8 Comments
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Christie Sausa, MS's avatar

Really great points! I think the line between brain rot and ADHD is becoming thinner because they can feel SO similar. Personally, I've been diagnosed twice (forgot the first diagnosis at 11, got re-diagnosed at 31) and it totally explained everything but I also realize my online habits make my symptoms/way of being worse. Thanks so much for this!

Rach Idowu | @AdultingADHD's avatar

Thank you! I think the difference is, if you’ve all of a sudden developed a short attention span and also getting distracted, it won’t meet the criteria for having ADHD. As the diagnostic criteria requires meeting I think 4-6 symptoms in childhood and adulthood.

I think brain rot can exacerbate ADHD symptoms though

Kenzier Lemmons's avatar

People also do not recognize how unprocessed grief and trauma cause you to be constantly distracted and impact your neurology.

𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐒's avatar

This is very true actually.

Nowadays everybody seems to possess anxiety, depression, autism and ADHD.

And platforms like Twitter X get INSANELY defensive when you point it out. Most of their argument is based upon the fact people in the past were ignorant and psychology issues were taboo, which is somewhat fair.

A good way to verify is :

1) to go see a psychologist

2) fix your screen habits

I might someday write some crazy think piece on the latter. No promises.

Overall, very well written! Bravo. Would love to read more from you

Rach Idowu | @AdultingADHD's avatar

Yes I agree in the U.K. it’s a psychiatrist as only they can formally diagnose ADHD. Problem is there’s long waiting lists on our public service and people can’t afford to go private. So I understand when people are unable to get a formal diagnosis but I do think doing research beyond relying on social media is important. Heck I thought I had early on set dementia before I was assessed lol

Thanks so much for your comment

Dr KB's avatar

Really appreciate how you separate 'brain rot' from ADHD without minimising either. Framing it as environment plus nervous system feels kinder than the usual 'try harder' story. How are you finding readers respond when they realise not every concentration dip needs a diagnostic label?

Ryan Pettit's avatar

To reverse brain rot I need to stop scrolling social media except for substack?😁