Movies about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

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What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis given to people who display an array of symptoms (see DSM-V criteria below) pointing to difficulties in sustaining attention to tasks (e.g. school work), and or above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children and teens and can continue into adulthood.

Many clinicians regard ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This implies that the symptoms result from differences in how the brain develops. A case can be made that ADHD, in its less severe forms, represents a variation (rather than disorder) that only appears pathological because of how society has changed, e.g. requiring children to sit still and learn in classrooms.

While people with ADHD struggle to focus their attention generally, they may also experience hyper-focus in areas that are of special interest to them. Unfortunately, controlling where they focus their attention is a challenge.

In psychiatry, ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or combined type. Read through the criteria below to get a better sense of what this diagnosis entails.

Prefer not to read the diagnostic criteria? No problem, scroll past to the movies below.

Abridged DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder | Provided for educational purposes

A. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterised by (1) and/or (2):

1. Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behaviour, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required.

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).

d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).

e. Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganised work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).

f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).

g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behaviour, defiance, hostility, or a failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required.

a. Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.

b. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).

c. Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate. (Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless.)

d. Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.

e. Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).

f. Often talks excessively.

g. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).

h. Often has difficulty waiting for his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).

i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).

Movies about Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

If we missed an essential film about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: The Peanut Butter Falcon - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2019

Rated: 7.6

Cast: Zack Gottsagen, Ann Pierce, Dakota Johnson

Storyline: Zak, a young man with Down syndrome runs away from his nursing home and embarks on a journey to become a professional wrestler, accompanied by a troubled fisherman named Tyler, forming an unlikely friendship as they navigate obstacles while Zak's ADHD traits add both challenges and unique qualities to their quest.

Movie Title: Finding Dory - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2016

Rated: 7.3

Cast: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill

Storyline: Dory, a friendly and forgetful fish with anterograde amnesia, embarks on a courageous journey with her friends, Nemo and Marlin, navigating the challenges of the vast ocean while Dory's ADHD traits add both excitement and unique perspectives to their quest.

Movie Title: Juno - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 7.5

Cast: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner

Storyline: A witty and independent-minded 16-year-old girl named Juno navigates the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy while juggling her school, relationships, and her unique perspective influenced by her ADHD traits.

Movie Title: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2010

Rated: 5.8

Cast: Logan Lerman, Kevin McKidd, Steve Coogan

Storyline: A dyslexic and ADHD-diagnosed teenager named Percy Jackson discovers he is the son of Poseidon and embarks on a perilous quest to prevent a war among the gods and retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt.

Movie Title: Så jävla easy going

Release: 2022

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Nikki Hanseblad, Melina Benett Paukkonen, Emil Algpeus

Storyline: While desperately trying to find ways to get her ADHD medication, 18-year-old Joanna is trying to figure out her newfound feelings towards her classmate Audrey, but also towards herself.

Movie Title: The Disruptors - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2022

Rated: 8.1

Cast: David Anderson, Dale Archer, Tim Armstrong

Storyline: A comprehensive documentary film that delves into the world of ADHD, exploring the experiences of individuals with ADHD, their families, and the misconceptions surrounding this commonly diagnosed neurological condition, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and debunking harmful myths associated with living with ADHD.

Movie Title: The Auction

Release: 2016

Rated:

Cast: Annie Larkin, Emelia Marshall Lovsey, Eleanor Pettet

Storyline: Ava's sister goes missing after they have an argument. Ava must fight her ADHD to find her sister with the help of an old school friend.

Movie Title: Mommy - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2014

Rated: 8.1

Cast: Ariana, Delaney, Jasper Holt-Teza

Storyline: A single mom is struggling with her teenager who has ADHD and attachment disorder. She finds hope when a new neighbour arrives in their lives.

Movie Title: Thumbsucker - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2005

Rated: 6.7

Cast: Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio

Storyline: A teenager living in Oregon copes with his love life, thumb-sucking problem, and his diagnosis with ADHD.

Movie Title: Take Your Pills

Release: 2018

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Ariana, Delaney, Jasper Holt-Teza

Storyline: The film focuses on ADHD medication abuse.

Movie Title: Free the Mind - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2012

Rated: 6.3

Cast: Richard Davidson, Emma Seppala, John Osborne

Storyline: A brain specialist experiments with yoga and meditation as a means of helping people with ADHD and PSTD. .

References and Links

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

What is ADHD?: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/

More on ADHD: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder

Acknowledgements

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi