Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak began in December of 2019 and affected many worldwide. Research posited that those with ADHD might struggle more with the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic than their neuro-typical counterparts. The objective of this chapter was to collect and synthesize much of the present research surrounding those with ADHD and to determine how they have been impacted by COVID-19 in hopes of providing ways to mitigate those impacts. The chapter evaluates the research suggesting that ADHD may be a potential risk factor for contracting COVID-19 and discusses how to reduce the possible increased risk of transmission in both children and adults with ADHD. The chapter also examines the effects of lockdowns and online schooling and working from home on children and adults with ADHD as well as best practices for mitigating these impacts.
TopAdhd As A Risk Factor For Contracting Covid-19
ADHD, due to its symptomatology, was identified as potential risk factor for contracting COVID-19. This is because the diagnostic criteria for the disorder consists of symptoms that could potentially elevate the risk of disseminating viruses such as COVID-19. This can be seen in certain criteria regarding the aspect of inattention through carelessness, mistake making, forgetfulness, losing things necessary to complete tasks, organizational issues, distractibility, and issues with prolonged attention and follow through. It can also be seen in relation to criteria regarding the component of hyperactivity through impulsivity, restlessness, and impatience. Due to these qualities of ADHD, it is thought that following the guidelines laid out by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), such as social distancing, washing hands, sanitizing, wearing properly fitted face coverings, and avoiding large gatherings and poorly ventilated areas, as well as stay-at-home orders would be harder for individuals with the disorder (Merzon et al., 2021).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Comorbidities: The presence of one or more disorders alongside the initial diagnosed disorder (Lexico, n.d AU63: The in-text citation "Lexico, n.d" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. .b).
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Disabilities that center around neurological system functioning and brain functioning ( United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2015 ).
Neurotypical: Someone who does not present with behavior or thought patterns that are neurologically atypical or autistic (Lexico, n.d AU64: The in-text citation "Lexico, n.d" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. .a).
Combined Type ADHD: A type of ADHD where both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention are present ( Sinfield, 2020 ).
Likert Scale: A rating scale consisting of either five or seven points in which an individual can rate how much they agree or disagree with a proposition ( McLeod, 2019 ).
Inattentive Type ADHD: A type of ADHD that is characterized by symptoms such as ease of distraction, little attention to detail, and organizational issues, and struggling to complete routine tasks in a timely manner, such as responding to emails or paying bills ( Cleveland Clinic, 2019 ).
Hyperactive and Impulsive Type ADHD: A type of ADHD with a symptom profile consisting predominantly of hyperactivity and impulsivity that can include having trouble sitting still, restlessness, fidgeting, and squirming ( Roth, 2018 ).