Moderated by Drew Johnson from the GoodAttention group, the discussion featured philosopher and ADHD coach Roberta Locatelli, psychiatrist and journalist Charlotte Lunde, author and poet Martine Næss Johansen, and psychologist Lucie Glede Collett from ADHD Norge.
Panelists reflected on their work and perspectives on ADHD, addressing issues like the rapid rise in ADHD diagnoses, potential factors contributing to this trend—including increased awareness, changing diagnostic criteria, and possible links to smartphone use—and the differences in diagnosis across age groups and genders.
The conversation explored the relationship between ADHD and attention, debating whether ADHD should be understood primarily as a medical condition or as an instance of neurodiversity. Panelists questioned whether the classification of ADHD as a disorder inherently implies dysfunction or harm, or whether it can be a useful label providing access to support and treatment. They also examined how ADHD relates to other attention-related conditions, such as PTSD, and considered whether medication is often favored over social and structural changes that could better support individuals with ADHD.
Another important topic was how societal attitudes towards attention shape perceptions of ADHD. The discussion challenged traditional notions of "good" attention—typically defined as sustained, singular focus—by exploring alternative models that acknowledge diverse styles of attention. Panelists highlighted how schools and workplaces are simultaneously structured to require deep focus—focus on demand—while flooding individuals with distractions, raising questions about how institutional settings can be redesigned to be more inclusive.
The conversation was lively and thought-provoking, with panelists engaging with both philosophical and practical dimensions of ADHD. Audience participation further enriched the discussion, indicating a strong public interest in the topic.
Organizer
Drew Johnson, Yael Friedman, Victor Lange and Eirik Tangeraas Lygre, GoodAttention, University of Oslo