that's just part of the deal. But here's the flip side: we're often passionate, intuitive, and incredibly creative individuals. At the same time, ADHD have a superpower - hyperfocus. Have you ever found yourself in the state of flow, where you're in the zone, time flies and nothing can take your focus away. Whether that's a video game or just punching away at a keyboard or making slides for that presentation tomorrow. Sounds familiar? High chances you were hyper focused at that moment.
How I learned about ADHD?
Discovering ADHD felt like stumbling upon a missing puzzle piece in my life. It all began when I was introduced to the concept by one of the brightest minds I know, a fellow founder whose struggles with procrastination, burnout, and various challenges immediately resonated with me. It was almost like looking into a mirror reflecting my own experiences. As I heard his stories, I couldn't help but think, "That's totally me!" It was a lightbulb moment, prompting me to question whether ADHD could be the explanation for the quirks and challenges I've faced throughout my life. Interestingly, I realized that while I had heard fleeting mentions of ADHD in popular media like Cartoon Network, I was thinking that maybe my home country seemed oblivious to the concept, possibly resulting in many undiagnosed cases including mine. This realization became a catalyst for my journey of self-discovery and understanding ADHD on a deeper level.
How many people are diagnosed with ADHD?
I started wondering: maybe some countries, outside the US, don't really know much about ADHD. So, I started checking out the numbers—how many people in different countries are actually recognized as having ADHD. I wanted to understand why there might be differences. Is it because of how societies view mental health or because of how healthcare works in those places? It wasn't just curiosity; it was a way for me to find out if there are places where ADHD might be unnoticed. My goal was to bring attention to this issue, not just for my own understanding, but to make sure people everywhere, regardless of where they live, get the right help and support they need.
According to the CDC, the estimated number of children aged 3–17 years ever diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents,1 is 6 million (9.8%) using data from 2016-2019.
Here is a table of the top 10 countries with the highest rates of ADHD diagnosis in children and adolescents, along with the percentage of the population diagnosed with ADHD:
Country | Percentage of population diagnosed with ADHD |
Puerto Rico | 11.50% |
United States | 9.80% |
Canada | 9.50% |
United Kingdom | 9.00% |
Australia | 8.50% |
Germany | 8.00% |
Brazil | 7.50% |
Colombia | 7.00% |
Iceland | 6.50% |
Sweden | 6.00% |
It's important to understand that these numbers show how many people have been officially diagnosed with ADHD, not the total number of people who actually have it. Many folks might have ADHD but haven't been diagnosed yet. Also, keep in mind that the rates of diagnosis can change based on different things, like how old the people are or whether they're male or female. The criteria doctors use for diagnosing ADHD can also influence these numbers.
Taking the ADHD test
Having learned how ADHD tests are fulfilled, I find myself skeptical about the way ADHD tests are conducted. Unlike many other health conditions, there isn't a single straightforward test for ADHD. Instead, doctors and mental health experts rely on a mix of methods, like interviews, questionnaires, and rating scales, to evaluate symptoms and behavior. The process involves looking at medical history and ruling out other potential causes through physical exams. They then dig deeper, talking to the person being evaluated and those around them, like family and teachers, to understand how symptoms impact daily life. While this comprehensive approach aims for accuracy, it also leaves room for subjectivity. The final diagnosis is based on specific criteria from the DSM-5, but the complexity of ADHD and the variety of evaluation methods can make the process feel uncertain and open to interpretation.
Experience with procrastination, productivity tools and more
I'll be honest – I have my fair share of procrastination struggles. Despite my best efforts, none of the task management tools I've tried seem to do the trick. The more I procrastinate, the messier these apps become, and soon they turn into something I dread looking at. It's a cycle: the clutter makes me procrastinate more, and the more I procrastinate, the more cluttered and outdates the list becomes. It's a frustrating loop that I've found hard to break. Even the seemingly effective ones like Todoist fail eventually.
How HyperDo can help?
