On this page, I have tried to answer frequently asked questions about ADHD based on my own experiences and research. A small awareness can open the door to big changes. And please remember, you are not alone!
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a type of neurodivergence about which there is little awareness among adults in general.
One of the biggest reasons why awareness is so low is that individuals are born with this difference and the severity of the symptoms is determined in line with the factors in the environment they are in immediately after birth. While families and society think that every child is the same (such as overactive, inattentive, etc.), the individual does not question these symptoms because he/she thinks that the characteristics he/she has since birth are part of his/her character or personality or that everyone around him/her lives in a similar way.
Individuals usually experience a lot of problems due to uncontrolled ADHD symptoms in their private, social and business lives when they cannot meet their needs for a settled and stable order from the age of 35. Childish, inattentive, inappropriate or impulsive behaviours in society and their environment may cause reactions and may lead the individual to isolation and great depression.
This is how I found out that I had ADHD in my 40s. For this reason, I want to raise awareness on this issue, reach out to individuals or their loved ones who have similar differences to me, and show that they are not alone and that ADHD is not a disease to be feared or saddened, but on the contrary, by understanding ourselves and our differences, it is a talent that can open the doors to successes that we cannot even imagine.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to difficulties with attention, impulse control and hyperactivity. It usually occurs in childhood, but may persist into adulthood.
ADHD is defined by two main symptom groups:
- Attention Deficit: Inability to sustain attention on tasks, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing.
- Hyperactivity/impulsivity: Inability to stay in place, excessive talking, restlessness. Interrupting, not waiting for his/her turn, and acting without thinking.
No, ADHD is not a disease, but a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means that areas of the brain involved in attention, movement and impulse control work differently.
No, ADHD can also occur in adults. In individuals who were not diagnosed in childhood, the symptoms may manifest differently in adulthood, e.g. difficulties with work organisation or chronic forgetfulness.
Yes, ADHD can be genetic. Usually, if someone in the family has it, there is a high chance that you will have it too. For example, look at the ‘energetic’ or ‘absent-minded’ people in the family. Maybe what they are experiencing is actually ADHD. Apart from genetic factors, the brain's production and transmission of dopamine also plays an important role. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, feelings of reward and attention. People with ADHD may have a lack of dopamine in the brain, which leads to distraction and loss of motivation.
However, it is not only genetic. Environmental factors are also important. A stressful life, traumas or early negative experiences can increase ADHD symptoms. For me, too, stressful periods make focusing problems even more pronounced.
ADHD in adults can make life more difficult than in children or adolescents. It is possible to encounter some difficulties, especially in business life and social life. The main disadvantages can be listed as follows:
- Distractibility: Not being able to focus during important meetings or projects. Thinking of other things while listening, then asking yourself ‘What did they say?’.
- Time management problems: Leaving everything to the last minute or always being late. Planning time is a struggle for us.
- Forgetfulness: Forgetting appointments, important dates or daily tasks. Although taking notes helps, sometimes I even forget to take notes!
- Impulsivity: Making sudden decisions and regretting them. For example, suddenly planning a holiday and then wondering how to get there.
- Lack of organisation: Papers piling up on the desk, mixed files in the cupboard... Clutter is often a part of our lives
ADHD in adults also has some great advantages. Individuals with ADHD can excel at things like creativity, quick thinking and problem-solving. Here are the advantages of this condition:
- Creativity: ADHDers often have the ability to think differently. It is our job to come up with original ideas instead of ordinary solutions! When there is a problem, we are able to look at it from a different angle, not from where everyone else is looking.
- Quick thinking: Since our brain is constantly working, we can make quick decisions in times of crisis.
- Energy: Yes, energy can be tiring sometimes, but when it is directed correctly, you can do great things. For example, when I focus on a project, I can work for hours without getting tired.
- Passion: When we focus on a subject we love, we can go incredibly deep. This so-called ‘hyper-focus’ can sometimes be a great advantage.
- Empathy: Thanks to the difficulties we experience, we can be more sensitive to others. In particular, we are more receptive to supporting others who are going through similar problems.
Managing ADHD in adults can make your life easier. Here are some suggestions:
- Make a plan: Make weekly or daily plans. Using a diary or digital reminders can make your job easier.
- Set small goals: Make big tasks more manageable by breaking them down into chunks.
- Get external support: Working with a coach or therapist can both increase motivation and provide guidance.
- Exercise: Physical activity can increase the brain's dopamine levels, making it easier to focus.
- Remember to take breaks: Long-term focus can be difficult for us. Refresh your energy by taking short breaks.
People with this type are usually described as quiet, in their own world and absent-minded. When I was little, I used to forget to take notes in my notebook, I would get lost in a sentence in lessons and miss the rest. We can list the symptoms as follows:
- Concentration Problems: Focusing on a task was like a war. My brain was constantly wandering in other lands.
- Lack of Attention to Detail: Inability to notice or pay attention to small but important details.
- Forgetfulness: There are so many days when I forget my keys, my phone, and sometimes even my appointments!
People with this type are more mobile and energetic. It is difficult to see them sitting still in one place. Symptoms are as follows:
- Restlessness: Constant need to move, the feeling of being unable to stay still.
