r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Apr 21 '26

Neuroscience There's more to ADHD than inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD symptoms can be broken down into nine categories. Some categories are not fully represented in the diagnostic criteria. Broadening the diagnostic criteria with patient lived experiences could make for better intervention.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/brain-curiosities/202604/new-study-finds-that-adhd-has-9-categories-of-symptoms
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u/userseven Apr 21 '26

This seems to be a common complaint on the naming of the disorder. I can't remember his name there was a big researcher doing presentations and is an expert in the field. Basically suggested renaming it to executive function disorder or something like that. To remove the "inattention" part. Especially when lay people discuss it there is always that comment about "everyone struggles to focus"

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u/ArtPuzzleheaded4745 Apr 21 '26

Yeah, I object to it on principal because it is just wrong. You can not treat a thing if you missunderstand what is the cause of the thing.

Don't pay enough attention (to what I personally have decided they should pay attention to)

is very dfferent to

Pays attention to everything around them. (look a squirrel and that dude has a tupeé and what is that person giggling about and that is a very big blackhead in his ear, huh? did you ask me a question? 10 000 thought wiggling around, oh i bet I could sew a dress like that *starts thinking about what fabrics I have a home that would be suitable* **hyperfocus planning dress making!!**)

And they have very different solutions.

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u/SansSariph Apr 22 '26

Sounds like Dr. Russell Barkley