From Oriole Parker-Rhodes
I was intrigued to read in your article on human evolution that a gene associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been selected for and is increasing in the population, though it is not known why (11 March, p 30).
One thinks of ADHD in children as a problem. I think it is only a problem when they don’t know what to do with their abounding energy. The deficit of attention is in the attention paid to what adults want them to do. I suspect such children can become highly productive and motivated people once they find a satisfying direction in which to use their abilities. It would be interesting to trace the adults who suffered ADHD as children – comparing those treated with Ritalin and those not – and see how well they are coping with life now.
Llangoed, Anglesey, UK
