title: ADHD and Present Hedonism: time perspective as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
abstract: The article draws primarily from the behavioral findings (mainly psychiatric and psychological observations) and points out the important relationships between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and time orientation. Specifically, the authors argue that there is a significant overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and Present Hedonism. Present Hedonism is defined by Zimbardo's time perspective theory and assessed by Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Developmental data on Present Hedonism of males and females in the Czech population sample (N=2201) are also presented. The hypothesis of relationship between ADHD and Present Hedonism is mainly derived from the prevalence of addictive behavior (mainly excessive Internet use, alcohol abuse, craving for sweets, fatty foods, and fast foods), deficits in social learning, and increased aggressiveness both in ADHD and in the population scoring high on Present Hedonism in the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. We conclude that Zimbardo's time perspective offers both: 1) a potential diagnostic tool - the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, particularly its Present Hedonism scale, and 2) a promising preventive and/or therapeutic approach by the Time Perspective Therapy. Time Perspective Therapy has so far been used mainly to treat past negative trauma (most notably, posttraumatic stress disorder); however, it also has value as a potential therapeutic tool for possible behavioral compensation of ADHD.
authors.affiliation: First Medical Faculty, Charles University.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weissenberger
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Klicperova-Baker
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zimbardo
authors.affiliation: First Medical Faculty, Charles University.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schonova
authors.affiliation: First Medical Faculty, Charles University.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Akotia
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kostal
authors.affiliation: Second Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goetz
authors.affiliation: First Medical Faculty, Charles University.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raboch
authors.affiliation: First Medical Faculty, Charles University.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ptacek
keywords: ADHD; ZTPI; Zimbardo; addiction; alcoholism; delinquency; problematic Internet use; time perspective; video games