Hi all,

Thanks for putting up with my rambling on this subject. My goal has been to figure out where "I come from" and in doing so, I stumbled across the theories that show: looking at it as a disorder (in its totality) is mistaken. It is a functional type of human cognition. I know that these theories may touch on sore spots. We do not like to be boxed in. In a sense my goal was to find out how I could exist in the most positive way. To do that I need to understand my limitations and capabilities. I feel this can be helpful to all of us.

Here is what I have discovered. The theories and models are pretty tight at this point.


Why does AD/HD exist?

1. It started as a simple way of spreading genes across different cultural groups.
2. It ended up being a driver of innovation and technology as a secondary effect. Therefore continues to be selected for.



AD/HD Genetic Carrier Theory (This theory also explains Asperger's)

As groups formed tight knit bonds through culture in order to provide "safety in numbers", there was no incentive for an individual to leave the birth group. This meant that groups would have a limited genetic pool. Highly structured groups/culture tend to be xenophobic. This creates an environment in which genetic material is not fresh. In a highly complex animal this creates genetic diseases that eventually wipe out the group.

Groups needed both fresh genetic material and xenophobia. Cultural structure needs to be tight in small groups. A strict hierarchy must be maintained in order to provide the best protection. Foreigners bring new ideas and instability. This creates a conundrum.

Groups that could find and let in foreigners in would have fresh genetic material to keep the group healthybut individuals do not leave their birth groups because:

1. They must leave the comfort of the group
2. Leaving means exposing the individuals of outside dangers
3. They will perish because other groups will not allow them in with their threatening foreign views.

Groups would die off after several generations. The groups that died did not have an adaption that is known as AD/HD.

In order to share fresh genes with other groups an certain individual is needed that:

1. Is uncomfortable in group situations or causes trouble in the group.
2. Has novelty seeking tendencies and a curiosity for other cultures.
3. Has the capabilities to survive in the wilderness.
4. Has attributes that will cause the non-birth group to bring them in.
5. Can build a role in the adoptive tribal group that benefits it.


Predictions following number 1:

Extra-cultural: Individual has trouble in accepting group norms. This individual would question the power structure.
Result banishment.

High degree of social anxiety into sexual maturity. Unease with social situation and low attachment to group.
Result: Leaving the birth group.

High anxiety in birth group + lower anxiety in non-birth group = The opposite of standard cultural patterning

Has attraction to groups they are not a member of (gender, age, culture, position)


Predictions following number 2:

Chronic boredom and hyperfocus on what is beyond the horizon.
Result: Enthusiasm to find new people and places. Interest or fascination with foreign things

Predictions following number 3:

Heightened senses. Extreme environmental awareness. Creativity in building shelter and finding food. Eating things that are outside the normal diet. Sturdy physical structure. Ability to build context of surroundings to find escape routes from predatory animals. Constant scanning of environment (Focus is death but constant context building is survival). Ability to endure extremes in temperature but intense sensitivity to drops in basal body temperature.

Predictions following number 4:

Non-threatening appearance to be allowed into foreign tribe.

Facial characteristics that are non-threatening would be childlike appearance, goofy or non-serious looks, funny facial expressions.

Non-threatening physical characteristics: Clumsy, Odd walking styles, funny mannerisms, highly idiosyncratic.

Non-threatening mental characteristics: Universal humor (body humor - noises), childlike fascination with new culture. Willingness to learn. Ability to make strong one on one connections with people in tribe. Deference to new culture, apologetic, willing to please. Unafraid to approach and make connections with powerful people in tribe (and mate with them). Entertaining.

Predictions following number 5:

Valuable roles in a tribe that do not need culture. Care taking, Knowledge of medicine, Entertaining (story telling), Teaching, consulting, Artistic expression, technology, help in protecting group by monitoring environment.

Skills needed: Superior language capability. Observational skills that enable individual to "fit in" but as an extra-cultural.


This is part 1...Part 2 talks about the advent of technology.

In order to create such an individual, a simple removal of the connection between the cultural processing memory and awareness needs to happen. This is probably done through altering serotonin and dopamine. It leads to a strong connection between the contextual/experiential memory and awareness.

Thanks for reading :)

Cory

Is this the right place for a thread expressing a personal theory?
People come to the forums looking for factual information they can use about AD/HD.

So far what you have come up with chain is interesting.
But I agree with you that its still tight.
In order for this to work it has to go much broader.
Too include us all.
It's very middle of the road AD/HD.
And caters more toward one type of AD/HD.

