Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects millions worldwide. It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in both children and adults. However, many people are undiagnosed, especially adults and women, who often experience ADHD differently than the stereotypical “hyper child.”
Myth: ADHD is just a lack of willpower, discipline, or laziness.
Reality: ADHD is a brain-based neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning skills, like attention regulation, organization, planning, emotional regulation, and impulse control. It can impact academic performance, workplace productivity, relationships and overall quality of life.
Myth: People with ADHD can’t focus on anything.
Reality: Many people with ADHD can become deeply engaged, or hyper focused, in activities they find interesting or rewarding. Their challenge isn’t a lack of attention, but difficulty directing attention where it’s needed most.
Myth: People with ADHD can’t perform well in school or at work.
Reality: Many are highly intelligent, motivated and successful. However, they may achieve success while experiencing significant stress, burnout, procrastination, or difficulty managing daily responsibilities behind the scenes.
Myth: Only children have ADHD.
Reality: While symptoms often begin in childhood, ADHD can continue into adolescence and adulthood. Adults may experience different symptoms, such as chronic disorganization, difficulty managing time, forgetfulness, or challenges with maintaining focus at work.
In general, ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. You may experience one type or a combination of both.
Signs of Inattention
- Frequently losing or misplacing important items
- Difficulty organizing tasks and responsibilities
- Trouble paying attention to details
- Forgetting appointments, deadlines or daily tasks
- Being easily distracted
- Struggling to complete projects or follow instructions, unless it’s interesting
Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Feeling restless or unable to sit still
- Difficulty tolerating frustration or regulating emotions
- Frequent fidgeting
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting conversations
- Acting before thinking through consequences
- Difficulty waiting for your turn
Adults with ADHD may find it harder to stay on top of things like exercise and healthy eating. Sleep issues are also common. They’re often at a higher risk of self-medicating with substances or alcohol and of experiencing mood or anxiety disorders.
Remember: everyone experiences some of these behaviors occasionally. If you have ADHD, you’ll have persistent symptoms that interfere with multiple areas of your life, including school, work, home, or relationships.
Many go undiagnosed for years because they assume their struggles are personality traits rather than symptoms of ADHD. If you think you have symptoms of ADHD but haven’t been diagnosed, the best place to start is talking to your Primary Care Provider or a mental health provider.
There’s no single test for ADHD. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history and how those symptoms affect your daily life. Your provider may recommend additional medical and psychological testing to help make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment options for you.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Discuss treatment options with your provider. A combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medicine, has been shown to be the most effective treatment option for ADHD. You can also incorporate lifestyle changes to help you cope with ADHD symptoms.
- Use calendars, reminder and task management tools.
- Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Create routines and consistent schedules.
- Prioritize sleep, exercise and nutrition.
- Practice mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques.
- Seek support through coaching, therapy or ADHD support groups.
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