What is ADHD?
ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function involves brain differences in attention regulationThe brain's ability to direct and sustain focus where you want it, when you want it, impulse controlThe ability to pause and think before acting on immediate urges or responses, and executive functionThe brain's management system that handles planning, organization, time management, task initiation, and follow-through. These differences create predictable friction with environments designed for neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms attention patterns and organization systems.
People with ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function often have intense focus when interested (hyperfocusPeriods of intense concentration on engaging activities, often at the expense of other tasks or awareness of time) but struggle with sustained attention on less engaging tasks. This creates a pattern of exceptional performance in some areas while facing significant challenges in others, particularly with traditional academic and workplace structures.
Reframing ADHD
Traditional descriptions focus on ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function as a "deficit" in attention and hyperactivity "disorder." A more accurate understanding recognizes it as brain differences that create challenges with interest-based attentionAttention system that focuses intensely on engaging, rewarding, or novel activities but struggles with boring tasks systems in environments designed for willpower-based attentionThe ability to force focus on tasks through discipline and self-control, regardless of interest level.
Think of ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function brains as having a different type of attention - one that works incredibly well when engaged and interested, but struggles when forced to focus on tasks that don't provide enough stimulationMental or sensory input that captures attention and maintains engagement. The struggles often come from mismatched expectations rather than broken brains.
Attention and Focus
Interest-based attentionAttention system that focuses intensely on engaging, rewarding, or novel activities but struggles with boring tasks that works differently than neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms willpower-based focusThe ability to force focus on tasks through discipline and self-control, regardless of interest level systems.
- Intense focus when interested (hyperfocusPeriods of intense concentration on engaging activities, often at the expense of other tasks or awareness of time)
- Difficulty sustaining attention on boring tasks
- Mind wandering during unstimulating activities
- DistractibilityAttention easily drawn to interesting or novel stimuli in the environment by more interesting stimuli
- All-or-nothing focus patterns
- Difficulty shifting attention when absorbed
Executive Function Challenges
Difficulty with the brain's management systems for planning, organizing, and completing tasks in expected timeframes.
- Task initiation paralysisDifficulty starting tasks even when you know they're important and want to complete them
- Working memoryThe brain's ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily while completing tasks limitations
- Time blindnessDifficulty accurately estimating how much time tasks will take or how much time has passed and planning difficulties
- Organization and priority management challenges
- Difficulty breaking large tasks into manageable steps
- Inconsistent follow-throughCompleting tasks and projects from start to finish, particularly with long-term or multi-step activities despite good intentions
Impulse Control and Hyperactivity
Immediate response to thoughts, feelings, and environmental stimuli, often before considering consequences.
- Speaking or acting before fully thinking through
- Difficulty waiting in situations that require patience
- Physical restlessnessNeed for movement and difficulty sitting still for extended periods and fidgeting
- Internal mental restlessness and racing thoughts
- Interrupting conversations unintentionally
- Emotional reactions that happen quickly and intensely
Emotional and Social Patterns
Intense emotions and social differences that create unique relational challenges and strengths.
- Rejection sensitive dysphoriaExtreme emotional pain triggered by perceived or real rejection, criticism, or failure
- Emotional highs and lows that feel intense
- Difficulty with criticism or feedback
- Social interaction patterns others might find overwhelming
- Deep empathy and enthusiasm when engaged
- Justice-sensitivity and advocacy for fairness
ADHD-Related Struggles
Click on any struggle to learn what it feels like, why it happens, and what can help.
Related Struggles from Other Conditions
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function frequently appears alongside other neurodivergentBrain differences that create distinct patterns of thinking, processing, and behavior conditions and mental health differences. Understanding these connections can help you get comprehensive support:
- Autism: Many people have both ADHDAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - brain differences affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function and autism, sharing sensory processingHow the nervous system receives and responds to sensory information from the environment and body differences and social challenges
- Anxiety disorders: Often develop from years of struggling in neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms environments without understanding or support
- Depression: Can result from chronic feelings of failure or inadequacy in unsupported environments
- Learning differences: Overlapping challenges with traditional educational approaches
- Sleep disorders: Difficulty with sleep hygiene and regular sleep schedules
- Eating disorders: DopamineNeurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure that plays a key role in ADHD seeking through food or restriction patterns
Professional Support
ADHD often benefits from specialized professional support. Here are specific resources to connect with ADHD-experienced providers and communities:
Finding ADHD Therapists
- Psychology Today ADHD Provider Search - Filter by ADHD specialty and insurance
- NAMI Local Support - National Alliance on Mental Illness ADHD support groups and resources
- ADDA Support Groups - Attention Deficit Disorder Association virtual and local groups
Medical & Medication Support
- Russell Barkley ADHD Resources - Free fact sheets, lectures, and research from the leading ADHD authority
- NIMH ADHD Information - Research-based treatment and medication guidelines
- CDC ADHD Treatment Guide - Evidence-based treatment recommendations and resources
Community & Advocacy
- ADDitude Magazine - Free articles, webinars, and ADHD life management strategies
- Understood.org ADHD Support - Community resources and local support group finder
- r/ADHD Community - Peer support and daily tips from 1.5M+ members