As always I remain the thorn in your side.
And friend who always throws those questions out at you.
stori:)

PS Keep working on this you are defiantly on to something.

Hi Stori!

Well... factual is a tough one... many people talk about theories on here just not their own :) I see the hunter one and all sorts of medical based ones...and this theory is wide open. We are possibly 20 thousand years from this set of circumstances.

Yes, facts would be nice but we are stuck with theories at the moment... We are all so different...indeed but when you start to look closer... we are much more the same than you think.

I am happy to have you as a thorn in my side! Always... You have really been helpful in pointing out mistakes and problems in the past.

Ok...factual: I threw away both my credit card and keys the other day in a fast food restaurant and had to dig through katsup and mustard laden paper to get them while everyone stared :)

So...if anyone has facts...I wanna see them!

I'd say this is the right place for personal theories. There is a lot of "factual" information in the forum as a whole.

In fact, I think asking a group of ADD'ers to not express their personal theories is like asking the sunrise to only show one shade of a certain color....

The reason we have a "General ADD Talk" and "Chit Chat" forum is for just that....Rhetorical and Theoretical ramblings. I think we're even cool with Theological Theories on Rhetoric.

In response to the actual theory posted I can only say that I think ADHD is actually the next step in human evolution to a higher level of being.

I think ADHD is actually the next step in human evolution to a higher level of being.
Shhh... don't let the cat out of the bag :) But we had to start somewhere...

We are very close to ego dissolution at birth... that is pretty darned cool!

I think you are right though... It was definitely not the people that sat at home, happy in their culture that generated the world's great spiritual philosophies...it was the horizon gazers... to which we are "card carrying" members...(at least after we get over some of that social anxiety)

Shhh... don't let the cat out of the bag :) But we had to start somewhere...

We are very close to ego dissolution at birth... that is pretty darned cool!

I think you are right though... It was definitely not the people that sat at home, happy in their culture that generated the world's great spiritual philosophies...it was the horizon gazers... to which we are "card carrying" members...(at least after we get over some of that social anxiety)
You know, it's funny that I have to mentally prepare for a day like today where I was going to a 2 hour meeting in a conference room with people that I know well.

However, if NASA were to ask me to get on the Space Shuttle tomorrow and be rocketed into space I would have little or NO concern at all about it and feel that I was born mentally prepared for that!

You know, it's funny that I have to mentally prepare for a day like today where I was going to a 2 hour meeting in a conference room with people that I know well.

However, if NASA were to ask me to get on the Space Shuttle tomorrow and be rocketed into space I would have little or NO concern at all about it and feel that I was born mentally prepared for that!
Leaving your tribe to face wild beasts that could eat you was the equivalent many thousands of years ago :)

I am the same way... group stuff is problematic...meetings and the such... but I can hop on an airplane with no job on the other end and a one way ticket and I am happy as can be...and I make it work. This being said...I certainly don't think every ADDer is like that but a lot of us are...and many more might be, but they don't know it yet....

You have a very interesting theory. A similar example is how it is believed that the ratio of MBTI types of the worlds population is the way it is for survival reasons. You have a lot of implementers (SJ temperment), but fewer designers (NT temperment). If the world had only SJ's, we would never create anything new. If the world had only NT's (especially xNTP types), nothing would get implemented. ADD/ASD/etc. people could be compared to the average population in the same way. The problem isn't that there aren't places in society for such people. In reality, the problem is that society requires an INTP type to be ESTJ to work up the ladder of social games. Likewise, ADDers, etc, must act NT until they have worked their way up the left-brained hierarchy.

. Likewise, ADDers, etc, must act NT until they have worked their way up the left-brained hierarchy.
Yes...My theory actually explains some of what Jung described. There is a point (it comes earlier for some and later for others but it is common in the mid 40's or so) where the ego structure starts to fail (I actually draw a distinction between ego and self).

I consider the ego structure in ADD to be faulty...the main purpose is to drive us out of our native culture through creating anxiety.

Here are my definitions of ego and self.

http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ego

http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Self

I have not yet started to tie my models into psychology yet but will soon. Lots to write :)

I am just glad the hyper focus is waning a bit.

Thanks for you remarks. I am really trying to get feedback here...not for "ego" but for the purpose of birthing this baby known as "the Contextual Mind"

I am seriously anxious to get back to creative writing... but this stuff is important. I have a daughter and a son that will be seriously affected by psychology soon...

Chain,

This has been discussed before in a previous thread.

There is a theory as to why there are more ADHD diagnosis in the USA than any other country.

