What is ADHD?

 
 

ADHD is a disorder of executive dysfunction. This affects all area’s of a person’s life.

Executive dysfunction is a brain-based impairment that causes problems with analyzing, planning, organizing, scheduling, and completing tasks at all — or on deadline.

——————-

I personally like to differentiate between laziness and executive dysfunction.

Laziness is not wanting to do something therefore you don’t do it.

Executive dysfunction is when you want to do something but can’t make yourself— like if you want to eat ice cream but can’t make yourself get up to make yourself a bowl.

——————-

More on Executive Dysfunction: Additude

 

Why does this happen?

 

Types of ADHD & Symptoms

Inattention ADHD (previously referred to as ADD)

Common symptoms:

  • Doesn’t seem to listen when directly spoken to

  • Does not follow through on instructions

  • Loses things a lot

  • Is easily distracted

  • Is often forgetful

Hyperactive & Impulsive (Previously referred to as ADHD)

Common symptoms:

  • Often fidgets

  • Doesn’t seem to listen when directly spoken to

  • Often talks excessively

  • Has trouble waiting their turn

  • Often interrupts others

Combined type

As expected, this type is a combination of Inattentive and Hyperactive ADHD. Therefore, there can be symptoms from both types.

Source: CDC

Note: Girls/Women can display different symptoms than boys/men.

 Less talked about symptoms

 

Rejection Sensitivity

Time blindness

Object permanence