Understanding the Hunter Farmer Theory

The Hunter Farmer Theory posits that tendencies associated with ADD and ADHD stem from our ancestral past as hunter-gatherers. This psychological model, introduced by Thomas Hartman, suggests that the traits seen in individuals with ADD, such as distractibility and hyper-focus, were advantageous for survival as hunters. For example, being easily distracted would allow a hunter to scan their environment effectively for prey, leading to successful hunts. In contrast, the shift to an agricultural lifestyle emphasized consistency and routine, traits that don't align with the natural inclinations of individuals with ADD, often causing them to struggle in modern environments.