The reason being a large portion of the initial explorers and settlers were the one's carrying the ADHD gene. They were able to break away from the group. They may have been the so called "outcasts" of Europe.

This group of ADHD gene carrying people increased the frequency of ADHD.

Cool thread by the way. :D

Chain,

This has been discussed before in a previous thread.

There is a theory as to why there are more ADHD diagnosis in the USA than any other country.

The reason being a large portion of the initial explorers and settlers were the one's carrying the ADHD gene. They were able to break away from the group. They may have been the so called "outcasts" of Europe.

This group of ADHD gene carrying people increased the frequency of ADHD.

Cool thread by the way. :DThanks!

I am aware of that theory... but it still does not show AD/HD to be a cognitive type with a function... no reason for it. The geneticists that are doing research on the DRD4 marker (associated with AD/HD) have found it all over the world in surprisingly high percentages...

I think that individuals with AD/HD may be slightly higher in nomadic populations. I am not sure if it is truly at much higher amounts in the US. I knew quite a few in Japan...and that situation is the opposite of the US.

It would make sense though that immigrant countries would have more...

All pretty interesting stuff!

I am pleased that this theory actually explains commonalities in ADDers :)

My theory is just this:

We are the people that make this world interesting for others and ourselves. Ever notice how intelligent and creative we are? We like to mix it up. With out us, everyone would be on time, organized, on-task, and the phrase, "Are you listening to me?" wouldn't even exist.

I don't know a whole lot about your theories Chain, but it does all sound very interesting.

What about the theory that is most common? We've all heard it. "AD/HD is just a made up 'disorder' so pharmaceutical companies can make more money and sell more prescription drugs"

This one I hate because being medicated actually helps me, in a MAJOR way. I find it disheartening that I hear this the most from close friends and family. Aren't they supposed to support you the most? This is why we have ADD FORUMS. Thank God for that!

I don't mean to change the subject, but this is all I can offer.

You sound like a very intelligent person, Chain. Ever think about writing a manifesto? You gotta let the world know!

My theory is just this:

We are the people that make this world interesting for others and ourselves. Ever notice how intelligent and creative we are? We like to mix it up. With out us, everyone would be on time, organized, on-task, and the phrase, "Are you listening to me?" wouldn't even exist.
This is what makes us so wonderful ;-) Part of the second theory really gets in to this aspect. We are major paradigm shifters. We keep the culture fluid or it would crumble under its own stiffness

What about the theory that is most common? We've all heard it. "AD/HD is just a made up 'disorder' so pharmaceutical companies can make more money and sell more prescription drugs" Man...I have tangled with those guys too... they P me O in a major way!

>>>This is why we have ADD FORUMS. Thank God for that!<<<

We need to stick together... this is how we know we are ok and that it is ok to love ourselves

Ever think about writing a manifesto? You gotta let the world know!
Yes... I am working on it :) The site in the link below shows the progress on the book. The theories are finally finished and the predictions are part way there... then it is all out writing. (I just passed transition...now time to push :) )

There are 3 main models and a scientific model that are coming from this:

Scientific model: Functional Typology
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Theory_of_functional_typology


Evolution of AD/HD (and Asperger's):
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Evolution_of_Cognitive_Functional_ Types
1. Initial purpose (seen in this thread)
2. Advent of technology (Culture Technology feedback loop)

Model of the contextual mind
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Contextual_Mind_Model_%28CM%29
1. In relation to 3 other cognitive types
a. Continua
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Continua
b. Triangle models
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Triangle_Model
2. Predictions of having a purely context driven cognition
in process.

Model of CM in culture and relationships
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=CM_in_relationships
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=NPD_ADHD_Binary_Relationship


I am making this a public thing here in the forums because ADDers are questioning and smart in most cases...And this is about us. Feedback is greatly appreciated...I view never view constructive criticism in the negative light. It is an opportunity to get this stuff out there. Do what we do best... shift paradigms.

ADDer aller Laender vereinigt euch! (ADDers of the world unite!)

What about the theory that is most common? We've all heard it. "AD/HD is just a made up 'disorder' so pharmaceutical companies can make more money and sell more prescription drugs"

This one I hate because being medicated actually helps me, in a MAJOR way. I find it disheartening that I hear this the most from close friends and family. Aren't they supposed to support you the most? This is why we have ADD FORUMS. Thank God for that!
I am medicated too.

But the bottom line is...It helps us fit into non-ADHD society. Is this right? Why should we have to change our behavior and how we relate to those without ADHD? Maybe someone should develop a medication that makes those without ADHD have ADHD symptoms. :D Heck, we could then throw away all the clocks and day planners, because no one would be on time or use them anyway.;) Sorry, I got carried away.

