Waverley Has ADHD?

    As someone with a substantial amount of knowledge on the intricacies of neurodivergence, that is the divergence from the standards of what deems someone's mental processes as typical, I couldn't help but notice that Waverley seems to depict tell-tale signs of ADHD from a young age. When looking at him through this modern diagnostic lens his behavior is quite understandable, giving us insight into Waverley's character that readers from before the time of modern psychiatry wouldn't have. 

    Waverley is all about chasing that dopamine high. What that means is that his priorities are decided based on what provides him with the most dopamine, the hormone that sends those feel good signals to his brain. We see this clearly at the beginning of the text when Waverley is described to devour novels of knights and adventures, but neglects other necessary academic pursuits. This is not only because he is too preoccupied with collecting as much temporary dopamine as he can, but because his mind goes into a state of paralysis at the thought of doing necessary tasks.

    Individuals with ADHD tend to suffer from a symptom called ADHD paralysis, which is where the brain prohibits the individual from doing certain tasks even if the individual knows it has to be done. The brain succeeds in its self sabotage through creating physical discomfort and a mental block, keeping the individual tethered to their small sources of dopamine. 

    When Waverley is depicted as lacking interest or avoiding responsibility, it isn't just his personality to blame, but also his mental inhibitions. His ADHD doesn't make him a bad character though, but rather a special character that allows us a glimpse into the world of an old-timey neurodivergent individual chasing his dopamine high.