The issue of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one that has been growing in recent years with the American Psychiatric Association reporting five percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults affected by this disorder. There are many issues associated with ADHD but the growing problem is that ADHD is increasingly being diagnosed in both children and adults. However, many well-known figures have achieved great success have been diagnosed with the medical condition. From stars of the stage and screen to top athletes and entrepreneurs, there are numerous role models to be found for those diagnosed with ADHD.
Identifying ADHD
Before discussing the variety of role models available for those affected by ADHD, it is important to understand how to identify the condition and how it is treated. There are a number of signs and symptoms of ADHD including the inability to remain focused on tasks and activities; many people affected by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder make careless mistakes during school work or in their job. Losing objects on a regular basis is also one of the many symptoms of ADHD, along with the ease of distraction often seen in those with this form of medical condition.
Sir Richard Branson
Few entrepreneurs can look back at their career and see the huge level of success achieved to compare with that of English entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. The Edge Foundation reports people with ADHD are 300 percent more likely to start their own business with the owner of Virgin Airlines one of the main role models for those with this medical condition. The airline owner began his career as a magazine publisher and moved into the recording industry before starting his own airline. Branson has been a daredevil breaking speed records for crossing the Atlantic and attempting to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon. Currently working on the Virgin Hyperloop One project instigated by Elon Musk, Sir Richard Branson continues to innovate and achieve success on a global scale.
Michael Phelps
Perhaps, one of the most famous people on the planet with ADHD is Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. The record-breaking Olympian has been working to overcome the symptoms of ADHD first diagnosed at the age of 9 and was assisted through his love of swimming. Michael’s mother, Debbie was a middle school teacher who channeled the excess energy of her son into swimming to such an extent he stopped taking stimulant medication and instead worked out on a regular basis. Phelps has stated his love of swimming aided in allowing him to remain focused on the water and throughout his life.
Lisa Ling
Attitude reports top journalist and broadcaster Lisa Ling was developing an episode of her popular CNN show when she realized many of the symptoms described regarding ADHD referred to herself. Ling went away for a diagnosis as part of the show and was shocked to discover she was classed as affected by Adult ADHD. As a sign of the reduced stigma associated with ADHD, Ling stated she was relieved to get a diagnosis to explain her lack of focus and various attention problems.
Justin Timberlake
Despite the fact, the “Sexy Back” singer revealed his diagnosis with ADHD a number of years ago, Justin Timberlake has not been as vocal as many of his fellow Hollywood stars about the issue of ADHD. Instead, a few snippets have been released about his issues with the problem including his moving of recording devices during interviews when he has revealed he lives with OCD and ADD.
Adam Levine
Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine has been one of the most outspoken stars regarding his own struggles with the condition which he controlled with medication throughout his childhood. A Concerta discount makes it simple to keep an adult or child as focused as possible during difficult periods or daily activities. Levine has stated he has sought help for his ADHD issues at various times during adulthood as he has struggled to complete recordings with Maroon 5 because of severe symptoms.
Jamie Oliver
Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver is quick to discuss the ADHD and dyslexia he has been affected by throughout his life. Oliver is a role model to many as he feels the links between ADHD and diet cannot be ignored; the celebrity chef has campaigned to improve the nutritional content of school lunches around the world as he feels the links between mental issues and the food is too great to ignore. Jamie Oliver continues to campaign to raise awareness of the link between fitness and a reduction in symptoms associated with ADHD.
Author Bio:
Mark Alvarado is a digital nomad who also suffers from ADHD. He brings as much awareness of the medical condition as he possibly can through his writings.