Age of distraction: Screen time fuelling already underdiagnosed adult ADHD in SA

CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Professor Renata Schoeman, psychiatrist and head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School (Stellenbosch University).

Nearly half of adults believe their ability to focus has declined in our fast-paced, screen-addicted society.

In South Africa, those living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a perfect storm: an already under-recognised condition worsened by the unrelenting pull of screens.

That's how the problem is summarised by Stellenbosch Business School at SU.

Poor identification and access to specialist resources of common mental disorders indicate a treatment gap of up to 75%, with ADHD specifically going undetected, says Professor Renata Schoeman.

She describes what is meant by the attention economy that we're all living in.

"The attention economy is where the media and the various platforms are really designed to segment our attention and to fragment focus - that endless scrolling, we hook and we hook while it's suggesting the next clip.... and we have multiple screens and devices open..."

Prof. Renata Schoeman, Stellenbosch Business School

It's actually not the attention span of the average population that is declining, but rather a case of the disruption caused by technology, Prof. Schoeman says.

She cites credible research which shows that we underestimate the impact of technology and specifically the time we spend online.

"When it comes to how much people THINK they're online, even I as the 'dragon mom of screen time' underestimate my own time. You might think it's an hour or two a day and then if you go into your phone settings and digital wellbeing, you might be shocked... and we're only talking here about phones, we haven't even touched on the laptop or computer as well."

Prof. Renata Schoeman, Stellenbosch Business School

The research shows that, on average, people pick up their phones at least 80 times a day. Equate this with people coming to your office unannounced 80 times a day - how much work would you get done, how many times would you have to get back on track?

When it comes to people with ADHD, it's not that this distraction affects them differently, but MORE, she says.

"ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a clear biological underpinning where one of the neurotransmitters that is affected is dopamine. That's the neurotransmitter that helps you to focus, to stay on task and be motivated... and have a general sense of wellbeing. That is already lower or more vulnerable in someone with ADHD, and also some other disorders."

Prof. Renata Schoeman, Stellenbosch Business School

"When you look at how companies design the algorithm to have a constant stream of stimulation, of a dopamine fix that grabs you; your own natural dopamine levels keep declining, so we get addicted."

Prof. Renata Schoeman, Stellenbosch Business School

If you are already vulnerable, the chance for being able to regulate your screen time is less, the impulsivity to check is more, and then the chance for addiction is higher, the Prof says.

"That's where people who already battle with neurodevelopmental disorders are even more vulnerable, but so is any developing brain - you must remember our children and our youth as well."

Prof. Renata Schoeman, Stellenbosch Business School

Professor Schoeman also has advice on balancing our tech use - take a listen in the interview audio at the top of the article