ADD/ADHD

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It is formally described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and diagnosed through careful evaluation by a mental health professional, combining clinical interviews, behavioral assessments, and observations over time. To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must have persisted for at least six months, appeared before the age of twelve—even if formally recognized later—and caused significant interference in daily life across multiple settings, including school, work, home, and relationships.

ADHD is often categorized into three presentations: the inattentive type, historically referred to as “ADD,” marked by forgetfulness, distractibility, disorganization, or frequent daydreaming; the hyperactive-impulsive type, characterized by restlessness, fidgeting, impulsivity, and difficulty inhibiting responses; and the combined type, which encompasses traits of both.

Yet ADHD is never solely a clinical checklist. For many, it is a lived experience of a mind that moves quickly, noticing and processing multiple threads at once. Ordinary tasks—starting work that feels uninteresting, following multi-step instructions, or keeping track of time—can feel like monumental efforts. It is not a reflection of intelligence, diligence, or care; it is a distinct way the brain navigates attention, energy, and information.

Within this difference, there is also often profound strength. Individuals with ADHD can be intensely creative, intuitive, passionate, and capable of hyper-focus on subjects that ignite their curiosity. With understanding, support, and practical strategies—such as structured routines, self-compassion, coaching, therapy, or medication—ADHD becomes less a barrier and more a unique rhythm to move with rather than against.

Receiving a diagnosis can bring both clarity and relief. It offers a language to describe longstanding challenges while simultaneously honoring the unique gifts and perspectives that accompany this way of thinking and feeling. Recognizing ADHD as a complex, multifaceted experience—both a challenge and a source of strength—allows individuals to navigate the world with greater self-awareness, empowerment, and possibility.