D.A.V.E

a better name for ADHD.

ADHD is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Even if that's the correct medical name, it leads to a misunderstanding of the disorder / neurodivergency.

DAVE is short for dopamine attention variability executive dysfunction.
Dave is a more suitable acronym because
-not all individuals with ADHD are hyperactive
-the cause of ADHD is a variability of dopamine release that causes problems with regulation of all sorts of things like emotional regulation
-people with ADHD are not only lacking attention and have short attention spans, they also often enter a state of hyperfocus
-the dopamine variability also leads to executive function issues

psychologist: You are not lazy, sloppy and stupid, even though it may seems like so. In fact are you highly intelligent and incredibly hard-working. I would suggest you to get tested for D.A.V.E . It's an neurodevelopmental disorder. The things that you were thought as bad personally traits of yours are probably not your fault and there are ways to get support (therapy, medication or an understanding community).

"I'am really trying but please understand that it is harder for me than it is for others because I have DAVE and may need extra time and/or support."

by anobsessedbutterfly July 12, 2023