Now that I understand and continue to learn about ADHD, I love being ADHD. It's difficult at times, but so is being a husband, a father and an employee. My medication does not effect my creativity, my search for knowledge, and my ability to love. It just allows me to sit still, channel and focus my thoughts, and appreciate my emotions.

As mentioned earlier, we (ADDr's) have our place in society. Some have identified there place, others are still searching and some may never find it. But that's life, whether you're ADHD or not.

But the bottom line is...It helps us fit into non-ADHD society. Is this right? Why should we have to change our behavior and how we relate to those without ADHD? Maybe someone should develop a medication that makes those without ADHD have ADHD symptoms. :D Heck, we could then throw away all the clocks and day planners, because no one would be on time or use them anyway.;) Sorry, I got carried away.

Oh no, you're not getting carried away at all. This is a fantastic idea. We should simplify this idea and put it on billboards across the world just make other ADDer's chuckle.


As mentioned earlier, we (ADDr's) have our place in society. Some have identified there place, others are still searching and some may never find it. But that's life, whether you're ADHD or not.

Can we make this one into a famous quote? Because it sure sounds like one. I'm writing a letter to my congressman.

Oh no, you're not getting carried away at all. This is a fantastic idea. We should simplify this idea and put it on billboards across the world just make other ADDer's chuckle.



Can we make this one into a famous quote? Because it sure sounds like one. I'm writing a letter to my congressman.
Thanks for the praise. Can we hire an editor before we publish? :D My there/their usage is sometimes swapped. ;)

My theory is just this:

We are the people that make this world interesting for others and ourselves. Ever notice how intelligent and creative we are? We like to mix it up. With out us, everyone would be on time, organized, on-task, and the phrase, "Are you listening to me?" wouldn't even exist.
speak for yourself :)

That is a great Idea :)


We should have a "switch day" where everyone else takes meds to be like us.... (If my theories are right...the majority of bi-polar people actually do that in their brains already). Can you imagine the wanton and impulsive behaviors that would occur?

We would end up being the "in control" ones, lol...because we are used to it.


You know... we cannot be on the meds forever... they are hard on our bodies. We have to start figuring out how to use our brains in ways that work for us and help us in our lives...

There is a theory as to why there are more ADHD diagnosis in the USA than any other country.


The quality, or lack thereof, of education here? :D

Scientific model: Functional Typology
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Theory_of_functional_typology


Evolution of AD/HD (and Asperger's):
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Evolution_of_Cognitive_Functional_ Types
1. Initial purpose (seen in this thread)
2. Advent of technology (Culture Technology feedback loop)

Model of the contextual mind
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Contextual_Mind_Model_%28CM%29
1. In relation to 3 other cognitive types
a. Continua
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Continua
b. Triangle models
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=Triangle_Model
2. Predictions of having a purely context driven cognition
in process.

Model of CM in culture and relationships
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=CM_in_relationships
http://www.contextualmind.org/wiki/index.php?title=NPD_ADHD_Binary_Relationship




Your models are very interesting. I like the comparison between ER and IR with respect to AD/HD and NPD. Especially applicable to those with Autism, we are often seen as self loving because of detatchment and introversion. To most of those around me throughout my years, it seems as if one doesn't socialize and/or partakes in activities that require a 65+ IQ, one must be trying to act "superior" to the rest. It isn't that we are not self-centered, because many of us probably are a little bit. For us, self-centeredness is more of a coping mechanism than with NPD. Or is that just the "ERHM world" obscuring my view?

For us, self-centeredness is more of a coping mechanism than with NPD.
I would agree with this statement. This is a coping mechanism we have built because as children we stood out from the rest of the kids and we were excluded from the social norm.

I would agree with this statement. This is a coping mechanism we have built because as children we stood out from the rest of the kids and we were excluded from the social norm.
Actually self centered is good... ego centered creates problems
Every human is centered on their individual nature, needs and desires. There are just mechanisms to get those. NPD is ego centered and AD/HD tends to be self centered (unless we are so worried about appearing foolish that we become ego centered... this is not functional for ADD (IRCM))

Self centered is the way to go (realize that I strongly see the distinction between Ego and Self... many do not... most ADDers can see it... Self is the thing that watches "you" and wonders "why is he/she doing that?"... Ego is the thing that says "You are an idiot for doing that!")

Ego centered creates intense rage when it is violated

Self is gold
Ego is fool's gold

Most people have a tight integration between Ego and Self... We do not :)