What is ADHD?
ADHD brain
What is ADHD?
This is a loaded question, because ADHD can have many different presentations and symptoms. Do you think you know a lot about ADHD? Think again, you probably don’t! Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuro developmental conditions, affecting children, teens, and adults worldwide. While it is often discussed in terms of focus and attention, ADHD is much more than being “easily distracted” — it’s a complex condition that impacts how the brain manages tasks, regulates emotions, and organizes daily life.
Types of ADHD
Predominantly hyperactive-impulse type
This is the classic type of ADHD that everyone thinks of when they hear the term “ADHD”. Think of the kid in the classroom, running around like crazy, can’t settle down, attention seeking, annoying other kids without self awareness, having a never-ending-motor, always getting in trouble. Key features include fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, talking excessively or blurting out answers before questions are finished, difficulty waiting turns, acting without thinking about consequences, and constantly “on the go” or feeling restless. This type is more noticeable in children because the behaviors are external and active, but it can occur at any age.
Predominantly inattentive type (formerly ADD)
This type of ADHD is harder to diagnose and often goes unnoticed. It is more prominent in girls, but can also be seen in boys. Key features include trouble sustaining attention, easily distracted by sights, sounds, or unrelated thoughts, frequently loses items (keys, homework, phone), struggles with following through on instructions, appears forgetful in daily activities, often makes careless mistakes due to inattention. People with this presentation may not display hyperactivity but still experience significant challenges with focus and organization.
ADHD combined presentation
This type of ADHD combines both some features of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness. Key features include experiencing challenges with focus, organization, and self-regulation, often struggles with time management and emotional control, may shift between distraction and high physical/mental energy.
This is the most common ADHD presentation in both children and adults.
A Brain-Based Difference
ADHD is rooted in differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that control executive functions — the mental skills that help us plan, organize, start tasks, stay focused, and manage time. These differences are not a result of poor discipline, laziness, or lack of intelligence. In fact, many people with ADHD are highly creative, energetic, and innovative thinkers. The science behind ADHD has vastly improved over the years, and brain imaging has actually shown a difference in the frontal lobe (and other areas of the brain to a smaller degree) of kids with ADHD vs kids without ADHD.
It’s More Than “Paying Attention”
My biggest challenge in being an ADHD specialist is trying to teach my clients ALL of the deficits they may have from ADHD, and how to address them. Most people present to my office expecting a magic pill to cure their ADHD. While ADHD medication is very effective, it is just one treatment in managing ADHD. ADHD often affects much more than focus. I try and teach my clients just how important it is to learn and implement strategies and accommodations to live a much less chaotic life. Medication alone is not enough. Some of the challenges that ADHD includes include are:
Time management – Underestimating how long tasks will take or procrastinating until deadlines are urgent.
Emotional regulation – Quick frustration, mood swings, or sensitivity to criticism.
Working memory – Forgetting what you just read, where you put something, or the next step in a task.
Organization – Struggling to keep spaces, schedules, and priorities in order.
Attention – Staying focused on tasks and filtering out distractions.
Effort – Sustaining mental energy to start and complete tasks.
Activation & Focus – Getting started on tasks promptly and maintaining attention until finished.
Self-Monitoring – Checking and adjusting your work or behavior as you go.
Strengths in ADHD
This is my favorite topic! Although ADHD brings challenges, it can also come with powerful strengths. Recognize and embrace the special talents ADHD may have given you. Not everyone is blessed with these gifts. It’s only fair when life throws you something very challenging, good things can also come from it!
Creativity and “outside the box” thinking
Ability to hyperfocus on topics of interest
Resilience and adaptability
High energy and enthusiasm for projects that inspire them
When strengths are recognized and supported, people with ADHD can thrive in academics, careers, relationships, and personal goals.
Diagnosis and Treatment
ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes symptom history, behavior reports, and sometimes cognitive testing. Your primary care physician should not be diagnosing this in a 15 minute appointment. When looking for a provider to get ADHD testing from, make sure they specialize in ADHD, the assessment process is very thorough, and that further testing (like lab tests) may be recommended to rule out other disorders that mimic ADHD. If you do get diagnosed with ADHD, treatment often combines:
Education about ADHD and how it affects daily life
Behavioral strategies to improve focus, organization, and time management
Therapy or coaching for skill-building and emotional support
Medication to help regulate brain activity and improve symptom control when appropriate
ADHD Life Medical Associates does ADHD evaluations and medical management only in Indiana. However, we DO provide cognitive testing, coaching, and further education virtually across the U.S. Sign up today here to get started.
Supplements I recommed
Although there is not much evidence to support specific supplements to improve ADHD symptoms, I find in my practice many kids and adults with ADHD have a very poor diet, and do see a difference in their ADHD symptoms when they limit processed foods, dyes, and take supplements in combination with their ADHD medications. Supplements I recommend to patients include Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA), Zinc, Vitamin D, B-Complex Vitamins (Especially B6, B9, B12), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), and more. Ask your doctor to check your iron stores (ferritin), as repleting iron can also help improve ADHD symptoms. Click below and check out my ADHD recommended supplements through fullscripts to order high quality vitamins for 10% off. Cheaper than amazon! Your welcome.
The Bottom Line
ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it’s also highly manageable with the right tools, strategies, and support. Understanding ADHD is the first step toward building systems that work for your brain and tapping into your strengths. Looking for coaching, tools, and/or cognitive testing for your ADHD or neurodivergent child? Check out my MindPrint testing, an easy online test that can be done from home, available nationwide, and provides actionable academic resources and a private non-medical consultation with ADHD Life Medical Associates! Coaching also available for adults and parents for personalized strategies. Learn more here. Are you an Indiana resident looking for medical care to treat or diagnose your ADHD? Book your initial medical consultation with us here and start the path towards a better life.