Find a therapist to help with ADHD

ADHD symptoms change with seasons.

Sunlight and Vitamin D levels are what drive this change.

Knowing about the seasonality of ADHD can help with tailored interventions.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, emotional regulation, and energy. Unbeknownst to many people, the nature and intensity of symptoms can change over time. They actually evolve with seasons. Now that summer is close, many people with ADHD may notice that the winter funk is slowly leaving. Energy may feel higher, distraction becomes easier to manage, but sleep may become more elusive. It's not just an impression, but something that seems to affect all people with ADHD.

Studies show that in summer, people are more energized and chipper, while in winter, ADHD symptoms often become harder to manage, and people feel blue and more nervous. While seasonality affects all individuals, it appears that people with ADHD are disproportionately affected by it, with a much higher likelihood of having Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in winter, and more sleep issues during summer.

How Seasonality Affects ADHD Diagnosis

This effect goes as far as affecting how likely you are to get an ADHD diagnosis: A Dutch study of more than 5000 people found that people were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in early spring, when inattentive and hyperactive symptoms peaked, than in autumn, right after summer. The reason is that ADHD........

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