What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) means experiencing the world through a different lens. It’s not just about being distracted or hyperactive; it’s about having a brain that processes information uniquely, often leading to incredible creativity, spontaneity, and resilience.
One of the most meaningful analogies I’ve come across to describe ADHD is this: imagine ADHD as a high-grade night lens on a camera. This lens is designed to pick up far more input than usual to capture light, detail, and depth in low-light conditions and produce stunning, vivid images. It’s made for brilliance in the right environment. Now imagine taking that same night lens and using it in broad daylight. The photos come out overexposed, flooded with too much light. People look at those images and assume something is wrong with the lens that it’s broken or defective when in reality, it’s functioning exactly as it was designed to. It’s simply being used in a setting that overwhelms its sensitivity.
ADHD brains work much the same way. They’re wired to take in an extraordinary amount of data—sounds, sights, emotions, patterns, connections all at once. But because of this heightened input, it can be incredibly difficult to filter, prioritize, or focus on just one thing. That’s where the idea of “attention deficit” comes in not because there’s a lack of attention, but because there’s so much attention being directed everywhere at once.
It’s not a broken lens. It’s a different kind of lens and when understood and supported properly, it can create incredible results.
Neurotransmitter Role
ADHD is linked to reduced activity of key neurotransmitters especially dopamine and norepinephrine in brain regions that control attention, motivation, and impulse regulation. This can make it harder to focus, stay organized, and manage emotions effectively.
Common Struggles of ADHD
Inattention: Easily distracted, forgetful, struggles to stay focused on tasks or conversations.
Hyperfocus: Can intensely focus on interests, losing track of time.
Impulsivity: Interrupts, speaks out of turn, acts without thinking.
Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, constant movement (or inner restlessness).
Executive Dysfunction: Trouble with planning, organizing, time management, and task initiation.
Emotional Sensitivity: Strong emotional reactions, mood swings, easily overwhelmed.
Forgetfulness: Frequently misplaces things, forgets appointments or steps in tasks.
Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, racing thoughts at night.
Sensory Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to light, noise, textures, etc.
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): Deep emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection.
Common Strengths of ADHD
Creative Thinking: Individuals with ADHD often think outside the box, bringing strong imagination, artistic flair, and innovative perspectives to both problems and projects.
Hyperfocus (When Aligned with Interest): When something captures their attention, they can dive in with intense focus, producing high-quality work and losing themselves in what they love.
Adaptability: ADHD minds are quick to shift gears, think on their feet, and remain open to new experiences, making them naturally resilient in changing environments.
Big-Picture Vision: They often see patterns, connections, and long-term possibilities others miss, guided by a strong intuitive sense and creative foresight.
Multitasking & Energy: With bursts of energy and enthusiasm, they can juggle multiple projects and bring a dynamic spark to teams or personal endeavors.
Empathy & Emotional Depth: Deep emotional sensitivity often translates into strong empathy, intuition, and a passion for causes that matter.
Resilience: Having navigated many challenges, people with ADHD tend to develop grit, determination, and an ability to carve out unique solutions.
Curiosity & Wonder: A natural sense of curiosity keeps them engaged, always seeking to learn, explore, and grow, often becoming lifelong learners.
Three Types of ADHD
Hyperactive and Impulsive: This type of ADHD predominantly presents with symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inattentive: This ADHD type mainly presents with symptoms of inattention and distractibility. Inattentive type ADHD is what is often referred to as ADD.
Combined: This is the most prevalent type of ADHD and is characterized by symptoms of inattention and distractibility in addition to hyperactivity and impulsivity.
According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain health expert, there are seven distinct types of ADHD, identified through decades of clinical work and over 200,000 SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) brain scans:
Type 1: Classic ADHD is marked by a short attention span, distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, impulsivity, and restlessness. It tends to be more commonly diagnosed in males.
Type 2: Inattentive ADHD also includes a short attention span and distractibility, but typically features lower levels of hyperactivity. It’s often more frequently seen in females and can sometimes be missed or misdiagnosed.
Type 3: Overfocused ADHD includes symptoms like a short attention span and distractibility, but is also characterized by excessive worry, rigid thinking, and a tendency to be argumentative. This type is often seen in individuals with a family history of addiction, such as children or grandchildren of alcoholics.
Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADHD involves the typical attention challenges along with a quick temper or argumentative behavior, dark or intrusive thoughts, restlessness, poor impulse control, and issues with memory—such as difficulty finding the right words.
Type 5: Limbic ADHD is associated with low activity in the brain’s frontal lobes both at rest and during concentration. People with this type often experience chronic low-grade depression, mental fog, and high emotional sensitivity.
Type 6: Ring of Fire ADHD stands out from the others due to an overall increase in brain activity across multiple regions, almost like the brain is “on fire.” Symptoms can include mood instability, inflammation, distractibility, racing thoughts, sensory hypersensitivity, and emotional reactivity. This type may be linked to food sensitivities, infections, or early signs of bipolar disorder and often worsens with stimulant medications.
Type 7: Anxious ADHD combines the usual traits of inattention, distractibility, and restlessness with high levels of anxiety, nervousness, tension, and difficulty with organization. Individuals with this type often feel internally overwhelmed and frequently worry.
Many of my clients discover their ADHD later in life often after years of feeling misunderstood. Recognizing and embracing their neurodivergence becomes a turning point, allowing them to align their lives with their authentic selves.
Coaching Approach:
In my coaching practice, clients have the opportunity to work with a coach who not only understands ADHD from a professional standpoint but also lives with it personally. This shared experience creates a foundation of empathy, trust, and real understanding. I use tools, strategies, and exercises that are specifically designed to support neurodivergent minds; no one-size-fits-all approach here. My goal is to create a space where clients feel seen and supported as they begin to shift from the belief that they are broken or “too much” to the empowering realization that their brains are different, not defective but brilliant in their own unique way.
ADHD is not a deficit; it’s a different way of thinking. With the right support and understanding, individuals with ADHD can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Have ADHD? You're not broken. You're brilliant. Let’s work together to build an environment where you thrive.
Schedule a free initial consult for a zero pressure convo where you can share your journey if coaching would benefit you specifically and how. I was exactly where you were and am beyond grateful that I worked with a coach.
