Last Updated on September 16, 2022
When writing about characters with attention deficit disorder, you should avoid portraying them as childish or stupid. Adhd should be a character’s secondary trait and not the only thing that defines them. If the adhd is a defining trait of the character, then readers will find it irritating. Remove this trait and you’ll find that your character has a great deal of depth. You can still create a well-rounded character with this trait.
Hyperactivity
When writing about ADHD characters, it’s important to remember not to make them seem like they’re childish or stupid. The main trait of an ADHD character shouldn’t be ADHD itself; it should be something that they experience, such as being distracted, introverted, or disorganized. This is the only way to make them sympathetic and real. Here are some examples of how to write an ADHD character:
Research ADHD. Identify common symptoms and the less known ones. Research the characteristics and real-life experiences of those with the condition. Keep in mind that ADHD is a complex disorder, and situations can differ depending on the particulars of the character’s situation. Consider the character’s personality and reasoning abilities and explore both their strengths and weaknesses. Once you have the details down, it’s time to start writing! And don’t forget to explore their strengths and weaknesses.
The ADHD character will likely need a lot of research. In addition to hyperactivity and impulsivity, it needs a strong character who has excellent organization skills. The disorder has several names over the years, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Hyperkinetic Impulse Disorder. Although the first two were originally considered synonyms, the current DSM refers to it by the most common term for the disorder: ADHD.
Impulsivity
When it comes to writing characters with ADHD, the trick is to keep them grounded in reality. You don’t want them to seem smug or childish. While the condition can be frustrating for readers, it’s also an interesting and often useful aspect of a character. Try removing some of the more glaring symptoms and you’ll find your characters become more complex. In fact, most ADHD characters are well-rounded individuals.
One aspect of ADHD that can be portrayed in fiction is impulsivity. Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions that don’t always have a logical outcome. Examples of impulsive actions in a story are binge-eating at a party or shopping spree. Similarly, characters with ADHD might be easily distracted, unable to concentrate, or miserably disorganized. This is a good way to make the story realistic and sympathetic.
If you want to portray a character with ADHD, it’s important to research both common and rare symptoms. Learn about treatments and the reality of dealing with ADHD patients. Research also helps you avoid stereotyping. Remember, not all ADHD patients are hyperactive motormouths. Depending on the severity of the condition, hyperfocus or inattentiveness may help a character focus on a particular topic or event, but it might cause them to neglect other tasks. The key is finding a balance between these symptoms and your storyline.
Disorganization
One important thing to remember when writing ADHD characters is that they are not all hyperactive motormouths. The term “ADHD” does not mean attention-deficit hyperactivity, although it is a common misnomer. Instead, the term ADD without the H includes all the symptoms except for hyperactivity. A good example of this is a boy character with ADHD. Girls with this disorder are usually more inattentive and show less hyperactivity.
ADHD is not a condition you should make your characters out to be. Instead, use their traits as a way to create a more rounded character. Avoid having them ask stupid questions or act ridiculously. Instead, have them have problems in school and relationships. Using these traits will give your reader a better idea of what they are like. For example, a character with ADHD is likely to be introverted and unorganized.
Another aspect of ADHD that is difficult to depict without a diagnosis is impulsivity. Some of the most famous examples of people with ADHD include impulsive behavior, which is characterized by the lack of consequential thinking. Impulsivity can lead to characters going on shopping sprees, cutting hair on a whim, and binge eating at a party. For example, Jake is very distractible, which can make it difficult for him or her to concentrate.
Daydreaming
One of the hallmarks of ADHD is the frequent daydreaming. Sometimes daydreaming is so vivid that people can almost smell the air or feel the wind on their skin. They can become so engrossed in their imaginary worlds that it is difficult to break out of them. For this reason, many people with ADHD find it hard to wake up from their daydreams. They feel that daydreaming is a necessary escape from reality.
The brain imaging of ADHD children helps to reveal which symptoms of the condition are most common. Researchers have noted that most people can control their daydreaming, while children with ADHD do not. During their day, they become easily distracted by uninteresting tasks. These children can benefit from medications that block the brain from overactive background activity. One such medication is methylphenidate, a prescription drug sold under the brand name Ritalin.
The DSM does not recognize maladaptive daydreaming (MD) as a separate disorder. Professor Eli Somer first described MD in 2002. Although the body of research surrounding MD is small, a new study suggests that MD is a better diagnosis than ADHD. Daydreaming is similar to addiction: it can be rewarding in the short term, but it has detrimental effects on the person’s well-being. Researchers recommend that this behavior be considered as a separate disorder.
Over-Focused
If you’re wondering how to write an over-focused ADD character in a story, consider the characteristics of an actual person with ADHD. Typical symptoms of the condition are trouble paying attention, inability to get enough sleep, lack of routine, and obsessive behavior. Characters with ADHD tend to be more friendly and relaxed, as well. But they can be just as distractible and unable to focus on anything for long. Whether you’re writing for yourself or a child, you’ll need to know the characteristics of someone with ADD.
Over-focused ADHD is a real affliction that can be very difficult to deal with in a story. People who have ADHD become so consumed by what they’re doing, they’re oblivious to their surroundings. They’ll do anything to finish a task, even if it means ignoring everything else around them. They don’t understand the importance of staying in the present, making them impulsive and prone to risky behaviors.
Limbic ADD
If you’ve ever wondered how to write Limbic ADD characters, there are several tips to remember. First, understand that people with Limbic ADD are happy, but they can still feel overwhelmed by the world. Often times, they take medications and visit therapists for treatment. And they can feel very hopeless. If you want your readers to relate to your character, you can incorporate their struggles into your story.
The classic ADD symptom is being inattentive, distracted, and disorganized. They can also be hyperactive or restless. Those with Limbic ADD have problems focusing, shifting attention, and worrying. Another form is Temporal Lobe ADD, which can be aggressive and inattentive. And lastly, there’s the Ring of Fire ADD, which is hyperverbal and often cyclical in moodiness.
About The Author
Orochi Konya is a student of the web. He has been dabbling in it since he was young, and has become an expert in his own right. He loves all things digital, from making websites to programming to social media. In his spare time, Orochi enjoys indulging in his other passion: music. He loves listening to all kinds of music and often spends hours creating playlists on Spotify. He also enjoys drawing manga and watching anime in his free time. Orochi is a friendly pop-culture guru who is always happy to chat about the latest trends in both Japan and the U.S.