- Difficulty waiting for his/her turn: Impatience, sudden reactions.
- Impulsive Behaviour: Sudden decisions that are regretted later.
This group includes both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive people. This can make life more complicated. Routine and repetitive boring work, concentration problems, inability to pay attention to details, forgetfulness, constant restlessness even if they do not get up from their seat, inability to wait in line (while talking or in any queue) and impulsive behaviour.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, certain symptoms must have started in childhood. I will explain the symptoms under these headings in more detail below. Two main symptom groups are evaluated in the diagnosis: Attention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed, the symptoms must persist for at least six months, affect the quality of life of the individual, and occur in two or more settings (e.g. home and school).
Self-sabotage refers to the conscious or unconscious blocking of one's own potential and achievements. In individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), this situation may become more complex because mental processes combine with environmental factors to deepen self-sabotage. Negative judgements, especially during childhood and adolescence, become a voice echoing in the minds of individuals, and this voice can continue its effect for years.
Self-sabotaging behaviours can be difficult to detect, especially as the connection may be unclear and the consequences may not follow the behaviour immediately. One approach is to examine whether your behaviour is aligned with your long-term goals. More information.
People can get in their own way and self-sabotage for a myriad of different reasons. Common types of self-sabotage relate to procrastination, perfectionism, relationships, work, finances, time and change. For example, a perfectionist who wants to complete a task flawlessly may refuse incremental improvements when even a small progress will help him achieve his goal.
Self-compromising behaviour can occur when people have difficulty believing in their own abilities. Excessive modesty, which is particularly a problem for women, can hinder success by undermining one's self-confidence and preventing other people from trusting you, as research shows that individuals who are self-effacing are generally more liked but are also seen as less competent.
ADHD cannot be completely cured, but it is possible to manage the symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Medication.
- Behavioural therapy.
- Educational supports and environmental adjustments.
- Exercise and healthy lifestyle.
No, ADHD is not directly related to intelligence. Individuals with ADHD usually have average or above-average intelligence. However, they may have difficulties in reaching their full potential due to attention deficits and organisational difficulties.
The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or neurologist who assesses the individual's behaviour, history and symptoms. Observations of the family and teachers also play an important role in this process. More information.
- Communicating positively and avoiding criticism.
- Establishing a structured routine.
- Promoting self-confidence and recognising achievements.
- Providing education and therapy support appropriate to their needs.
ADHD can be more difficult to diagnose in adult women than in men. This is because women tend to mask ADHD symptoms due to societal expectations. Attention deficit is more prominent and hyperactivity often manifests as inner restlessness. For example, if you have an inner voice in your head that talks all the time, or if you get tired of thinking everything through to the last detail, this could be ADHD.
ADHD in adult males usually presents with more “visible” symptoms. Impulsivity and hyperactivity may be more pronounced in men. For example, being constantly on the move, being unable to sit still or making decisions without thinking are common symptoms.
Since boys are generally more active, ADHD can be diagnosed earlier. Girls with similar symptoms, on the other hand, are more often labelled as “dreamy” and their diagnosis may be delayed. This difference once again highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the right support.
ADHD can profoundly affect children's self-esteem and self-perception. I myself felt inadequate for years, and having difficulty adapting to what was considered “normal” behaviour around me led to difficulties in social relationships. It is possible to reduce the effects of ADHD in children by helping them discover their strengths.
Children with ADHD need different learning methods. The cooperation of teachers and parents is very important for both the academic and social development of the child.
In this process, if you get ADHD coaching support from an ADHD Coach, you can both increase your awareness and establish much healthier communication with your child.
Technology and social media can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. For me, technology can be a distraction but also a source of creativity. In the management of ADHD in children, it is important to use screen time in a balanced way in order to prevent the increase in focusing problems.
The other important thing is that the vast majority of people say, “So what, these things happen to us too!” These are not short-term experiences. You need to have experienced it at least in the last 6 months at a level that will affect your life. A distraction due to fatigue or a stress-induced mistake does not fall under these definitions. This is a difference that can deeply affect an individual's social, school, private or business life throughout their entire life.
The DSM 5 study includes studies within the scope of reducing the co-diagnoses encountered in multiple diseases by being compatible with the clinical appearance of the diseases. The explanation of DSM is known as “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”.
Procrastination can be defined as constantly putting off doing something, avoiding completing tasks on time or leaving things to the last minute. This not only reduces the quality of life of individuals but also negatively affects their self-confidence and productivity. The habit of procrastination is often linked to individuals' emotional states and can be further complicated by neurological conditions such as ADHD.
People postpone tasks that in some way evoke anxiety or distress. Putting off the task allows people to avoid these negative emotions - even if it prevents them from achieving long-term goals that bring happiness or fulfilment. Distractions such as social media or setting vague deadlines such as ‘I'll get this done next week’ also fuel procrastination.
Procrastination itself is not a mental illness. In some cases, however, it may be characteristic of an underlying mental health condition such as depression, OCD or ADHD.
Techniques such as setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, using time management tools and addressing underlying causes such as perfectionism or fear of failure can help reduce procrastination tendencies. Remember, progress takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself throughout the process.
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