ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
What is ADHD/ADD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD), sometimes called ADD, is a neurodevelopmental brain difference that affects both children and adults. Rather than being a “disorder” in the traditional sense, ADHD reflects a different style of attention, regulation, and executive functioning. These differences can bring both challenges and strengths, depending on the environment and supports available.
ADHD often involves differences in:
Attention – difficulty sustaining focus on less engaging tasks, while being able to hyperfocus on areas of strong interest.
Impulsivity – acting quickly or speaking before thinking, which can sometimes lead to mistakes, but can also foster spontaneity and creativity.
Hyperactivity/Restlessness – feeling driven to move or “on the go,” which can make sitting still hard but also fuels energy and productivity.
Executive functioning – differences in planning, organizing, prioritizing, time management, and task initiation.
Emotional regulation – feeling emotions intensely, which can lead to overwhelm but also to passion, empathy, and strong advocacy.
These experiences are not “failures,” but rather differences in how the ADHD brain is wired. Difficulties often arise because most school and work systems are not designed with ADHD brains in mind.
Understanding ADHD Across the Lifespan
ADHD is heritable, with research showing around 70–80% of ADHD traits run in families. It is a lifelong neurotype, though how it shows up can shift over time.
In children, ADHD may look like hyperactivity, distractibility, or impulsive behavior.
In adolescents, challenges with organization, planning, and time management often become more obvious as school demands increase.
In adults, outward hyperactivity may lessen, but internal restlessness, inattention, and executive functioning struggles often persist.
Because diagnostic criteria were historically based on boys, many girls, women, and AFAB individuals are diagnosed later—or missed altogether. They may mask or compensate, often being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other conditions first.
Why ADHD Can Be Missed
Some reasons ADHD is not always recognized early:
Developmental variation – behaviors like high energy or impulsivity can be seen as “normal” in young children.
Masking – especially among women and AFAB individuals, who often learn to hide or overcompensate for difficulties.
Co-occurring conditions – anxiety, depression, or learning differences may overlap with ADHD traits.
Stigma – misconceptions about ADHD can delay screening and support.
Different presentations – some people are primarily inattentive rather than hyperactive, making ADHD less obvious.
Strengths in ADHD
While ADHD can bring challenges, it also comes with strengths that should be recognized and celebrated:
Creativity and outside-the-box problem solving
Ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest
High energy and enthusiasm
Resilience from navigating challenges
Strong sense of humor, empathy, and innovation
A neurodiversity-affirming approach focuses on building environments that minimize barriers and highlight these strengths, while also supporting executive functioning and emotional well-being.
ADHD in Adults
ADHD does not end in childhood. Many adults with ADHD describe:
Inattention – difficulty sustaining focus, organizing, or meeting deadlines.
Restlessness – a need to move, take breaks, or switch tasks frequently.
Emotional dysregulation – strong, fast-changing emotions that can affect relationships and self-esteem.
Memory differences – forgetfulness with details, dates, or names.
Relationship & career challenges – difficulties with communication, consistency, or managing responsibilities.
Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, often related to living in systems that don’t support ADHD ways of thinking.
It's important to note that not all adults with ADHD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary in severity. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
ADHD in Girls and Women
ADHD often shows up differently in girls and women than in boys and men, which has historically led to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Many girls and women present with the primarily Inattentive type, without the more visible hyperactivity or impulsivity. As a result, their struggles are often mislabeled as stress, anxiety, or depression.
Because diagnostic criteria were developed largely from research on boys, many girls and women go unnoticed until later in life—sometimes not until adulthood—despite experiencing significant challenges.
Common Experiences
Inattention – Difficulty sustaining focus, completing tasks, or remembering details.
Emotional regulation – Intense emotions, mood swings, difficulty managing stress, feeling “too much” or easily overwhelmed.
Restlessness – Internal restlessness or need to stay busy, even if not outwardly hyperactive.
Relationships – Communication challenges, forgetfulness, impulsivity creating strain in friendships or partnerships.
Self-esteem – Internalizing struggles, leading to shame, self-doubt, or feeling misunderstood.
Organization & time management – Procrastination, clutter, missed deadlines.
Co-occurring conditions – Anxiety, depression, and trauma often overlap, further masking ADHD.
(It’s important to remember not every woman experiences all of these traits, and severity can vary greatly.)
Why Comprehensive Assessment Matters
Because ADHD traits overlap with many other conditions, careful evaluation is crucial. Distractibility may also be caused by sleep issues, anxiety, or sensory differences. A comprehensive neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation looks across domains including:
Cognitive and intellectual abilities
Attention and working memory
Executive functioning and processing skills
Language and visual-spatial functioning
Emotional and behavioral health
This broad approach helps distinguish ADHD from other concerns such as autism, learning differences, mood or anxiety disorders, post-concussion symptoms, sensory integration issues, sleep problems, or substance use/trauma history.
Testing is typically spread across 2–3 sessions to reduce fatigue and ensure accuracy.
Lived Experience
For many individuals, finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis is life-changing—not because new traits emerge, but because there is finally an explanation for years of feeling “different” or “not enough.” Diagnosis often brings relief, validation, and the ability to access strategies, accommodations, and a stronger sense of self-compassion.
Next Steps: Creating a Support Plan
While ADHD is lifelong, the symptoms can be managed effectively with a personalized support plan. This may include:
Therapy & Coaching – CBT, mindfulness, executive functioning coaching, and emotional regulation support.
Parent & Family Support – Parent training, positive reinforcement systems, and home strategies.
Medication – Can reduce core symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.
Lifestyle Supports – Consistent routines, good sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition.
The right plan is different for each person, and many benefit from a combination of supports.
Helpful Resources
CHADD – National nonprofit for ADHD education, advocacy, and support.
ADDitude Magazine – Articles, webinars, and practical strategies.
ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association; directory of support groups and professionals.
How We Can Help
At North Metro Psychological Services, we specialize in ADHD evaluation and support for both children and adults. Our clinicians provide affirming, comprehensive assessments that highlight both strengths and challenges, along with personalized recommendations to support school, work, relationships, and overall well-being.
If you recognize yourself or your child in this description, we encourage you to reach out. Contact us today to learn more about your next steps.