What Is ADHD? Understanding the Basics
In our distraction-heavy world, it's normal to feel scattered or overwhelmed from time to time. But when forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, and disorganization begin to interfere with daily functioning—at school, work, or in relationships—it may point to a deeper issue. For many individuals, these chronic difficulties stem from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a real and treatable neurodevelopmental condition.
A Real Medical Condition—Not a Moral Failing
As a physician, one of the most important things I tell patients is this: ADHD is not a character flaw, laziness, or lack of willpower. It is a medically recognized disorder involving specific areas of the brain responsible for attention, planning, organization, self-regulation, and impulse control.
People with ADHD have differences in brain structure and function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and networks that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine—two neurotransmitters essential for focus and motivation. These biological differences make it harder to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially in situations that require sustained attention or delayed gratification.
📚 Neuroimaging studies consistently show that people with ADHD exhibit differences in brain volume, cortical thickness, and activity patterns, particularly in areas involved in executive function and self-regulation.
— National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2021
What Does ADHD Stand For?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and it's classified into three main presentations:
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Often daydreams or appears not to listen
Frequently loses items (homework, keys, phones)
Has trouble organizing tasks or following through
Easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli
Forgetful in daily activities
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Fidgets or squirms constantly
Talks excessively or blurts out answers
Has difficulty waiting their turn
Interrupts or intrudes on others
Always “on the go” or unable to relax
Combined Type
Displays significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity
Most children and adults with ADHD fall into the Combined Type, but the balance of symptoms can shift over time. For example, a hyperactive child may grow into an adult with more internal restlessness and inattentiveness, rather than physical overactivity.
How Common Is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common mental health conditions in both children and adults:
Approximately 9.8% of children in the U.S. have received a diagnosis of ADHD .
Around 4.4% of adults have ADHD, though many remain undiagnosed .
It occurs across all races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, though it may be underdiagnosed in women and people of color.
While it's often diagnosed in childhood, many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children. They may have been labeled as "lazy," "careless," or "underachievers," despite having average or above-average intelligence.
Key Symptoms of ADHD: A Daily Struggle
The core symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Here’s what that looks like in real life:
Inattention:
Making careless mistakes
Difficulty sustaining attention in lectures, reading, or conversations
Frequently losing items needed for tasks
Avoiding or delaying tasks that require focus
Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
Hyperactivity:
Constant movement (fidgeting, tapping, leaving seats)
Inability to stay quiet during play or leisure activities
Talking excessively
Feeling driven by a “motor” that never stops
Impulsivity:
Interrupting conversations or blurting out answers
Acting without thinking
Difficulty waiting one's turn
Risk-taking behaviors without considering consequences
It's important to note that everyone experiences these behaviors occasionally. But for people with ADHD, these challenges are:
Persistent (lasting at least 6 months),
Inappropriate for age, and
Disruptive to work, school, or relationships.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is highly heritable, with genetics accounting for about 70–80% of the risk . If a parent has ADHD, there’s a significant chance their child will have it too.
But genetics isn’t the whole story. Other contributing factors include:
Prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or environmental toxins
Low birth weight or prematurity
Traumatic brain injury
Early life stress or neglect
Neurological differences in dopamine signaling
ADHD is not caused by:
Poor parenting
Too much screen time
Food additives or sugar
Lack of discipline
These can certainly influence behavior, but they don’t cause ADHD.
ADHD Isn’t Just a Childhood Disorder
One of the biggest misconceptions is that kids outgrow ADHD. While hyperactivity may decrease with age, up to 60–70% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood .
In adults, ADHD can look different:
Chronic procrastination
Poor time management
Trouble starting or completing tasks
Mood swings
Relationship difficulties
Low frustration tolerance
Career instability
Many adults spend years struggling with shame, burnout, or underachievement before receiving a diagnosis that finally explains their challenges.
The Role of Executive Function
ADHD primarily impacts the brain's executive function system—like a conductor directing the orchestra of the mind. When executive function is impaired, people have trouble:
Prioritizing tasks
Switching between tasks
Regulating emotions
Planning ahead
Controlling impulses
Imagine trying to drive a car with no steering wheel, no brakes, and poor visibility. That’s what it can feel like to live with unmanaged ADHD.
The Cost of Unrecognized ADHD
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to a cascade of problems:
Lower academic achievement
Job instability and financial difficulties
Increased risk of substance use
Higher rates of anxiety and depression
Strained relationships
A 2022 review in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adults with untreated ADHD are significantly more likely to experience divorce, unemployment, or encounters with the criminal justice system .
But there is good news: Once identified, ADHD is highly manageable.
Diagnosis Opens the Door to Solutions
At Shreveport Direct Care, we believe that an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward hope and healing. By understanding how your brain works—and what it needs—you can move from constant struggle to empowered management.
🧠 "ADHD brains are different—not broken. With the right tools and support, individuals with ADHD can thrive in ways that align with their natural strengths."
— Dr. Edward Hallowell, Psychiatrist and ADHD Expert
✅ Call to Action: Take the First Step
If any of the symptoms described in this chapter resonate with you or a loved one, don’t wait. The longer ADHD goes unrecognized, the more strain it places on life, work, and relationships.
At Shreveport Direct Care, we specialize in comprehensive ADHD evaluations that go beyond surface-level checklists. We assess medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors to uncover the full picture—and help you find real solutions.
📞 Call us today at 318-588-7060
🌐 Visit shreveportdirectcare.com
📧 Email info@shreveportdirectcare.com
Your path to clarity, confidence, and control begins here.