Adult ADHD FAQ

Is ADHD real?

Absolutely yes. There is considerable data from neuroscientists and other researchers demonstrating genetic differences, brain differences and different patterns of brain activation among people with ADHD.

How common is ADHD?

A study by researchers at Harvard found that 4% of American adults continue to suffer from symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is an underestimate, since the criteria used for diagnosis in this study were later found to be too restrictive. Many of these people have no idea that ADHD is causing many of their life problems.

I don’t have hyperactivity. Does that mean that I don’t have ADHD?

Despite the name, individuals can have ADHD with or without hyperactivity. However, most adults with ADHD do have problems with attention, distractibility, impulsiveness and executive functioning. Some also have mood challenges.

What are the mood challenges of ADHD?

Many people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and/or depression. In addition, about half of people with ADHD are extra reactive to stress, becoming easily overwhelmed, frustrated, irritable and angry.

Why wasn’t I diagnosed with ADHD as a child?

The people most likely to be diagnosed as children are white boys who act out. If you don’t fall into that category, your ADHD could easily be missed. Most people with ADHD have an average to high level of intelligence. In fact, people with high intelligence often suffer more when they have ADHD, because it may never have been diagnosed in childhood. When you were a child, your teachers and parents may have seen that you did well in some subjects, and so they did not identify the ADHD, instead saying things like “You need to try harder” or “you’re lazy.”

What are some signs that I might have ADHD?

While no two people with ADHD are completely alike in their symptoms, here are some common issues that many people have:

  • Your relationship partner often complains that you’re not listening
  • People have often told you that you are an underachiever in school
  • Your grades in school were uneven, with good grades in classes that you liked, and poor grades in subjects that you found dull
  • You have great difficulty finishing boring and tedious tasks
  • You are easily distracted and have difficulty completing tasks
  • You feel like a failure, or you have low self-esteem
  • You struggle with time management skills and lose track of details
  • Your personal finances are disorganized
  • You frequently lose track of personal items or appointments
  • You tend to blurt things out in social situations, then regret it
  • You feel restless and squirmy during long meetings, especially when bored

What is executive functioning and what is its connection to ADHD?

Executive functioning refers to the cognitive skills necessary for self-management. This can include time management, being organized, keeping your spaces tidy, starting and finishing work on time, keeping track of appointments, keeping track of tasks, setting priorities and many more life skills. See page on Executive Functioning Coaching for more information.

How is ADHD assessed?

Please see my ADHD Assessment page for information on this.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD can be effectively treated through a combination of psychotherapy and/or medications. Often people with ADHD have emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or depression, as well. My role in your treatment can be to assess whether you have ADHD and, if I have availability, to help with your executive functioning challenges. Another psychotherapist will work with you on other difficulties you may have.

Is medication strictly necessary for treating ADHD?

No, and some people who have pre-existing cardiac problems cannot take ADHD medications. Nonetheless, most people with ADHD do find that medications make their lives easier, because meds help with attention and distractibility, which are cognitive functions that cannot otherwise be helped.

Is there anything good about having ADHD?

Yes. People with ADHD are often creative problem-solvers. For that reason, teams that have an ADHD person on them are often more effective. Also, people with ADHD are often artistically creative. They are especially passionate about their interests and can inspire others. They may see connections that others, who are more linear thinkers, do not see.

To learn more, check out these links: