Is ADHD just about being hyperactive and unable to focus?

## ADHD: Beyond the Hyperactivity Stereotype ADHD is like having a Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes - incredible processing power with inconsistent control systems. ### The Three ADHD Types **Inattentive (formerly ADD):** - The quiet daydreamer - Present in body, absent in mind - Often missed in childhood - Common in girls/women **Hyperactive-Impulsive:** - The classic "bouncing off walls" - Fidgeting, interrupting, restlessness - More commonly diagnosed - External symptoms obvious **Combined:** - Both inattentive and hyperactive traits - Most common presentation - Varies by situation and stress ### Executive Function: The Real ADHD **Working Memory Deficits:** - Information falls out instantly - "Now or not now" time perception - Object permanence issues - Lost items constantly **Emotional Dysregulation:** - Emotions at 100% volume - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) - Mood swings within minutes - Difficulty self-soothing **Task Initiation Problems:** - Not laziness - neurological - "Wall of awful" phenomenon - Paralysis, not procrastination - Can't start despite consequences **Time Blindness:** - 5 minutes = 5 hours subjectively - Always late or extremely early - Can't estimate task duration - Tomorrow doesn't feel real ### The ADHD Paradox **Hyperfocus vs. Scatter:** - 8 hours on interesting task - Can't focus 8 minutes on boring task - Not lack of focus - inability to regulate - Interest-based nervous system ### Hidden ADHD Struggles **Sensory Processing:** - Clothing tags unbearable - Sound sensitivity - Food texture issues - Need for movement/stimulation **Social Challenges:** - Interrupt without meaning to - Overshare or undershare - Miss social cues - Friendship maintenance difficult **Internal Hyperactivity:** - Racing thoughts - Mental restlessness - Multiple thought tracks - Brain won't "shut off" ### ADHD Superpowers **Creativity and Innovation:** - Unique connections - Outside-the-box thinking - Problem-solving genius - Artistic talents **Crisis Performance:** - Thrive under pressure - Emergency response excellent - Deadline-driven success - Calm in chaos **Passion and Enthusiasm:** - Infectious energy - Deep dive expertise - Loyal and caring - Fun and spontaneous ### Common Misunderstandings **"Everyone's a little ADHD"** No - everyone has moments of distraction. ADHD is chronic, pervasive, and significantly impairing. **"You just need discipline"** ADHD is neurological, not moral. Brain structure and chemistry are measurably different. **"But you're smart/successful"** Intelligence and ADHD are separate. Many with ADHD are gifted but struggling. **"Just use a planner"** If we could "just" do things, we would. ADHD affects the ability to use tools consistently. ### The Gender Gap **Why Women/Girls Are Underdiagnosed:** - Inattentive type more common - Better at masking symptoms - Internalized hyperactivity - Different social expectations - Diagnosed later in life ### Getting Proper Diagnosis **What to Document:** - Childhood symptoms (report cards help) - Impact on daily life - Failed coping strategies - Family history - Coexisting conditions *ADHD isn't a deficit of attention - it's an abundance of attention going everywhere at once. Understanding this changes everything about treatment and self-compassion.*