What Is ADHD and Why Does Your Executive Function Matter?

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a mental health condition that impacts executive function. Executive function is the set of cognitive processes that help us regulate our behaviours, plan and organise tasks, and control our impulses. In ADHDers, these functions may be impaired, which can lead to symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

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There’s a common misconception that if you’re doing well in life, you can’t have ADHD, but that’s simply not true.

ADHD is complex since symptoms may significantly differ depending on age, gender and the individual. Males tend to externalise their symptoms and may show signs of aggression or act impulsively without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Females tend to internalise their symptoms, become withdrawn and experience anxiety. It’s why males are diagnosed more than females.

While there are challenges with ADHD, our unique brain wiring can lead to an increase in creativity, the ability to hyperfocus and achieving great things. Still, there isn’t a cure for ADHD, hence the importance of managing this condition holistically and using it to our advantage. Discover how coaching and mentoring can help you.

The sub-types of ADHD

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The sub-types of ADHD •

  • Hyperactive

    Hyperactive ADHDers experience excessive mental stimulation and may be extremely fidgety or restless and struggle to wait their turn. They often talk a lot, interrupt others, blurt out answers and lack self-control. Hyperactive ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in children and males.

  • Inattentive

    Inattentive ADHDers may have challenges with working memory. Working memory is your brain’s ability to retain information for a short period, and it plays a critical role in cognitive tasks such as problem-solving, decision-making and learning.

    The inattentive type is often characterised by a weak working memory, and ADHDers may not be able to pay attention to detail, be easily distracted and have trouble following instructions or completing tasks. They may also find it hard to organise their thoughts and belongings, and may lose things. Inattentive ADHD is more often diagnosed in adults and females.

  • Combined

    The most common type of ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity and inattention symptoms. Combined-type ADHDers may find it difficult to pay attention, control their impulses and regulate their activity levels.

ADHD Is a Terrible Name

Stigmatising ADHD doesn’t help anybody, and the name doesn’t accurately reflect the nature of the condition. The term ADHD suggests an attention deficit, but it’s a deficit of interest since ADHDers can sustain their attention on exciting tasks.

Leading psychiatrist Dr Ned Hallowell, suggested Variable Attention Stimulus Trait (VAST) as a more representative name, which shifts the focus to a positive and accurate portrayal of the condition.

A 2016 report by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 9.4% of children aged 2 to 17 in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. 

The American Journal of Psychiatry reported 4.4% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. 

Situational variability in ADHD

Situational Variability and The Paradox of ADHD

How can one person be highly talented in some areas yet neglect essential responsibilities?

ADHDers react to the situation they’re in. They thrive in positive environments but shut down in negative ones. When ADHDers are not interested in a task, they won’t engage or focus, but if it’s something they’re interested in, they can actually hyperfocus. 

The paradox of ADHD refers to the fact that people with ADHD can exhibit extreme inattention and hyperactivity, and have periods of intense focus and productivity. This can make it challenging for ADHDers to consistently perform to their full potential, and for others to understand and support them.

Symptoms may not always be consistent or noticed in certain settings, which is why ADHD is commonly misunderstood. The key is to identify your strengths and create systems and strategies that work for you.

Strengths of ADHD

The media often portrays ADHD as a negative condition and focuses on the challenges rather than the strengths. There are a number of reasons to love your ADHD.

  • Hyperfocus

    The ability to focus intensely on a task for long periods can be a huge asset as it allows us to complete tasks efficiently, get a lot of work done quickly, and learn more deeply about a subject we’re studying.

  • Resilience

    ADHDers are typically very resilient, and we can bounce back with extreme optimism. We’re also able to adapt to new situations more quickly than others because we’re used to dealing with a constant stream of stimuli and distractions.

  • Generosity

    ADHDers care deeply about others and are often very willing to make sacrifices to make other people happy.

  • Empathy

    ADHDers can tune into other people’s feelings, consider their perspectives and see the world through their eyes.

  • Ingenious Innovative Thinking

    ADHDers often have a natural ability to think outside the box, come up with ingenious solutions to problems and see things from a unique viewpoint.

  • Willing to Take Risks

    ADHDers are less fearful of failure and are often willing to take risks that can ultimately lead to great success, such as innovative business ventures. We’re also open to new experiences, often actively seeking out novelty and excitement, which results in enjoying very fulfilling lives.

  • Strong Sense of Fairness

    ADHDers tend to value fairness and dislike fake people or situations. We have a low tolerance for things we don’t like and are more likely to take action to see fairness.

  • Creativity

    Research has found that ADHDers tend to score higher on measures of divergent thinking, which is a type of creative thinking that involves generating new and original ideas. This explains why ADHDers tend to thrive in creative industries.

  • Motivation

    ADHDers are extremely motivated and have a strong will to succeed. Our optimism and energy is contagious.

  • Persistence

    ADHDers are confident and possess the determination to succeed despite setbacks.

  • Compassion

    Empathy combined with impulsiveness results in compassion. We’re often the first to offer help when we see someone in need.

