Hi, I have a general question for writing characters with ADHD. Would an ADHD character generally have issues with self-awareness? eg. determining the source feelings and desires that motivate their (sometimes impulsive) behaviors? This particular character I'm writing's fatal flaw is a lack of self-awareness throughout the story, and I don't want to wrongly attribute it to the fact that he has ADHD if self-awareness is not a common problem for people living with it. Thanks!
The Scriptshrink consultants answer!
Silver Dragon
I can only say for me personally, but often times I have no idea why I want to do the impulsive thoughts when I’m not on my medication.
Kelandry
ADHD and self-awareness are not necessarily related. It also might depend on whether they are medicated and the medication is a good fit or not. Those who are medicated and medicated properly aren’t going to have as many issues as someone not medicated or medicated improperly.
Age is also a factor. Children are going to be less self-aware than adults, especially in the case of impulsiveness. When I was off my meds (or the medication wasn’t working well) as a child, I was not very self-aware at all. On my meds, I was a lot more self-aware though, at least when I wasn’t a zombie due to ill fitting medication. As an adult, there isn’t much difference in my self-awareness when I’m off my meds and when I’m taking them.
Even if you do relate the two though, in order to be technically correct, do NOT say the ADHD is the cause or the only factor. Instead, say it is a contributing factor or ADHD contributes to his lack of self-awareness. But PLEASE do not say it is the cause. As for other contributing factors, consider age, personality, and life experiences that could have any affect on his self-awareness. Personality can be a huge factor. Also, his current circumstances could be playing a role too.
bitterbetazoid
Sometimes? But I also have multiple disorders so I generally don’t know if it’s depression, mania, anxiety or ADHD or all of them) stopping me or making me do things. Also ADHD isn’t just impulsivity- executive dysfunction is a big part of it!
An anon added:
For the ADHD anon, I can offer a bit of insight. I'm 17 with pretty severe ADHD, and I fidget a lot. Like, a LOT. I tend to fidget by picking it my skin, especially my cuticles. Most of the time I'm aware of what I'm doing and I know it's not good, but I don't have the will to stop, even when scolded. Also, I personally have not seen a difference in my level of fidgeting while medicated or unmedicated. I hope that helps a bit!
