What Is ADHD? Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Most people have heard of ADHD, but few truly understand it.
It’s not just about being distracted or “hyper.” ADHD—short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages focus, motivation, emotion, and organization.
At Six States ADHD in Salem, NH, we specialize in evaluating and treating adult ADHD, helping people gain clarity, structure, and confidence in their daily lives. Let’s take a closer look at what ADHD really means, what causes it, and how it can be managed effectively.
1. ADHD Is About Regulation, Not Laziness
ADHD isn’t a lack of intelligence or effort—it’s a difference in self-regulation.
People with ADHD can pay attention, but not always to the right thing at the right time. Their brains have difficulty filtering what’s important, maintaining momentum, or staying on track once the novelty fades.
This isn’t a motivation issue—it’s a neurological one.
ADHD brains run on interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency rather than obligation. That’s why you might procrastinate on something simple but hyperfocus on a creative project for hours.
It’s not inconsistent character—it’s inconsistent dopamine signaling.
2. The Core Symptoms of ADHD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD includes three types of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adults can have any combination of these, but symptoms usually present differently than in children.
Common Inattentive Symptoms:
Frequently losing focus or forgetting details
Struggling to start or finish tasks
Being easily distracted by external or internal thoughts
Poor time management or “time blindness”
Disorganization (physically or mentally)
Common Hyperactive or Impulsive Symptoms:
Feeling restless or unable to relax
Talking excessively or interrupting others
Making impulsive decisions (spending, eating, or speaking)
Jumping quickly between ideas or projects
Feeling “driven by a motor,” especially under pressure
Many adults experience primarily inattentive symptoms, which can be quieter and easier to overlook—especially in women.
3. ADHD Isn’t Caused by Bad Parenting or Poor Habits
ADHD is a biological condition, not a personality flaw.
Genetics play a major role—if you have ADHD, there’s about a 70–80% chance that a family member does too.
Brain imaging studies show that ADHD involves differences in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning and inhibition) and dopamine/norepinephrine pathways (responsible for reward and motivation).
Lifestyle factors—like sleep, diet, or stress—can worsen symptoms, but they don’t cause ADHD. Recognizing that it’s a brain-based condition helps replace shame with understanding.
4. ADHD in Adults Looks Different Than in Kids
Many people assume ADHD disappears after childhood, but that’s not true.
While some hyperactivity fades, executive function challenges often persist. Adults may look “high-functioning” on the outside while quietly overwhelmed.
Typical adult ADHD patterns include:
Chronic procrastination despite best intentions
Frequent career changes or burnout
Feeling disorganized at home or work
Emotional highs and lows
Trouble managing time, priorities, or finances
Because adults learn to “mask” symptoms—using calendars, caffeine, and sheer effort—ADHD often goes undiagnosed until life demands (career, family, multitasking) exceed their coping skills.
5. ADHD and Emotional Regulation
One of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD is how it affects emotions.
People with ADHD often feel everything more intensely: joy, frustration, excitement, or rejection. This is called emotional dysregulation, and it’s not just being sensitive—it’s neurological.
You might:
Feel easily overwhelmed by criticism or conflict
Experience mood swings tied to overstimulation or fatigue
Struggle to “let go” of emotional stress
Recognizing this emotional component helps tailor treatment beyond just focus—toward balance and self-compassion.
6. How ADHD Is Diagnosed
At Six States ADHD, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation that considers:
Medical and mental-health history
Current symptoms and their impact
Childhood patterns (since ADHD starts before age 12)
Screening for overlapping issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma
There’s no single blood test or brain scan for ADHD—it’s a clinical diagnosis based on history, evidence, and standardized tools like the DIVA-5 or ASRS questionnaire.
Getting a formal diagnosis often brings enormous relief: it reframes years of frustration into something treatable and understandable.
7. How ADHD Is Treated
ADHD is highly manageable with the right combination of treatments.
Every plan at Six States ADHD is individualized and may include:
Medication Management
Stimulant medications (like Adderall, Vyvanse, or methylphenidate) and non-stimulants (like Strattera or Qelbree) can restore balance to dopamine and norepinephrine systems, improving focus, motivation, and follow-through.
Behavioral Strategies and Coaching
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and executive-function coaching teach practical skills for organization, time management, and emotional control.
Lifestyle and Wellness Support
Sleep hygiene, exercise, structured routines, and nutritional support all help stabilize brain chemistry and sustain attention naturally.
The goal isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to help you work with your brain, not against it.
8. ADHD and Comorbid Conditions
Up to 75% of adults with ADHD also experience another condition, such as:
Anxiety disorders
Depression or dysthymia
Sleep disorders
Substance use
Trauma-related symptoms
Identifying these is crucial, because untreated anxiety or depression can mimic—or mask—ADHD. Comprehensive care treats the whole person, not just the checklist.
9. Life After Diagnosis: What Changes
Understanding your ADHD doesn’t just improve focus—it transforms how you relate to yourself.
Once you realize your brain is wired differently, you can:
Build systems that fit your natural rhythm
Stop blaming yourself for inconsistency
Find careers and environments that play to your strengths
Communicate your needs more clearly at work and home
With the right care, people with ADHD often become some of the most creative, adaptive, and resilient individuals in their fields.
10. Getting Started at Six States ADHD
At Six States ADHD in Salem, NH, we focus exclusively on adult ADHD evaluation and treatment across New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Our team offers:
Comprehensive diagnostic assessments
Medication and non-medication treatment options
Coaching and follow-up support tailored to your lifestyle
Whether you’ve struggled for years or are just beginning to question whether ADHD fits, we’ll help you find clarity and a personalized path forward.
Schedule your ADHD evaluation or call (857) 256-1487 to get started.
