What is ADHD?

Written By Kimberly Louvin

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

While often associated with childhood, ADHD commonly continues into adulthood and can shape how people learn, work, and relate to others.

ADHD is not a lack of motivation or discipline. It reflects differences in how the brain manages attention, energy, and behavior.

To receive a diagnosis, symptoms must be persistent and impact daily life — at home, school, work, or in relationships.

The 3 Types of ADHD

ADHD is grouped into three main presentations based on which traits are most prominent.

1) Inattentive Type ADHD

This form is often misunderstood because it can look like forgetfulness, daydreaming, or disorganization rather than hyperactivity.

Common traits include:

  • Difficulty focusing on one task

  • Losing items frequently

  • Trouble following instructions

  • Struggling with organization

  • Appearing distracted or “zoned out”

People with inattentive ADHD may seem quiet but internally feel overwhelmed by competing thoughts and difficulty prioritizing.

2) Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD

This type is more outwardly visible and often associated with high energy and impulsive behavior.

Common traits include:

  • Feeling restless or constantly “on the go”

  • Talking frequently or interrupting

  • Difficulty sitting still

  • Acting before thinking

  • Trouble waiting or being patient

This presentation can make stillness, structure, and long tasks especially challenging.

3) Combined Type ADHD

This is the most common presentation.

People experience both:

  • Inattention challenges

  • Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Many adults identify with this mixed profile because their focus, energy, and impulse patterns shift depending on stress, environment, and interest.

Common Experiences Within ADHD

ADHD typically involves patterns across three areas:

Attention

  • Distractibility

  • Difficulty finishing tasks

  • Trouble organizing thoughts

Energy & Movement

  • Restlessness

  • Fidgeting

  • Difficulty slowing down

Impulsivity

  • Interrupting others

  • Acting without thinking

  • Risk-taking behaviors

These patterns tend to be more intense, frequent, and disruptive than typical variations in attention or energy.

How ADHD Shows Up in Adults

ADHD does not disappear with age. It often shifts form.

In adulthood, it may look like:

  • Chronic overwhelm

  • Time blindness

  • Difficulty starting or completing tasks

  • Emotional reactivity

  • Struggles with follow-through

  • Relationship tension linked to miscommunication or forgetfulness

Many adults are diagnosed later in life after years of wondering why things feel harder than they seem to be for others.

Treatment Options for ADHD

ADHD is highly treatable. The goal of treatment is not to “fix” a person, but to support regulation, functioning, and quality of life.

Common supports include:

Therapy

  • Behavioral therapy

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Skills-based coaching

  • Family or relationship support

Therapy can help people replace unhelpful patterns and develop strategies for managing attention, organization, and emotions.

Medication

  • Stimulant medications (most common)

  • Non-stimulant options

Medication can improve focus, impulse control, and the brain’s ability to regulate attention. Many people benefit from combining therapy and medication.

Lifestyle Supports

  • Structure and routines

  • Environmental accommodations

  • Skill-building tools

Treatment is highly individualized and often evolves over time.

ADHD Is a Lifelong Neurotype — Not a Character Flaw

ADHD is a chronic condition for many people, though symptoms can shift across life stages. With the right supports, many individuals learn how to work with their brain instead of against it.

Understanding ADHD can reduce shame, increase self-awareness, and help people build systems that match how their mind actually works.

Further Reading:

Kimberly Louvin https://www.kimberlylouvin.com
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