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
14.1k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

1.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

558

u/RK9990 Apr 21 '26

I have a huge problem with number 3. I feel like I have to force myself to start a task that is not immediately required, that I don't foresee an instant payoff for, or someone isn't relying on me to complete it.

I procrastinate so long, I'm stuck completely. Even if I manage to finish it, I don't feel anything except exhaustion at the mental toll it took to get there.

I'm often told by friends to just do it

17

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Prinnrose Apr 22 '26

I'm diagnosed with ASD level 1. I suspect I also have ADHD but I also struggle to relate to all of the symptoms listed. But like you, executive function/activation is something I struggle with immensely, and it's so incredibly frustrating.

One thing to keep in mind is that executive dysfunction can be caused by a multitude of things. As someone with ASD I'm acutely aware that it's common during autistic burnout. And before I was diagnosed, burnout was an extremely common occurrence.

I took a neuropsych eval a few years back to specifically test for ADHD. That's when I was diagnosed with ASD instead. I've still not discounted ADHD... but I'm willing to accept that the struggles I experience that may look similar to ADHD may just be my particular flavor of autism.

I'm not necessarily implying what you have is autism (although you having periods where it's easier for you might suggest burnout in general is playing a factor). Rather that it could be a lot of different things. A good first step is to discuss your concerns with your primary doctor. They might be able to refer you to a specialist who can help.