ADHD Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, motivation, emotions, and impulses. It’s not a matter of willpower or trying harder—it’s how your brain is wired.

Think of it as having a brain with a powerful engine but inconsistent brakes. Sometimes it zooms ahead with hyperfocus, and other times it stalls at the starting line. It’s not a character flaw. It’s a difference in how the brain processes the world.

Not at all. ADHD shows up in various forms—some people are hyperactive and impulsive, others are more inattentive and daydreamy, and many experience a combination. This diversity means some people, especially those who are quiet or high-achieving, may go unnoticed. ADHD mainly involves executive function challenges: managing time, memory, focus, organization, emotions, and transitions. These struggles are real, even if not always visible.

Absolutely! ADHD doesn't vanish in adulthood. Many adults go undiagnosed for years, developing complex coping mechanisms to fit into a world not designed for their brains, often leading to burnout. If tasks seem harder for you than others, it might be worth exploring ADHD.

The short answer: genetics. ADHD tends to run in families, but environmental factors can influence how it shows up. It's a brain-based condition involving neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine—chemicals that help regulate attention, motivation, and mood.

ADHD isn’t caused by bad parenting, video games, sugar, or laziness. Those myths have stuck around way too long.

It can be, especially when the challenges significantly impact your ability to function at work, school, or in relationships. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADHD qualifies for accommodations in many situations.

But that doesn’t mean you're broken. Neurodivergent brains often come with incredible strengths such as creativity, big-picture thinking, empathy, and resilience. Disability and strength can co-exist.

ADHD doesn't disappear; it evolves. Hyperactivity might lessen with age, but the brain's wiring stays the same. The key is managing it. Adults often internalize symptoms, leading to anxiety and burnout, or adapt their coping mechanisms. It's about growing into effective strategies, not outgrowing the condition.