Curious to hear what others think, as this definitely aligns with my own experiences.
The original study is behind a paywall, but I’m trying to see if I can get a hold of the full text somehow. For now, here’s the abstract.
Abstract
Objectives: Recent studies report a fluctuating course of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across development characterized by intermittent periods of remission and recurrence. In the Multimodal Treatment of ADHD (MTA) study, we investigated fluctuating ADHD including clinical expression over time, childhood predictors, and between- and within-person associations with factors hypothesized as relevant to remission and recurrence.
Methods: Children with DSM-5 ADHD, combined type (N = 483), participating in the MTA adult follow-up were assessed 9 times from baseline (mean age = 8.46) to 16-year follow-up (mean age = 25.12). The fluctuating subgroup (63.8% of sample) was compared to other MTA subgroups on variables of interest over time.
Results: The fluctuating subgroup experienced multiple fluctuations over 16 years (mean = 3.58, SD = 1.36) with a 6- to 7-symptom within-person difference between peaks and troughs. Remission periods typically first occurred in adolescence and were associated with higher environmental demands (both between- and within-person), particularly at younger ages. Compared to other groups, the fluctuating subgroup demonstrated moderate clinical severity. In contrast, the stable persistent group (10.8%) was specifically associated with early and lasting risk for mood disorders, substance use problems in adolescence/ young adulthood, low medication utilization, and poorer response to childhood treatment. Protective factors were detected in the recovery group (9.1%; very low parental psychopathology) and the partial remission group (15.6%; higher rates of comorbid anxiety).
Conclusions: In the absence of specific risk or protective factors, individuals with ADHD demonstrated meaningful within-individual fluctuations across development. Clinicians should communicate this expectation and monitor fluctuations to trigger as-needed return to care. During remission periods, individuals with ADHD successfully manage increased demands and responsibilities.
As a therapist with ADHD and lots of clients with ADHD, this is not a surprise to me at all, and I can’t imagine it’s a surprise to anyone else in the field (that would be surprising)
Any suggestions on ways someone might use this theory to better manage their symptoms? How can I make myself feel more busy when life isn’t keeping me busy enough?
I’ve tried asking my manager for more work, but they’ve instead shifted some of my work to other people. I’ve been considering looking for a second job, but I’m afraid that will swing things too far to the other side.
Oh lots of us try utilizing it, you’re gonna love the burnout
You could take on some community volunteer work, get involved with a local group that’s doing work that aligns with your values and fill up your schedule with some hard commitments to do something worthwhile. I just volunteered for a committee in my town and it was way easier than I expected to get involved.
Volunteering is definitely one of my current extracurriculars, but I had a couple of very negative experiences with the organization this past year and am currently taking a break, but probably going to resign soon.
So far, the only other volunteer opportunities I’ve found that excite me just haven’t aligned with my schedule, or are just one off things, but I’m definitely always on the lookout.
Classes is another option I’ve looked into, ranging from the more educational (computer programming or foreign languages) to more fun (dance), but for various reasons, haven’t been able to make any of those work for the past few years.
Get an EMT license and moonlight on the ambulance… it’s kind of amazing
LMAO, definitely not for me, but maybe a great idea for others here.