Insightful Images Capturing the ADHD Experience: A Visual Journey

These surreal images provide a captivating insight into the journey of an individual living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Just before his 40th birthday, visual artist Daniel Regan was diagnosed with ADHD. After starting treatment with the medication lisdexamfetamine, he noted significant changes in his perception, leading to a reduction in distractions. Regan describes his former mental state as “watching five movies in my head, each with its own soundtrack and subtitles.”

“Taking medication is like turning down the volume; it enables me to focus on one or two movies instead,” he continues. “This has helped me feel calmer and more present in the moment.”

During this transformative period, Regan photographed himself and his surroundings while hiking in Australia. By submerging these Polaroids in various ratios of ADHD medication and water for up to three months, he crafted distorted interpretations of his original images, saying, “It felt instinctive to process my diagnosis and medication artistically.”

In the main self-portrait, his form appears enveloped in a delicate silk shroud, exhibiting the fragile beauty surrounding these artistic interpretations.

Another piece reveals the vibrant chaos of Australian bushland, embodied in a bubble-like aesthetic. Regan states, “This image encapsulates the heightened sensory experience often associated with ADHD symptoms.”

The stunning blue image above began as a simple self-portrait but evolved dramatically from the infusion process involving ADHD medication, resulting in fascinating biological and molecular effects. Regan explains, “This process reflects how medication influences neurotransmitters within the brain, as lisdexamfetamine elevates dopamine levels.”

Highlighted elements of leaves and branches exhibit vivid yellows and greens. The penultimate image reminds Regan of his late mother, reflecting on how she would perceive his recent diagnosis and its implications for his past challenges.

These striking visuals form a collection titled “C.”₁₅H₂₅N₃, representing the molecular formula of Regan’s medication. His work, showcased in the Belonging exhibition, arises from a deepening understanding of ADHD. Characterized by persistent symptoms such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty managing time, ADHD often manifests in childhood, as highlighted in this National Institute of Mental Health guide.

“Describing the internal experience can be challenging; my images aim to convey some of that inner turmoil and complexity,” Regan shares.