ADHD and Present Hedonism: time perspective as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool

Abstract

The article draws primarily from the behavioral findings (mainly psychiatric and psychological observations) and points out the important relationships between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and time orientation. Specifically, the authors argue that there is a significant overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and Present Hedonism. Present Hedonism is defined by Zimbardo’s time perspective theory and assessed by Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Developmental data on Present Hedonism of males and females in the Czech population sample (N=2201) are also presented. The hypothesis of relationship between ADHD and Present Hedonism is mainly derived from the prevalence of addictive behavior (mainly excessive Internet use, alcohol abuse, craving for sweets, fatty foods, and fast foods), deficits in social learning, and increased aggressiveness both in ADHD and in the population scoring high on Present Hedonism in the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. We conclude that Zimbardo’s time perspective offers both: 1) a potential diagnostic tool – the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, particularly its Present Hedonism scale, and 2) a promising preventive and/or therapeutic approach by the Time Perspective Therapy. Time Perspective Therapy has so far been used mainly to treat past negative trauma (most notably, posttraumatic stress disorder); however, it also has value as a potential therapeutic tool for possible behavioral compensation of ADHD.

ADHD and lifestyle habits in Czech adults, a national sample

“…This is surprising as generally cocaine addiction along with nicotinism are the most common dependencies seen in those with ADHD. 8 , 18 , 20 The low use of cocaine in our sample may be due to lower availability of the drug or high price in the Czech Republic and/or other factors.…”

“…6 In the case of adult ADHD, it has been associated with perilous lifestyles such as drug abuse, smoking, poor dietary habits, in particular compulsive eating, as well as a general preference for sedentary living. 7 , 8 …”

ADHD Symptoms in Adults and Time Perspectives – Findings From a Czech National Sample

“…This led us to hypothesize that individuals with ADHD symptoms are likely to fall in the present hedonistic category of the ZTPI. Furthermore, we thought that research on the topic of expanding the use of the ZTPI could be helpful in the clinical setting in terms of giving an additional tool for treatment and management of the disorder (Weissenberger et al, 2016). We later also conducted the first study in the Czechia looking at adult ADHD symptomatology and correlating certain lifestyles.…”

Development of psychological time perspective: The types, predictors, and trends

“…stress disorder when they fostered shifts from the past to the present and future TP. We believe that our approach of time patterns as well as identification of significant predictors may lead to yet another approach of assessment and therapy which uses TP (e.g., Weissenberger et al, 2016;Ptacek et al, 2019).…”