adhd is Often Misdiagnosed or Misunderstood

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood. It’s more than being “distracted” or “hyper.” ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, focus, emotional regulation, and organization. For many children, teens, and adults, living with ADHD can feel like trying to keep up in world that operates completely different than how their brain works or functions. And girls and women are under diagnosed as they often exhibit less obvious symptoms than boys and men.

But with awareness, compassion, and the right strategies, people with ADHD can thrive—and therapy can be an important part of that journey.

What adhd Is

ADHD is a chronic condition that impacts how the brain processes information, motivation, and reward. While it’s often first identified in childhood, many adults discover later in life that ADHD has been part of their story all along. Symptoms can vary, but they may include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks

• Frequent forgetfulness or losing track of time

• Impulsivity or acting before thinking

• Restlessness or feeling “on the go”

• Trouble organizing or prioritizing responsibilities

• Emotional sensitivity or frustration

• Feeling overwhelmed or “behind,” despite best efforts

ADHD isn’t about laziness or a lack of discipline—it’s about how the brain processes information, motivation, and reward. With support and understanding, people with ADHD can learn tools that help them work with their brains rather than against them.

What adhd Isn’t

ADHD is not simply being unfocused, disorganized, or high-energy. It’s not a character flaw, bad parenting, or a lack of intelligence. Many people with ADHD are creative, curious, and capable—but they may struggle in environments that demand constant structure, multitasking, or sustained focus.

It’s also not something you can “grow out of.” While symptoms may change over time, ADHD is lifelong. What does change is how effectively someone can manage it—especially when they have the right support, skills, and self-understanding.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a space to understand your ADHD—not just as a diagnosis, but as part of who you are. Together, we can explore how ADHD shows up in your daily life and develop practical tools to help you feel more confident and in control. Therapy for ADHD may include:

• Building executive functioning skills like planning, prioritizing, and time management

• Learning strategies for emotional regulation and reducing frustration

• Addressing self-esteem issues that can develop after years of misunderstanding or criticism

• Creating supportive routines and habits that align with how your brain works best

• Improving communication and relationships, especially around ADHD-related challenges

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating ADHD for years, therapy can help you move from self-blame to self-acceptance—and from feeling scattered to feeling supported.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

Understanding your ADHD is the first step toward living more fully and authentically. With the right tools, strategies, and support, it’s possible to create structure, reduce stress, and harness your unique strengths.