All You Need To Know About ADHD and Brain Fog

ADHD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a chronic mental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It can be described as feeling like your mind is all over the place, accompanied by symptoms like forgetfulness, difficulty focusing on one task, and time blindness. 

People diagnosed with ADHD often experience ‘brain fog’. It can quite literally feel like a barrier or fog is coming between you and your thoughts.

If you are an adult with ADHD symptoms, feeling this way can be overwhelming. This blog will help you understand the clinical aspect of brain fog & explain how seeking professional help can equip you to cope with it.

Causes of Brain Fog

While brain fog may also be a result of other underlying conditions like Depression, it is often attributed to ADHD given certain symptoms of the disorder, like memory loss and inattention in adulthood.

Also read: 3 Ways To Focus Better For Those With ADHD: A Therapist’s Guide

The common misconception that ADHD affects only children has been long-since debunked.

“Within the last 30 years, the persistence of ADHD into adulthood has become increasingly well accepted, to the point that it is now considered a valid and impairing disorder."

• 'Diagnosing and treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults' (cited below)

The exact cause of ADHD remains unclear, it has been established that varying levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain can affect the severity of its symptoms.

Also read: Debunking Common ADHD Myths

ADHD Brain Fog Symptoms

This is what brain fog can show up as:

·       Lethargy or mental fatigue

·       Daydreaming

·       Confusion

·       Loss of motivation

·       Feeling overwhelmed

·       Forgetfulness

·       Slow movement

Coping with ADHD brain fog

There is no known cure for ADHD, but that does not mean you can’t do anything to ease the symptoms. Managing symptoms like brain fog is definitely within reach.

What you can do:

1)    Get a good night’s sleep: If you’re sleep-deprived, it can cause gaps in your memory because your brain cells’ ability to communicate with each other is disturbed. You could focus on getting at least 7 hours of deep sleep every night.

2)    Exercise for a few minutes daily: Moving your body is known to help retain focus through an increased flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your brain.

3)     Enjoy the morning sun: When you’re soaking in the sun, the parts of your brain involved in attention and emotion regulation are stimulated. Spend some time in natural light for an immediate energy boost.

4)      Practice Mindfulness: Practicing Mindfulness can help you bring your attention to the present moment, enhancing concentration and mental clarity.

Also read: Why Mindfulness Is Essential To Self-Care

5)     Try journaling your thoughts: Write down your thoughts and keep track of your internal dialogue. This will help you recall, acknowledge, and prioritise your thoughts. Kind of like taking notes during a lecture in your own words.

6)    Follow a pre-set schedule: When you follow a pre-decided time schedule, it can reduce the feeling of overwhelm that arises as a result of indecision and disorganization. It is advisable to create a daily routine so your body can expect a familiar schedule everyday.

7)     Speak to a therapist: Taking psychotherapy sessions for ADHD can help you increase your overall focus and concentration through evidence-based techniques.

Also Read: What Happens In Behavioural Therapy for ADHD?

 8)    Consider medication: Clinical treatment options for ADHD symptoms include psychiatric support alongside therapy, as an effective way to manage symptoms of brain fog.

There are two main types of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Central Nervous System Stimulant Medication 

Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed for ADHD, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are neurotransmitters - chemicals responsible for brain functions.

They produce a calming effect, reduce hyperactivity and improve your attention span. This promotes concentration and focus.

Non-Stimulant Medication

When stimulants don’t work effectively, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medications which can also include antidepressants. They might not have the same side effects as stimulants and work better for some people.

Also read: What Are The Best Treatments For ADHD

Dealing with ADHD brain fog can be a real challenge which affects people across the world. So it is important to find the professional support you need to feel better. Therapy and medication can go a long way and help you retain concentration and clarity while managing symptoms on a daily basis.

Sources:

Faraone, S. V., & Antshel, K. M. (2008). Diagnosing and treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 7(3), 131–136. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2008.tb00179.x