What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lifelong way that some brains work. It is not about being lazy, naughty, or careless. ADHD is about differences in focus, energy, and self-control.

Doctors describe ADHD in three main ways:

  1. Inattentive – finding it hard to focus, remember, or organise.

  2. Hyperactive/Impulsive – moving or talking a lot, acting without thinking.

  3. Combined – a mix of both.

How ADHD shows up in adults
Many people think ADHD is only about children who can’t sit still. But adults live with it too — sometimes without knowing until much later. Signs in adults include:

  • Struggling with small, everyday jobs (like paying bills or booking appointments).

  • Forgetting things even if they matter.

  • Finding boring tasks almost impossible to start, but spending hours on things you enjoy.

  • Feeling emotions strongly and reacting quickly.

  • Always late, underestimating time, or missing deadlines.

  • Needing noise or activity to focus, or the opposite — needing total silence.

Hidden or less-known signs

  • Rejection Sensitivity (RS): feeling crushed by small bits of criticism.

  • Paralysis: knowing what you need to do but unable to start.

  • Sensory issues: sounds, fabrics, or lights that feel unbearable.

  • Hyperfocus: being so deep in a task you forget to eat or sleep.

Facts and figures

  • Around 3–5% of adults are thought to have ADHD.

  • Boys are still diagnosed more than girls, but this is changing.

  • Adult diagnoses are rising, especially in women, because ADHD often looks different than the “schoolboy” stereotype.

Myths vs reality

  • Myth: ADHD is just bad parenting.
    Reality: ADHD is a brain difference you are born with.

  • Myth: ADHD people can’t focus.
    Reality: They can focus deeply on things they love, but not on boring or overwhelming tasks.

  • Myth: You grow out of ADHD.
    Reality: ADHD lasts for life, though signs may change.

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