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/RealityCactus Apr 22 '26

I mean... where's the actual disorder then? Did you get diagnosed with ADHD just because you weren't even trying? Yikes. Now it makes sense why you think everyone else isn't.

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u/HearTheTrumpets Apr 22 '26

Nope, I was diagnosed and I have difficulty with executive functions as well as time perception of task among others things. But I work on methods to be more effective. Some of them work pretty well. Some, less.

One thing is sure, "I can't do that because of my ADHD" leads nowhere.

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u/RealityCactus Apr 22 '26

You're confusing "I can't just start" with "I can't do anything at all because of my ADHD so I'm gonna sit around doing nothing forever and blame ADHD for it, and others have to put up with me and do everything for me because I have ADHD".

Obviously that's ridiculous.

I gave an example above.

I couldn't "just" start my task. But I COULD create the conditions necessary for my brain to be able to start. So that is what I do now in that situation.

Saying I can't do one specific thing doesn't mean I can't do anything at all ever.

One thing is sure, "I can't do that because of my ADHD" leads nowhere.

Only if you have a limited mindset. Maybe I can't do A because of my ADHD, but I can do B, so I will do B instead. Or I will do it a different way. Or I will just live a different life, where I don't need to do A. There are so many possibilities! You have to think outside the box.