Content written by Dr. Huynh Thanh Tan – Psychiatrist – Center for Mental Health Care – Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Overview & Understanding ADHD correctly
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most widespread and misunderstood neurodevelopmental conditions in the world. Although millions of children and adults live with ADHD, many still believe in the outdated myths - that ADHD is simply a lack of discipline, laziness, or poor parenting.
Modern neuroscience shows a very different picture. ADHD is a lifelong difference in how the brain regulates attention, motivation, planning, emotions, and impulse control. It is not a character flaw, and it is not something a person can simply “try harder” to overcome.
Brain mechanisms and executive function linked to ADHD
To truly understand ADHD, it is essential to first understand how the brain works differently. ADHD is strongly linked to differences in the brain’s executive function systems – the networks that help us focus, plan organize, shift attention, manage time, regulate emotions, and control impulses.
These systems rely heavily on the neurotransmitters of dopamine and noradrenaline. In ADHD people, these neurotransmitters do not function in a way that easily keeps up with the constant changes in the external environment, such as the fast pace of modern life, causing the daily symptoms they experience. These neurological differences explain why some ADHD folks may genuinely want to complete a task but feel unable to begin.
Prevalence and statistics of ADHD
ADHD is very common. Studies suggest that around 5–12 percent of children worldwide have ADHD, and more than half continue to experience symptoms well into adulthood.
However, many adults remain undiagnosed, especially women, who are more likely to present with inattentive or emotionally sensitive symptoms rather than obvious hyperactivity. These quieter forms of ADHD are often mistaken for anxiety, depression, or personality traits rather than recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition.
Recognizing symptoms and causes
ADHD Symptoms and Identification
The symptoms of ADHD fall into several broad categories that help us identify the condition:
- Inattention: This includes difficulty staying focused, losing items, forgetting instructions, struggling with organization, or being easily overwhelmed by complex tasks.
- Importantly: Inattention does not mean inability for concentration. ADHD people can focus intensely on things they love, a phenomenon called hyperfocus. However, they may find it extremely challenging to direct their attention toward tasks that are repetitive, boring, or stressful.
- Hyperactivity: In children, hyperactivity often looks like visible fidgeting or constant moving. In adults, it usually appears as internal hyperactivity: racing thoughts, restlessness, or a feeling of being mentally “on the go”.
- Many ADHD adults report that their mind never seems to slow down, making it hard to relax or switch off at the end of the day.
- Impulsivity: This can mean acting quickly without thinking, interrupting conversations, making fast decisions that may later cause regret, or reacting emotionally without processing the situation. Impulsivity is a neurological difficulty in the brain’s inhibition system.
- Emotional dysregulation: an often-overlooked category. Many ADHD people feel emotions more intensely than others – they may become frustrated quickly, feel hurt easily, or struggle to calm down after becoming upset.
- These emotional experiences can be exhausting and may lead to misunderstandings in relationships. Emotional regulation difficulties are now understood as a core part of ADHD, not a separate problem.
Different Presentations of ADHD
ADHD affects people across all cultures, ages, and genders. Historically associated with visibly hyperactive children, research confirms that ADHD appears in many forms.
Some people are quiet daydreamers; some are extremely disorganized or forgetful, and others are driven by an inner restlessness that never seems to switch off. The experience of ADHD can be confusing and painful, especially when a person has spent years being misunderstood.
Causes and Genetic Factors of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are complex; some factors have been identified:
- Genetics play the largest role; ADHD tends to run strongly in families.
- Differences in brain development, prenatal factors (such as nicotine or alcohol exposure), premature birth, or early life brain injury can also contribute to the problem.
It is crucial to remember ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, too much screen time, sugar, or a lack of discipline. These myths contribute to shame and delay proper support.
Impact and support solutions
Impact of Untreated ADHD
Untreated ADHD can significantly affect daily life.
Children may struggle with completing assignments and managing instructions. Adults may find themselves procrastinating, missing deadlines, forgetting appointments, or feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities.
Many ADHD people experience chronic stress from trying to keep up with expectations. Over time, untreated ADHD can contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, or relationship conflict.
Effective treatment and management approaches for ADHD
Despite these challenges, ADHD is highly manageable with the right strategies and support.
- Behavioural interventions and environment: These are essential and often life changing. They include organizational coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), time-management tools, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and building structured routines. Simplifying systems, reducing clutter, and using visual reminders can make everyday life far easier for the ADHD brain.
- Medication: This is another effective component of treatment for many people. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications improve the balance of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, helping people focus, regulate emotions, and manage impulses. Non-stimulant medications are also available for those who cannot tolerate stimulants. These medications have been studied for decades and are considered safe when monitored by a qualified professional.
Emotional Support and Counseling
Equally important is emotional support. ADHD people often carry years of self-blame. A correct ADHD diagnosis can bring enormous and a new sense of self-understanding, showing that their struggles have a neurological origin. Families, teachers, and employers must create environments where individuals with ADHD are understood and supported rather than criticized.
Unique strengths of people with ADHD
ADHD people also possess unique strengths. Many are creative, energetic, intuitive, empathetic, and excellent in crisis situations. They can hyperfocus for long periods on topics they love, producing exceptional work. They often bring humour, passion, and originality to their relationships and careers. Understanding these strengths is crucial; ADHD is not simply a list of deficits - it is a different cognitive style with both challenges and gifts.
Conclusion and next steps
With early support, consistent strategies, and a compassionate environment, ADHD people can thrive in school, at work, and in life. ADHD does not limit a person’s potential. What limits them is misunderstanding, lack of support, and the pressure to function in systems that are not designed for neurodiverse minds.
Understanding ADHD is the first step toward empowerment. Learning how this condition truly works can transform the way you see yourself and others. ADHD is not a sign of failure. It is simply a different way of experiencing the world - and with the right tools, that world can become far more manageable, meaningful, and fulfilling.
Suspect ADHD? Schedule a professional ADHD consultation today at VINMEC IMHC for personalized support.
Scientific References
ADHD Information Resource Handout: https://www.caddra.ca/wp-content/uploads/CADDRA-ADHD-information-resources-handout.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Neurodevelopmental disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x01_neurodevelopmental_disorders
Australian ADHD Professionals Association. (2022). Australian Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Australian-Clinical-Practice-Guidelin…
Australian ADHD Professionals Association. (n.d.). Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline For ADHD: FACTSHEET FOR CLINICIANS. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ADHD-Guideline-Factsheet-Clinical-Tre…
Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance. (2020). Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, 4.1 edition. https://adhdlearn.caddra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Canadian-ADHD-Practice-Guidelines-4.1-Januar…
May, T., Birch, E., Chaves, K., Cranswick, N., Culnane, E., Delaney, J., Derrick, M., Eapen, V., Edlington, C., Efron, D., Ewais, T., Garner, I., Gathercole, M., Jagadheesan, K., Jobson, L., Kramer, J., Mack, M., Misso, M., Murrup-Stewart, C., … Bellgrove, M. (2023). The Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 57(8), 1101–1116. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674231166329
Stahl, S. M. (2024). Prescriber’s guide: Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology. Cambridge University Press.
Taylor, D. M., Barnes, T. R. E., & Young, A. H. (2025). Drug treatment of psychiatric symptoms occurring in the context of other conditions. The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry, 803–864. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119870203.mpg010.pub2
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
