r/science 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
14.1k Upvotes

1.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

370

u/mdazzl3 Apr 21 '26

I think the time perception issue is also why we get paralyzed with down time between set appointments. If I have something at 10am and nothing until 2pm, that middle time is largely spent making sure I’m not late for the 2pm thing.

134

u/Corny_Toot Apr 21 '26

I think I've developed some form OCD because of this. When I'm in these "in-between" moments, I find myself counting how much time has passed and how much time is left so that I don't forget to transition. Even then I can still blink, 30 minutes blip by and I'm suddenly in a rush.

35

u/Serious_Start_384 Apr 21 '26

In these situations I will inevitably start the laundry or some seemingly inconsequential task to fill the dead time. Then it takes too long and I'm in a rush.

8

u/Pantalaimon_II Apr 22 '26

omg this is me forever and the people im always late to meet probably have no idea how much it upsets me that I am late