Is COVID to Blame for the Spike in ADHD?

The number of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD), is skyrocketing. From 2019 to 2022, the use of stimulant medications for the condition more than doubled, according to a report in a 2023 issue of European Neuropsychopharmacology. The increase is contributing to a nationwide shortage of Adderall, Ritalin, and other ADD/ADHD medications. What’s behind it all? In the same 2023 report, a group of 13 scientists suggests that COVID may be to blame for the recent dramatic increase in ADD/ADHD cases.

LONG COVID AND INATTENTION

Long COVID is a debilitating condition involving lasting neurological and psychiatric issues. According to research, it affects over 10% of all people who are infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is estimated that more than 65 million people worldwide are struggling with its effects. Long COVID can affect anyone who has had the infection, including those who were hospitalized and people with mild cases.

To date, over 200 long COVID symptoms have been identified, including cognitive impairment, memory issues, and insomnia. According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Attention Disorders, the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms include:

• Fatigue (58%)
• Headache (44%)
• Attention symptoms (27%)
• Memory loss (15%)

Collectively, the cognitive issues seen in long COVID, also called post-COVID-19 syndrome, are known as brain fog. In general, brain fog refers to problems with concentration, memory recall, executive functions, processing speed, and more.

The connection between COVID infections and mental health problems is already well-documented. A 2022 study in BMJ found that more than 2.8 million new cases of mental health disorders can likely be attributed to COVID infections. These include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Stress disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Substance use disorders

Experts suggest that long COVID inflammation may be a factor in the onset of mental health disorders and inattention.

CASE STUDY: ADD/ADHD AFTER COVID INFECTION

A 2023 issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders included a fascinating case study about a 61-year-old man with no previous history of attention problems who developed ADD/ADHD-like symptoms post-COVID infection. The man contracted COVID in February 2021 and spent 15 days in the hospital. After being discharged, he began to develop some long COVID symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. A few months after his release, he started experiencing attention problems and memory loss.

The man began to exhibit symptoms commonly seen in ADD/ADHD, such as carelessly misplacing personal items, forgetting to take his medication, spacing out on appointments, and forgetting to close the garage door when he arrived home. He also developed new difficulties, including challenges with planning, reading, and sleeping.

“A worrisome attention deficit suddenly appeared,” the man explained. “The practical blunders I made bordered on the comical but were dangerous. For example, I forgot to take medication, or I took it twice or took it at another time. I felt insecure, I started to drive as little as possible for fear of causing an accident.”

In this case, the man did not have depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, so his inattention could not be attributed to these other mental health problems. The man’s physicians used a combination of ADD/ADHD medications and other treatments to address his issues. Eventually, he achieved a 57.5% reduction in symptoms. In particular, the treatment improved his memory loss, fatigue, and insomnia.

“Luckily and unexpectedly,” the man said, “the medication that was effective in the attention deficit also helped with the fatigue. Today I am much more like the person I used to be.”

HOW THE PANDEMIC IS IMPACTING ADD/ADHD

The effects of long COVID aren’t the only way the pandemic has impacted inattention. Social distancing and quarantine restrictions have had a major influence on ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, according to the 2023 report in European Neuropsychopharmacology mentioned above. In part, this is due to the increased use of social media, gaming, and other technologies that contribute to distractibility and inattention.

Researchers have found that teens who consume the most social media and engage in the most texting are at greater risk of developing ADD/ADHD. In this study, which looked at the social media use of over 2,500 high school students, heavy use of digital media increased the odds of ADD/ADHD symptoms by about 10%.

TREATING POST-COVID ADD/ADHD-LIKE SYMPTOMS

If you’re struggling with inattention symptoms after having COVID, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Recommended treatments may include a host of natural solutions for ADD/ADHD and medications (if needed). However, considering the shortage of ADD/ADHD medications, it’s more critical than ever to incorporate natural strategies into your daily routine.

Brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics shows that ADD/ADHD is associated with low activity in the prefrontal cortex. This brain region is involved with planning, forethought, judgment, and impulse control. Here are 4 simple strategies that enhance activity in the PFC and can be helpful in reducing ADD/ADHD symptoms:

• Exercise: High-intensity physical activity enhances blood flow and is associated with reductions in symptoms.
• Eat a higher-protein diet: Consuming foods that are higher in protein increases focus and is beneficial for most people with ADD/ADHD.
• Reduce screen time: Spending too much time on video games, social media, and other tech gadgets increases attentional problems, according to research in Plos One. Screen time should be limited to less than half an hour per day.
• Consider nutritional supplements: Research shows that omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve attention in those with ADD/ADHD. Other nutraceuticals that promote healthy attention include rhodiola, ashwagandha, green tea extract, and ginseng.
• Focus on what not to do. Avoid things that make ADD/ADHD symptoms worse. Eliminating these bad habits can help keep symptoms in check.

ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.