Raimis, the co-founder and myself set out to create the best iPhone app for ADHD people and that includes ourselves first. We've seen so-called ADHD apps that promise a lot but end up being just like
fancy digital notebooks – they look good but don't really help much. Our solution isn't a silver bullet, but it's not snake oil either. What we aim is to nail the fundamentals of productivity apps - minimize cognitive load in task management and eliminate distractions. Here's why we think HyperDo is the best iPhone app for ADHD people:
Task management
1. Spaces
Tailor your life's compartments - be it work, home, hobbies, or people. Each space personalized with a fitting emoji.
2. Projects
Organize tasks into projects, each with its distinct color coding. Watch tasks inherit the project's hue, bringing a visual pop to your to-dos.
3. Done
Marvel at your accomplishments! Completed tasks appear at the bottom and in history, a testament to your achievements.
By the way starred to-dos will be visible on top, no matter the space or projects filter that is applied. Use star to mark your most important tasks.
Focus mode
The challenge with To-do apps lies in their potential to overwhelm as tasks and projects pile up. Wouldn't it be cool to reduce the cognitive load? That's where focus mode comes in: choose a task, swipe right, and voila! You're immersed. Distractions vanish, allowing you to concentrate solely on the task at hand. Say goodbye to multitasking frenzy.
Position your phone within your view. Whenever you sense your mind drifting, just a gentle tap on the screen will swiftly bring a reminder from Hyper the Owl, refocusing you on your task at hand.
Better app blocker
One true way to stop procrastinating is blocking Apps that are designed to hook you and have you scrolling as long as possible. Hence, HyperDo is rocking a built-in better app blocker.
You might be thinking, "Hey, iOS already has Screen Time to block apps, right?" And you're absolutely correct! But let's face it, it's way too simple to bypass. A few taps and those distracting, time-consuming apps are back in action.
Now, enter HyperDo Focus Mode. With this, apps stay blocked until your task is completed (or closed, but that's not we're aiming, right, Champ? And hey, we get it – some apps are essential, like Phone and Text messages. Those aren't blocked. Plus, if there's something specific you need to be productive, say the Camera app, you can add up to 50 exceptions to your blocklist. So, no distractions, just pure focus.
What's' coming up next?
We're kicking things off with the iOS version, but the next obvious step is a native Mac app, that syncs with iOS version and is packed with the same fantastic features - task management, focus mode and a built-in content blocker, but this time, it's about taming those distracting websites. And here's the exciting twist: a little sneak peek into how focused task might look on a Mac:
It's not just our ideas that will shape HyperDo's future – it's yours. We're not here to just build a product; we're here to create an experience tailored to your ADHD needs. So, here's an open invitation to be a part of our journey. Got thoughts on how HyperDo can become even better? We're all ears. Together, we can sculpt HyperDo into something extraordinary.
As for now, we invite you to sign up to our waitlist and be among those who experience HyperDo before the world does. All it takes is a simple step: leave us your email. By doing so, you're not just getting early access; you're becoming a part of a community that values focus, productivity, and the relentless pursuit of better.
Thanks!
HyperDo team
More tips on ADHD
Many adults with ADHD tend to tie their self-worth, intelligence, and overall abilities to their organizational skills. However, it's crucial to recognize that you are much more than your ADHD.
Refrain from taking on overly complicated projects just to prove your capabilities, especially at work.
Don't hesitate to seek assistance when needed; asking for help doesn't diminish your worth.
Practice setting realistic expectations by under-promising and over-delivering, which can help reduce stress.
Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks to make them appear less overwhelming and initiate action.
Foster an ADHD-friendly work environment and educate those around you about ADHD, helping create understanding and support. Education can be transformative – consider reading books or exploring online resources like the How to ADHD YouTube channel for valuable insights.
Remember, the objective is not to overcome ADHD but to learn to live with it.
Embrace your ADHD as a fundamental part of who you are; it shapes your uniqueness.
Don't view it as a limitation but as a potential superpower.
Seeking help is a sign of strength; connect with local support groups, online communities, or platforms like r/ADHD on Reddit.
You're never alone; there's a vast community of individuals worldwide who share your experiences and challenges.
Comments