ADHD and Mental Paralysis in the Classroom

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. While the primary symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are widely recognised, a less-discussed aspect of ADHD is mental paralysis. This phenomenon can profoundly impact a student’s ability to function effectively in the classroom, often leading to frustration, underachievement, and significant emotional distress. Mental paralysis is not a well studied area and I was unable to find any hard data or peer reviewed studies. It is mentioned in one study by Yeung (2022) but only in the context of misleading social media videos.