Hey there!
If you're reading this, you might be someone who has ADHD, or you might know someone who does. Either way, ADHD can be a challenging condition to navigate. But it's also a very misunderstood one, and I want to take some time today to talk about what ADHD is and how it can affect people.
First of all, let's clear up a common misconception: ADHD is not just "being hyper" or "having a short attention span." While those can be symptoms of ADHD, they are not the whole picture. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect how people think, act, and learn. It's caused by differences in brain development and function which has a strong genetic correlation.
So what does ADHD look like in real life? Well, it can vary a lot from person to person. Some common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But it's important to remember that not everyone with ADHD will experience all of these symptoms, and they can manifest differently in different people. For example, some people with ADHD might have trouble sitting still, while others might have a hard time controlling their thoughts or their emotions.
One thing that's important to understand about ADHD is that it's not just a "kids' disorder." While it's often diagnosed in childhood, it can also affect adults. In fact, many people with ADHD don't get diagnosed until they're adults, because they may not have had the right support or resources when they were younger.
Our clinic specializes in identifying ADHD in adulthood. We conduct a thorough interview followed by using FDA cleared objective testing to confirm the diagnosis.
If you're living with ADHD, I hope this has helped give you a better understanding of what it is and what you can do about it. Don't be afraid to reach out for support if you need it.
Dr. Henderson