Do I Have ADHD?

Christi Underwood
1 day ago
3 min read

ADHD is a disorder that seems to appear around every corner; you read posts about it on social media, hear about it from internet personalities, and see characters with it on television and movie screens. Feeds are even saturated with businesses selling supposed cures (buy this supplement and never lose focus again!). With the topic so prominent in everyday conversation, it’s easy to wonder, “Do I have ADHD?”

This question arises because many people relate to ADHD on some level, as a handful of its aspects come with just being human. But for some, the struggle is a lot more challenging.

The historical lack of screening complicates things as well; older generations grew up in an era where ADHD was not on the radar of mental health professionals and, thus, they went unscreened, undiagnosed, and left wondering if something was wrong.

Read on to explore the question of “Do I have ADHD?” further and learn what ADHD is and how it impacts executive functioning.

ADHD: The Basics

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how efficiently the brain manages activity, impulses, and attention levels. ADHD isn’t an issue of willpower or motivation, but rather a reflection of deviations in brain development and chemistry.

Symptom-wise, ADHD tends to fall into three categories:

Inattention (such as forgetfulness, inability to follow through, or trouble concentrating)
Hyperactivity (such as excessive movement, restlessness, speaking quickly, or an internal sense of angst or discomfort)
Impulsivity (such as lack of patience, interrupting others, or engaging in activities without considering the consequences)

Like so many things in life, ADHD exists on a spectrum, and not everyone experiences all symptoms (or to the same degree). Some people may be more impacted by ADHD’s hyperactive aspects, while others are more impulsive. Some people may show symptoms of impulsivity while not being inattentive at all. Some may lack hyperactivity but struggle with focus, losing items, or getting things done.

ADHD symptoms also tend to vary between the sexes. Boys are more likely to be disruptive, impulsive, and hyperactive, which typically leads to them being diagnosed more often. Girls tend to be inattentive; they may daydream or regularly get distracted. Because their symptoms are subtler, their ADHD is easily overlooked. This can lead to women, in particular, entering adulthood without a diagnosis.

The Common Denominator

Although ADHD symptoms vary from person to person, the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity of this disorder share a commonality: They impact executive functioning skills.

These skills allow people to succeed in the following areas:

Organization
Focus
Working memory
Time management
Emotional regulation
Planning and prioritizing

Anything that disrupts these skills can dramatically impact everyday life and interfere with everything from studying for finals to preparing a business presentation to remembering a dentist appointment or finding your car keys.

The Diagnostic Dilemma

ADHD isn’t always obvious. Over time, people with this disorder learn to mask its effects. Masking takes many forms, including working long hours, relying too heavily on reminders and routines, using apps or gadgets to improve focus, over-preparing for mundane activities, avoiding certain tasks, or outsourcing (such as delegating time management to your assistant). While it might sound helpful, masking often leads to burnout, increased self-doubt, and greater stress.

Masking is most common in adults, but kids can do it, too. It’s also more common in women, likely due to social expectations that teach females, from a young age, to be organized, regulated, and cooperative. Regardless of age or gender, masking can further complicate diagnosis.

Do I Have ADHD? The Only Way to Know

The question of whether or not you have ADHD can’t be answered through a blog, an online test, or a TikTok reel; the only way to know is through a professional evaluation. If you learn the why behind the disruptions, then you can begin to work with your diagnosis.

ADHD is a complex clinical condition that requires a trained clinician, someone whose expertise can help decipher ADHD from everyday quirks, stress, trauma, and other mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression, which may co-occur alongside ADHD).

Our team of doctoral-level clinical psychologists at Tailored Brain Health is uniquely qualified to help. Offering telehealth services in 42 states and in-person services in Greensboro, NC, we treat a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions through standardized interviews, evaluation measures, and appropriate assessment of the clinical criteria and related context and comorbidities.