More Than a Short Attention Span: Understanding ADHD

We have heard it in passing, people saying they may have ADHD because they can’t focus for a few minutes or get distracted by a sound or a form of media. With the popularity of social media, it has become common to compare the symptoms others display to our own, diagnosing ourselves with any and everything. That’s what people have done with ADHD. The reality is, ADHD is much more than a short attention span, and reducing it to such can lead you to overlook the real experiences of people, including students, navigating it every day.

Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed during childhood and often lasts into adulthood. While ADHD can look different for everyone, common symptoms include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The American Psychiatric Association notes that ADHD can affect academic and professional performance, relationships, and daily functioning. So, let's take a deeper look and break down what people think ADHD is versus what it actually looks like. 

Misconception #1: “You have ADHD. I know because you have a short attention span.”

While a short attention span is the core symptom of ADHD, it is not the only explanation for a short attention span. Being unable to focus could be a result of anxiety or intense stress someone is having. It is important to consult a medical professional to assess other behaviors and make a fully accurate diagnosis. 

Misconception #2: “ADHD

is a disorder that only

impacts children.”

Many studies have shown that ADHD is a disorder that is diagnosed during childhood, but adults can be diagnosed as well. Commonly, some adults often go undiagnosed in their childhood, with symptoms being missed, masked, or mistaken for other conditions. However, ADHD shows up differently in adults, affecting time management and organization. 

Misconception #3: “People with ADHD are

just lazy and lack motivation.”

Because this is a disorder that impacts how the brain functions, the symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for laziness, lack of care, or motivation. The truth is, ADHD can cause people to feel overwhelmed by finishing and starting tasks, causing them to choose to avoid them naturally. On the other hand, ADHD can show up differently, causing people to hyper-focus on a task for hours, forgetting anything else. 

Misconception #4: “Everyone with ADHD is hyper and high energy.”

Hyperactivity is common in individuals with ADHD, but not everyone is hyperactive. The Cleveland Clinic describes four types of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive, combined, unspecified, and inattentive. Inattentive ADHD involves difficulty concentrating and usually lacks hyperactive symptoms. The other types include excess energy (hyperactive-impulsive), a combination of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms (combined), and symptoms that don’t necessarily meet the full criteria but still disrupt daily life (unspecified).

Misconception #5: “It’s alright, everyone has a little ADHD.”

While often said in jest, it is not definitive proof that everyone has a little ADHD. Everyone can feel restless or make impulsive choices occasionally, but that doesn’t automatically mean they have the disorder. ADHD is a specific condition affecting roughly 6 percent of US adults in 2023. As awareness increases, more individuals seek a diagnosis. Nevertheless, in our hectic, fast-moving environment, normal distractions can sometimes be mistaken for the long-term symptoms of ADHD.