Understanding ADHD

What a Diagnosis Really Means

For years, people clung to the “H” in ADHD–which stands for hyperactivity. It was long stereotyped that ADHD was only seen in “wild” or hyper children. In fact, for a long time ADHD was incorrectly categorized by professionals as a disruptive behavior disorder. In other words, it was thought that people with ADHD were uncooperative or defiant.

As of 2013 ADHD was appropriately re-categorized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that it actually impacts your central nervous system and brain development. Symptoms can show up as issues in your personal, social, academic, or professional life.

ADHD Criteria

Inattention and/or Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

The “H” in ADHD is there for a reason, but hyperactivity isn’t the only criteria required to diagnose ADHD. People with ADHD show persistent patterns of:

Inattention

The inability to carefully complete a task, pay attention, or think about something.

and / or
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

Having an unusually high level of excitement or activity and acting on sudden wants without careful thought.

Even with those criteria present, ADHD symptoms look different for everyone. If you think that you or someone you love might be experiencing ADHD-related symptoms, know that you are not alone.

ADHD is Common

Overall, more than 14 million Americans have ADHD and diagnoses continue to rise each year.

ADHD is Treatable

The rates of treated ADHD continue to be lower than the rates of ADHD diagnosis, which suggests that the condition is undertreated—not overtreated, which was previously assumed. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with ADHD can regain their sense of normalcy and experience many positive outcomes.

ADHD is Treatable

The rates of treated ADHD continue to be lower than the rates of ADHD diagnosis, which suggests that the condition is undertreated—not overtreated, which was previously assumed. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with ADHD can regain their sense of normalcy and experience many positive outcomes.

ADHD is Not Your Fault

ADHD is caused by developmental changes in a person’s brain. While changes in environment can influence the way symptoms show up, the disorder is driven by biological and chemical impairments.

ADHD FAQs

Can an adult have ADHD?

Absolutely, yes. Thirty years ago, there was a belief that ADHD just occurred in childhood. The assumption was that children grew out of their ADHD at some point in early adulthood. That is not the case. The symptoms causing impairment may be different in adults with more prominent inattentive symptoms, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and problems with executive function like procrastination. The majority of people who have ADHD as children will continue to have it as adults.

What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD is an outdated medical term meant to describe someone who isn’t hyperactive but has trouble paying attention. ADHD is the correct medical term we use now but it is divided into the following 3 presentations that are not necessarily fixed across the life span:

  • ADHD, primarily inattentive type (ADD)
  • ADHD, primarily hyperactive-impulsive type
  • ADHD, combined type

Unless the specific subset of ADHD is needed for medical or official documents, we just say ADHD.

Doesn’t ADHD just mean you’re lazy or lack willpower?

No. People with ADHD are no lazier or less determined than those who have not been diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is NOT a problem of willpower even though people with ADHD might work better under some optimal level of stress.

See More FAQs

Learn More About ADHD Treatment

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