​A misleading term

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

 

The term ‘Attention Deficit’ makes it sound as though its main characteristic is an inability to pay attention, but this is misleading. 

 

ADHD makes it challenging to initiate, hold and regulate attention according to externally imposed demands.

 

In other words, people who have ADHD don’t easily activate their attention as expected, or when they are told to.

 

However, when they find an activity or topic interesting, they can go into a state of intense hyperfocus, to the point of completely losing track of time and even forgetting to eat!

 

This intensity can lead to very successful careers and accomplishments. Just think of Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Greta Gerwig, Trevor Noah, or Sir James Dyson.

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 Three types of ADHD 

Since hyperactivity is the most obvious ADHD symptom, it was the first to be recognized and treated. It's still what most people picture when they think of ADHD. But not everyone with ADHD is constantly bouncing off the walls!

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1. Hyperactive 

These are the fidgety, restless ones who exemplify the ADHD stereotype. For them, sitting still through a whole movie or class is hell.

 

2. Inattentive

Daydreamers with busy brains that defy externally imposed demands on attention. 

 

3. Combined

 An 'absent-minded professor’ who impulsively takes on commitments they have no time for. That quiet friend who tells entertaining, wandering stories at parties at the drop of a hat. ADHD symptoms mash up in all sorts of ways.

 

A lifelong condition that can wax and wane

The degree to which ADHD symptoms challenge daily functioning and quality of life can change depending on whether they can structure their environment and activities to support their attention. 

 

So, although symptoms can be more or less impactful from one point to another, they are a consistent fact of life for people with ADHD. 

 

That consistency over a lifetime distinguishes ADHD from other sources of ADHD-like symptoms, such as stress and certain medical conditions.

 

Painful when unrecognized

ADHD symptoms range in how they show up in each person, but many share certain experiences.

 

• Routine chores that are easy, if boring, to most people are tortuously hard to get started on and just as difficult to complete.

 

•  People with ADHD can feel very frustrated when they don't live up to the expectations of their family members, spouse, or colleagues.  Deep-seated shame and guilt often accompany ADHD.

 

• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is common among ADHDers, making social interactions and relationships painfully challenging at times.

 

• Many people with ADHD face family members, spouses, or colleagues who don’t believe it’s a real condition. Even some doctors continue to discredit or be unfamiliar with ADHD research and treatments.

 

• Other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, addictions, mood or sleep disorders, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) occur alongside ADHD.

 

The downsides of ADHD are undoubtedly discouraging. Discovering all the implications of ADHD and recognizing how they have impacted your life or the life of a partner or child can be heavy.

 

But the news isn’t all bad. 

 

The bright side

ADHDers who can throw themselves into their interests and passions can be extraordinarily creative and productive. 

 

ADHDers who receive a late-life diagnosis often feel profound relief. In one sense, it can be very reaffirming. “Now I know I’m not just crazy/lazy/stupid (insert perjorative adjective here)!” is a frequent response.

 

With self-awareness and compassion, it’s possible to figure out systems and approaches for daily activities that support a balanced work and private life. 

 

So if you or someone you love is dealing with ADHD symptoms, don’t despair. You are far from alone!

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Millions of people throughout the world can relate to you. 

And ADHD supports come in many forms:

 

• Reputable sources of information and ADHD friendly approaches to studying, dealing with ADHD paralysis, home maintenance, health, etc., are available for free online. 

• Coaching is one form of support to use as you get your bearings. It can be followed up on or combined with therapy and other services . . .

• . . . like peer support groups, for example. CADDAC, the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada, offers free peer support groups online.

 

I hope you have found this blog useful, whether for yourself or as a simple overview of ADHD to share. 

 

You can always reach out to me with the contact form on this site to set a time for a phone, FaceTime, or Zoom chat if you have questions about the coaching I offer.  

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