ADHD, Attention, and the Environment We Live In

Is ADHD a real condition or just modern distraction?

ADHD is a well-established neurodevelopmental condition, distinct from the general distractibility that heavy social-media use can produce. Both are real, but they are not the same thing. This distinction matters, because the right support depends on which you are dealing with. Regular aerobic exercise has good evidence for improving attention in ADHD (2024 meta-analysis, Hedges g = 0.55 for inhibitory control). Omega-3 evidence is mixed: some meta-analyses show modest benefit (SMD 0.31-0.38), while a 2023 meta-analysis found no significant improvement overall. NICE recommends medication as first-line for moderate-severe ADHD. CBT is effective for adult ADHD, particularly for executive function and emotional dysregulation. Written by Sanah Younis, BABCP-accredited CBT therapist at The Lyceum, West London.