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The hunter vs. farmer theory is a hypothesis proposed by Thom Hartmann about the origins of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adult attention-deficit disorder (AADD), that these conditions may be a result of a form of adaptive behavior. The premise is that ADD attributes in only some humans. Under this theory, the attributes of a hunter gave way to those of a farmer for most people as civilized society evolved from a nomadic existence to one of more permanent settlements. Over many years, most humans changed genetically, but some (those with ADD) still have the older hunter characteristics. Look up Hypothesis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Thom Hartmann Thom Hartmann (b. ...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (sometimes referred to as ADD for those without hyperactivity) is thought to be a neurological disorder, always present from childhood, which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility. ...
Adult attention deficit disorder (AADD) is a term commonly used to describe the neurological disorder attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when it is present in adulthood, following the same diagnostic criteria. ...
Adaptive behavior is a type of behavior that is used to adapt to another type of behavior or situation. ...
A key implication of the theory is that the proposed 'hyperfocus' aspect of ADD is a gift. It is argued that in the hunter-gatherer cultures that preceded farming societies, hunters (presumably mostly men) needed hyperfocus more than gatherers (presumably mostly women). This may be connected with the fact that ADHD is diagnosed in twice as many boys as girls. Hyperfocus describes an intense form of mental concentration or visualization that focuses consciousness on a narrow subject, or beyond objective reality and onto subjective mental planes, daydreams, concepts, fiction, the imagination, and other objects of the mind. ...
In anthropology, the hunter-gatherer way of life is that led by certain societies of the Neolithic Era based on the exploitation of wild plants and animals. ...
Farming, ploughing rice paddy, in Indonesia Agriculture is the process of producing food, feed, fiber and other desired products by cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals (livestock). ...
Criticism
Some criticism of the Hunter vs. Farmer theory revolves around the mismatch between the behaviours associated with ADHD, and those described as being adaptive for hunters, which might fit the disorder hypomania.[1] As a theory of evolutionary psychology it is also open to the core criticisms of that discipline. Hypomania is a mood state characterized by persistent and pervasive elated or irritable mood, and thoughts and behaviors that are consistent with such a mood state. ...
Evolutionary psychology (abbreviated ev-psych or EP) is a theoretical approach to psychology that attempts to explain certain mental and psychological traits—such as memory, perception, or language—as evolved adaptations, i. ...
Hartmann, the originator of the theory, has stated that it is intended as a model rather than a hypothesis, providing people with ADHD a positive way of looking at themselves and their disorder. He has written, "It's not hard science, and was never intended to be," while acknowledging that some researchers are now using it as a working hypothesis about the origin of the disorder.[2]
Conclusions This hunter theory is an interpretation of the origins of ADHD. One common generalization is that ADHD is a co-occurrence of several genetic variants. Harpending and Cochran offer a three-phase view of history that includes hunter-gathering, female farming, and then intensive agriculture; they suggest that ADHD increased reproductive fitness in the second phase.[3] An important view, with considerable genetic backing, is that some of these genetic variants may have value in certain kinds of social groups, such as those that have migrated.[4][5]
See also Neurodiversity is a concept that atypical (neurodivergent) neurological wiring is a normal human difference that is to be tolerated and respected as any other human difference[citation needed]. The concept of neurodiversity was created by some autistic individuals and people with related conditions, who believe that autism is not a...
PET scans show which parts of the brain are being used at a particular moment. ...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (sometimes referred to as ADD for those without hyperactivity) is thought to be a neurological disorder, always present from childhood, which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility. ...
Adult attention deficit disorder (AADD) is a term commonly used to describe the neurological disorder attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when it is present in adulthood, following the same diagnostic criteria. ...
Hyperfocus describes an intense form of mental concentration or visualization that focuses consciousness on a narrow subject, or beyond objective reality and onto subjective mental planes, daydreams, concepts, fiction, the imagination, and other objects of the mind. ...
Footnotes - ^ Mota-Castillo, M. (2005). Review of The Edison Gene: ADHD and the Gift of the Hunter Child. Psychiatric Services, 56, 500.
- ^ Hartmann, Thom (1995). ADD Success Stories. Grass Valley, California: Underwood Books. ISBN 1-887424-04-0.
- ^ Harpending and Cochran. PNAS, Jan 8 2002
- ^ Chang et al 1996 Human Genetics 98
- ^ Grady et al 2003 Molecular Psychiatry 8
Sources
Books Hartmann, Thom, Attention Deficit Disorder: A New Perspective
External links - The Gift of ADD: Thom Hartmann's website
- National Mental Health association, AADD webspage
- Adult Attention Deficit Disorder website with links
- Helpguide: ADHD or ADD: Signs, Symptoms, and Subtypes
- a Yahoo Group for Adults with ADD/ADHD an active online self-help group founded in 1999 with over 750 members
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