  • Engaging Conversational Skills

    We excel at expressing ourselves and can engage others in meaningful and interesting discussion.

Common Challenges of ADHD

ADHD presents a wide range of challenges, and to successfully manage the condition, it’s important to be aware of them.

  • ADHDers may have difficulty regulating their emotions and managing their behaviours and reactions to situations. This can lead to problems in social, academic and occupational settings.

  • The increased empathy and compassion shown by ADHDers means we often people please. This can cause problems with setting boundaries, increased stress and anxiety and decreased sense of self-worth.

  • RSD is a condition characterised by an extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism. It is often linked to ADHD due to how our brain is structured, which makes it difficult to regulate rejection-based emotions and behaviours.

  • ADHDers often have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and getting restful sleep. This can lead to problems with daytime functioning and can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

  • A term used to describe a state of mental and physical exhaustion that can occur as a result of prolonged periods of intense focus or concentration.

  • Behaviours or thought patterns that undermine or interfere with a person’s own goals or well-being. Because they are impulsive, find it difficult to manage their emotions and regulate their behaviours, and have a tendency to procrastinate, ADHDers are prone to self-sabotage.

  • It’s common for ADHDers to have an excessive need for order, perfection and control. Perfectionists tend to have high standards for themselves and others, and may feel excessively anxious or depressed when they’re not able to meet those standards.

  • Because ADHD can make it hard to manage emotions, regulate behaviour and stay organised, it’s easy for ADHDers to neglect self-care.

  • ADHDers can struggle with impulsive eating and regulating their eating habits, especially in childhood, which can lead to weight gain and other related health problems.

  • The challenges associated with ADHD can lead to self-doubt and insecurity. Social challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, and it can be hard to keep on top of basic tasks.

  • Executive function skills include working memory, time management, attention to detail and self-control, which are important for daily functioning but are particularly challenging for ADHDers.

  • ADHDers often struggle to get started on tasks, find it hard to focus and frequently get sidetracked by outside stimuli and our thoughts. The immediate pressure of deadlines motivates us to get things done.

  • ADHDers find it difficult to suppress thoughts and emotions. This inability to subdue thoughts means we can easily ruminate or get stuck in a loop of negative emotions.

  • ADHDers may be impatient due to the challenges we face with managing impulsivity, paying attention and self-regulation.

  • People with ADHD may speak out of turn on account of their impulsivity and difficulty regulating their emotions. This can then interfere with communication and relationships.

  • This tendency, known as task switching, is a result of impulsivity and trouble with planning, organisation and self-control. This can make it hard to complete tasks, reduce productivity and increase stress.

  • The tendency to act on impulse without thinking about the consequences or potential risks. ADHDers may struggle with impulsivity in different areas of their lives.

  • Also known as analysis paralysis or decision paralysis, choice paralysis refers to the inability to make a decision due to an overwhelming number of options or an excessive focus on potential risks and outcomes.

Can you relate to these challenges? Discover how ADHD coaching and mentoring can benefit you.

ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions 

ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders. Sometimes ADHD is missed or the co-occurring condition is misdiagnosed. That’s why it’s important to receive thorough evaluation and treatment for any co-occurring conditions to address all of your mental health needs.

Awareness of common co-occurring conditions is key to diagnosing and managing your ADHD. Please note that I am not a doctor or therapist. If any of these challenges do come up during our sessions, I can help you find appropriate support.

  • ADHDers may be more prone to developing OCD. Impulsive thoughts and difficulty regulating your emotions can contribute to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

  • ADHDers may be more prone to depression due to the challenges with managing symptoms and daily life tasks, as well as the stigma and social challenges that can come with it.

  • The challenges associated with managing ADHD symptoms can contribute to feelings of stress and worry.

  • The symptoms of ADHD often make it challenging for ADHDers to learn and succeed in academic settings.

  • It is common for ADHDers to have sleep problems as racing thoughts and hyperactivity make it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep.

  • The symptoms of ADHD can make it more challenging to cope with and recover from traumatic events because we ruminate and are unable to suppress our thoughts.

  • Impulsivity and poor judgement often lead to alcohol and substance abuse. Substances are also used as a form of self-medication, to induce a temporary state of calm.

  • People with ADHD can struggle with obesity, especially in childhood, because of their inability to regulate their eating habits.

  • In addition to impulsive thoughts and hyperactivity, some medications used to treat ADHD can also cause issues with sleeping. The stress and anxiety associated with managing ADHD symptoms may also contribute to insomnia.

  • The stimulating and rewarding nature of screens may make ADHDers more prone to screen addiction.

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Are you a medical professional looking to refer your patients?

I can help. 

As an ADHD, nutrition and executive function coach, I can help your adult patients manage and maximise their ADHD gifts through education, executive function coaching and life coaching to facilitate self-awareness.

I believe ADHDers can live fulfilling lives when the necessary support and structure are available. This includes medical treatment and holistic ADHD management such as coaching.

Book a call to discover how my services can help your patients.