ADHD 101: What is it really?
When you hear “ADHD,” what pops into your head? A naughty kid bouncing off the walls? Someone who just can’t seem to focus? Sure, those stereotypes are out there, but ADHD is so much more complex and nuanced than that. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes information, manages tasks, and interacts with the world. Let’s break it down so you can really understand what ADHD is all about.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition rooted in how the brain functions. People with ADHD experience differences in how their brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels. It’s not about laziness or lack of intelligence—it’s about the brain operating on a unique frequency.
“Aroreretini - attention goes to many things”
ADHD comes in three main presentations, although this keeps evolving and they are now realising that a lot of the hyperactivity isn’t always external/physical, but more internalised (in the brain).
Inattentive Type: Trouble focusing, staying organised, or remembering things.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Fidgety, restless, and acting on impulse.
Combined Type: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits.
While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults are now realising they’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD for years. In particular women and other minorities were completely missed, as a lot of the research and study had been focussed around white boys & men.
The ADHD Brain: What’s Going On?
ADHD brains are wired differently. Key areas of difference include:
Executive Functioning: Think of this as the brain’s CEO. It manages planning, organisation, and decision-making, which can be tricky for ADHDers.
Dopamine Regulation: ADHD brains often have lower levels of dopamine (the brain’s reward chemical), making it harder to stay motivated or feel satisfied with small wins.
The Default Mode Network (DMN): This part of the brain impacts focus and task-switching. It’s why ADHDers might feel stuck in daydreams or hyperfocus on one thing for hours.
Common Myths About ADHD
Let’s debunk a few of the main culprits:
“ADHD is just an excuse for being lazy.” Nope! ADHDers often work harder to manage tasks but may struggle with things like task initiation or burnout.
“You’ll grow out of it.” ADHD is lifelong. While symptoms might change with age, stage and life-phases, the core traits stick around.
“It only affects kids.” Adults can absolutely have ADHD, and many have been masking their symptoms for years. The first adult was diagnosed in just 2008.
“It’s just a trend.” Again, we are seeing a higher diagnosis rate now than we did before - purely because a large chunk of the population were not even considered, and were most likely misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, (or my personal favourite) HORMONES.
How ADHD Shows Up in Real Life
ADHD is like having an unreliable inner GPS. Some days, you’re on top of the world, ticking boxes like a boss. Other days, you’re paralysed by a simple to-do list. Common struggles include:
Losing track of time (hello, time blindness).
Forgetting where you put your phone, keys… or yesterday’s big idea.
Saying “yes” to everything, only to feel overwhelmed later.
Struggling to regulate emotions, from explosive anger to deep sadness.
“ADHD is like having a Ferrari engine brain…but with bicycle brakes. We need to strengthen the brakes.” - Dr Ned Hallowell MD
But ADHD isn’t all struggles. There are also strengths like creativity, hyperfocus, and the ability to think outside the box.
Diagnosing ADHD: The Journey
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can feel like finally putting the puzzle pieces together. Diagnosis can involve:
A thorough review of your history.
Questionnaires about daily life.
Input from family or close friends (if possible).
It’s a big step toward self-understanding, but it’s also just the beginning.
It’s also an extremely expensive and lengthy process, and requires a Psychiatrist. Assessments are between $1000-$3000NZD and can come with extensive waitlists. Once you have your appointment, all that really happens is you get your diagnosis (and maybe a prescription for stimulants), then you’re sent on your way. If you’re lucky - you get a pamphlet, or pointed to further support. But more often than not, you’re on your own, and encouraged to rebook a follow up session to adjust the prescription if needed. Which can range from $250 - $750NZD per session.
Going public is not much of an option here in New Zealand, and I’ve heard the UK has public waitlists between 7-10 years. Yes, you heard me. YEARS!!
ADHD Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
No two ADHDers are exactly the same. If you’ve met one person with ADHD, well done, you’ve met ONE person with ADHD. Some thrive with structure and routines, while others need flexibility to flourish. Learning to manage ADHD often involves trial and error, and that’s okay. Take a little from this basket, and a little from that.
Key Takeaways
ADHD isn’t a character flaw—it’s a unique way of experiencing the world.
It affects focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation, but it also brings strengths like creativity and resilience.
Getting diagnosed is a game-changer, but understanding your own ADHD is the real key to thriving.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
ADHD is a rollercoaster, but you don’t have to ride it alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just curious, understanding the “why” behind ADHD traits is the first step to embracing them. Working with a coach (like me) can help you unpack this complex little condition and find out what your best version of you is.
Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and deep dives to help you (or someone you love) thrive with ADHD.
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