What Is ADHD? Understanding the ADHD Experience
ADHD—short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—is a term you’ve probably heard before. But unless you’ve lived with it, it can be hard to understand what it really means. ADHD isn’t just about being easily distracted or overly energetic—it’s a different way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.
At its core, ADHD affects how a person manages attention, focus, organisation, and impulse control. It’s not about laziness, lack of willpower, or bad parenting. It’s just a different operating system.
How Is ADHD Different?
People with ADHD often describe their minds as constantly busy—thoughts jumping around, trouble staying on track, or difficulty getting started unless something really grabs their interest or time pressures are mounting. These differences aren’t flaws—they reflect the way the ADHD brain processes and responds to the world.
What We Know About the ADHD Brain
Research has shown that the brains of people with ADHD often develop and function a bit differently from those without ADHD. These differences tend to show up in areas linked to things like planning, attention, and self-regulation (often called "executive functioning"). Some parts of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, may mature more slowly, and connections between key regions may be less synchronised. This can make it harder to manage time, filter distractions, or shift gears between tasks.
Importantly, these are just patterns—everyone’s experience with ADHD is unique, and these differences don’t mean something is “wrong.” They’re simply part of how the ADHD brain works.
What Living With ADHD Feels Like
In Childhood
Kids with ADHD may struggle to sit still, not talk in class, taking turns, follow instructions, or stay focused for long periods. They may likely express big emotions, lose their belongings, be forgetful, experience boredom quickly, have a messy room and struggle to organise themselves. They might be labelled as “disruptive” or “dreamy,” at school which can affect confidence and lead to frustration at school or home. This may in turn result in challenges with making and maintaining friendships. Kids with ADHD may gravitate towards and do better in activities that involve creativity and movement.
In Teen Years
As life becomes more demanding—more homework, more pressure to perform, more independence—challenges with focus, organisation, self-esteem or emotional control can become more noticeable. Teens with ADHD may feel misunderstood or start to question their abilities, especially if they’re constantly being told to “try harder, work more” and when the class content and expectations begin to exceed their natural academic abilities. Teens often know what they need to do but feel overwhelmed then procrastinate, leaving assignments and study for exams to the last minute, significantly disrupting their sleep patterns and heightening feelings of stress. Bedrooms tend to become messier (much to the dismay of themselves and their parents), chores are completed inconsistently and dopamine hits are sought for in social media which all contribute to low self-worth. Usually in the teens, those with ADHD have figured out some helpful strategies like choosing subjects that best suit their strengths and interests as well as listening to music and doodling to assist their concentration.
In Adulthood
ADHD doesn't fade with age—it just tends to show up in different ways and is at times managed through strategies instinctively developed over the years. Adults might experience chronic disorganisation and overwhelm, forgetfulness, time blindness, or difficulty staying motivated at work, often times falling behind in their work. Relationships can sometimes be affected too, particularly if emotions feel intense or hard to manage, when its hard to stay focused in a conversation or when impulsivity drives interrupting behaviours or talking too much. Many adults don't discover they have ADHD until later in life, after years of feeling "different", struggling silently or supporting their own child with their ADHD assessment.
When It Might Look Like ADHD (But Isn’t Always)
It’s also important to know that ADHD-like symptoms can show up for other reasons too. Life stressors and other mental health challenges can make it hard to focus or feel organised.
Some common factors that can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms include:
Chronic stress or burnout
Sleep deprivation
Anxiety or depression
Emotional overwhelm or trauma
Poor diet or lack of movement
Excessive screen time or multitasking
These issues can affect focus, memory, and motivation in ways that feel very similar to ADHD. That’s why a thorough assessment, like Revolution Psychology’s comprehensive trauma-informed ADHD assessment, is so important—to understand what’s really going on and what kind of support will help most.
Strengths of the ADHD Mind
It’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t only about challenges. Many people with ADHD have amazing strengths—especially when they’re in environments that understand and support them. These can include:
Creative problem-solving – Seeing possibilities others might miss
Big-picture thinking – Connecting ideas in fresh, dynamic ways
Energy and passion – Great for fast-paced or hands-on work
Spontaneity and humour – Bringing vibrancy to social spaces
Hyperfocus – Intense, sustained focus on things that truly interest them
When someone understands how their brain works and has the tools to work with it, these traits can become genuine superpowers.
How Psychology Can Help
Support from a psychologist can make a meaningful difference. Therapy can help individuals with ADHD build tools for managing attention, time, routines, and emotional ups and downs. It can also be a space to explore identity, self-worth, and how to navigate challenges in relationships, school, or work. Whether through ADHD-focused strategies, coaching, or simply being heard and understood, psychological support can help people feel more capable, confident, and in control of their lives.
