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ADHD is getting a lot of attention these days.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Historically, ADHD (previously referred to as attention-deficit disorder, or ADD) was primarily associated with childhood and especially boys, but over the years, research has shed light on the persistence of symptoms into adulthood.
While the manifestations of ADHD may vary, it often involves challenges in maintaining attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Adults with ADHD might find themselves starting new tasks before finishing a previous one or misplacing things constantly. They could also enter task paralysis and be very still, which is quite the opposite of what many associate with ADHD. What living with ADHD is really like can be hard to understand for those who haven’t experienced it.
People with ADHD may struggle with maintaining attention during conversations or while engaging in activities that require sustained mental effort. They may find it challenging to complete projects or meet deadlines due to difficulties with planning and organizing. Adults with ADHD may also experience impulsivity, leading to impulsive decision-making, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting their turn, per the Mayo Clinic.
As with any condition, those who think they might have ADHD, should talk to their doctor about a screening and potential treatment plans. There are a lot of communities, organizations, and celebrities working hard to destigmatize ADHD, and these celebrities with ADHD are helping to shine a light on what life with this disorder is like.
A version of this post was originally published in 2023.