ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are conditions that affect the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and sometimes activity levels. Today, the term ADHD is more commonly used, with ADD considered an earlier or narrower label.
ADHD is typically described through three main clusters of symptoms:
Inattention – difficulties in sustaining focus, being easily distracted, losing items, or struggling to follow through with tasks.
Hyperactivity – restlessness, constant movement, or difficulty staying still, often noticeable in children but also present in adults in subtler ways (like feeling internally restless).
Impulsivity – acting without thinking, interrupting others, or finding it hard to wait one’s turn.
Not everyone with ADHD shows all three symptom clusters equally. Some people primarily struggle with inattention (historically labelled as ADD), while others may display a combination of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD is not about laziness or lack of willpower—it is linked to how the brain processes information, especially in areas responsible for executive functioning (planning, organisation, emotional regulation). It can impact school, work, and relationships. Still, with proper support—such as therapy, coaching, lifestyle strategies, and in some cases medication—people with ADHD often develop strong creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
Understanding ADHD helps reduce stigma and emphasises that it is not just a “childhood condition” but a lifelong pattern, one that can be managed and even channelled into unique strengths when properly supported.