Understanding ADHD: It’s More Than Just a Short Attention Span

Your ADHD isn’t a weakness – it’s a gift

"ADHD isn’t a behavior problem. It’s a brain difference." – Dr. Ned Hallowell

If you find yourself constantly distracted, overwhelmed, or unable to finish tasks—even ones you want to complete—you might wonder, “Is this just how I am, or is something else going on?”

You’re not alone. And no, it’s not “just laziness” or “not trying hard enough.” For many people, the answer lies in three letters: ADHD.

As a psychiatrist, I work with many adults and young people who have lived for years thinking they were scattered, unmotivated, or broken—when in reality, they were undiagnosed and misunderstood.

📊 How Common Is ADHD?

• About 11% of children and 4.4% of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD.

• Many adults with ADHD go undiagnosed—some were never assessed as children.

• ADHD affects people of all ages, races, and genders.

• Women and girls are often underdiagnosed because their symptoms may be less hyperactive and more internal (like daydreaming or disorganization).

  
  

🧠 What Is ADHD, Really?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels. It’s not about being lazy or unfocused—it’s about how the brain processes and prioritizes information.

There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive Type

• Trouble staying focused

• Easily distracted by thoughts or surroundings

• Frequently forgets things or loses items

• Struggles to follow through on tasks

• Often labeled as “spacey” or “not paying attention”

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

• Fidgeting or restlessness

• Talks excessively or interrupts

• Acts without thinking

• Difficulty staying seated or still

• Appears “driven by a motor”

3. Combined Type

• A mix of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms

  
  

❗ What ADHD Feels Like

ADHD isn’t just forgetting your keys or zoning out in a meeting. It’s living with a brain that operates on fast-forward, but without a pause or filter button.

People with ADHD often describe:

• Constant mental noise or racing thoughts

• Difficulty managing time

• Trouble finishing tasks—even important ones

• Emotional sensitivity or quick frustration

• A sense of never being able to “catch up”

• Feeling misunderstood or ashamed

  
  

🔍 What Causes ADHD?

There isn’t one single cause, but research points to a combination of factors:

• Genetics – ADHD often runs in families

• Brain differences – Differences in structure and chemical activity (especially dopamine)

• Environmental factors – Premature birth, early exposure to toxins, or prenatal complications

• Executive dysfunction – The brain’s “management system” has trouble organizing, planning, and regulating emotions

ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, too much sugar, or screen time. It is a real, biological condition.

🛠️ Is ADHD Treatable?

Yes—very treatable. With the right approach, people with ADHD can thrive personally, academically, and professionally.

Common treatment strategies include:

1. Medication

• Stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin) are the most well-known and work quickly.

• Non-stimulants (like Strattera or guanfacine) can also be effective, especially if someone has side effects from stimulants.

2. Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps with planning, emotion regulation, and reducing negative self-talk.

• ADHD coaching focuses on practical strategies to manage time, organization, and goals.

3. Lifestyle & Behavioral Tools

• Using planners, alarms, and visual reminders

• Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps

• Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and consistent routines

• Creating structure that supports—not punishes—how the ADHD brain works

  
  

💬 Living With ADHD

ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy, irresponsible, or incapable. It means your brain is wired differently—and once you understand that, everything can change.

People with ADHD are often:

• Creative problem-solvers

• Big-picture thinkers

• Passionate, spontaneous, and resilient

• Empathetic and deeply intuitive

Diagnosis is not the end—it’s the beginning of understanding yourself more fully.

📣 You Deserve Support—Not Shame

If this article sounds familiar, don’t ignore that inner voice. ADHD can affect every area of life, but with support, it becomes something you learn to work with, not against.

👉 Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today if you think you or a loved one may be living with ADHD. Noble Psychiatric Services is Here to Help Contact Us 📞💙 505-595-1200

👉 With understanding, tools, and care—you can move from chaos to clarity.