Do I Have ADHD?
- Dr. Matthew Robin, Psychiatrist -Lincoln Park, Chicago
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
You may ask yourself: Do I have ADHD? If you answer something like: Well, I struggle with paying attention. I forget things and can’t seem to keep track of my keys. I’m definitely procrastinating and don’t seem to finish my projects. Should I ask Brightland Health for help?
YES! At Brightland Health, we pride ourselves on being specialists in ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), sometimes referred to as ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder). We have a deep understanding of its complexities and how it impacts your daily life.
ADHD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can impact various aspects of your life, particularly inattention, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction. These symptoms often manifest differently in individuals.
What about my inability to focus? Is that part of ADHD?
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD include:
Difficulty sustaining attention: Trouble focusing on tasks, at school, work, or home.
Making mistakes: Missing details, making errors, struggling with organization.
Easily distracted: Find it challenging to ignore irrelevant stimuli or distractions.
Forgetfulness: Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or to complete tasks.
Poor follow-through: Difficulty starting or completing tasks, often leaving things unfinished.
What about when I’m hyperactive?
The Hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD include:
Restlessness: Constant fidgeting or being unable to sit still, especially in situations that require staying calm.
Excessive talking: Interrupting others in conversations or being overly talkative in situations that require restraint.
Impulsive decisions: Making hasty decisions or acting without considering the consequences.
Difficulty waiting: Challenges with waiting your turn or blurting out answers.
What about my difficulties with executive function? Is that part of ADHD?
Executive functioning refers to using mental skills to manage planning, organization, and taking action in order to reach goals. In individuals with ADHD, these skills are often impaired, leading to several challenges, such as poor time management:
Poor Planning: Difficulty setting a schedule and planning ahead.
Poor Time Management: Difficulty estimating how long tasks will take, leading to procrastination and last-minute rushes to complete work.
Difficulty Staying Organized: Struggling to break down tasks into smaller manageable steps and stay organized. Work space is often cluttered and messy.
Task initiation: Challenges in starting tasks, especially if they seem overwhelming or uninteresting.
Memory: Trouble holding information in mind.
Self-regulation: Difficulty controlling emotional reactions due to lack of focus, which may lead to frustration, poor decision-making, or outbursts.
Together, these symptoms can significantly affect your academic, professional, and home life. Recognizing these challenges is the first step towards finding effective strategies to manage your ADHD. These may include medication, behavioral therapy, and improving executive function skills.
Our team at Brightland Health consists of experienced professionals (psychiatrists, psychiatry providers, and therapists) who are dedicated to providing you individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach that blends medication management and therapies. We give personalized support, allowing us to offer long-lasting solutions and transformative outcomes. With a track record of success, we can help you not only manage symptoms but also thrive. We can help with building confidence and achieving your personal and professional goals. At Brightland Health, you will find hope, understanding, and a brighter future.
