I am a psychologist withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
ADHDis a part of my daily life, both in my career and in my own brain.
Some will point out that I do not behave like a child they know who has ADHD.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Part of the reason for that is, of course, that I am in my 30s.
I was never disruptive in the classroom and appeared to pay close attention to my teachers.
Each person is unique, including people with the same diagnosis.
Even within these subtypes, no two people with ADHD will be exactly the same.
Adults also have more control over their environment than children, so symptoms may not be as prevalent.
ADHD is not the same thing as typical challenges that come with being a person.
Thats why theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorderslists it as a diagnosis.
If you find yourself relating to peoples experiences with ADHD, consider looking into an evaluation.
It is possible that there is a reason you relate to those symptoms and difficulties.
As children, we internalize this message and believe that the things we struggle with result from our laziness.
As I noted in a previous section, ADHD symptoms create challenges.
By definition, they interfere with our ability to function and do things that come automatically to others.
Behaviors related to this brain difference are not the result oflaziness, disrespect, or lack of effort.
Insisting otherwise does not alleviate our symptoms, but it can hurt our self-esteem.
(By the way, if you struggle with this,habit stackingmight help!)
Of course, hyperfocus can be productivehow do you think I wrote an entire dissertation?
RSD shows up when an individual experiences perceived rejection or criticism with extreme intensity.
Combined withdifficulty regulating emotions, RSD can make it difficult for someone with ADHD to cope with rejection.
Be patient, be kind, and give space to process our emotions.
In my personal life, I have an excellent support system of people who get me.
At the same time, I facestigmaas a result of being open about my diagnosis.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD symptoms.
Some people thrive with support and do not take medication; others describe their medication as life-changing.
If someone asks for feedback or ideas, it is absolutely okay to make suggestions.
However, it is not your place to criticize the choices they make about theirtreatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.
Riglin L, Leppert B, Dardani C, et al.ADHD and depression: investigating a causal explanation.Psychol Med.
2021;51(11):1890-1897.
Ceceli AO, Esposito G, Tricomi E.Habit expression and disruption as a function of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomology.Front Psychol.
