ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive function, attention regulation, and impulse control. Common ADHD Symptoms in Adults: INATTENTION: - Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks - Easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts - Trouble organizing tasks and managing time - Forgetfulness in daily activities - Losing things frequently - Difficulty following through on instructions - Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort HYPERACTIVITY/IMPULSIVITY: - Restlessness or feeling "driven by a motor" - Difficulty sitting still or staying in one place - Talking excessively - Interrupting others or finishing their sentences - Difficulty waiting your turn - Acting without thinking through consequences - Emotional impulsivity (quick to anger, mood swings) EXECUTIVE FUNCTION CHALLENGES: - Difficulty prioritizing tasks - Procrastination despite good intentions - Time blindness (poor sense of time passing) - Working memory issues (forgetting what you just read/heard) - Difficulty switching between tasks - Trouble planning and organizing Important Notes: 1. ADHD Looks Different in Adults: Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children. Symptoms may have been overlooked, especially in women, or may have been manageable until life demands increased. 2. ADHD Is a Spectrum: Everyone experiences ADHD differently. Some people are primarily inattentive, some primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and some have combined presentation. 3. ADHD Affects Many Areas of Life: Work performance, relationships, self-esteem, physical health, financial management, and emotional regulation can all be impacted. 4. ADHD Is Neurobiological: Research shows ADHD involves differences in brain structure, neurotransmitter function (especially dopamine and norepinephrine), and executive function networks. This is not a character flaw or lack of willpower. If You're Wondering "Do I Have ADHD?" This community provides educational information, but **only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD.**

Hello!! I'm Dr. Alison DeMiero (DNP, PMHNP-BC, Functional and Integrative Psychiatrist). If you're experiencing: - Trouble focusing or finishing tasks - Forgetfulness and losing things constantly - Overwhelm and difficulty prioritizing - Impulsivity or emotional dysregulation - Feeling like your brain won't "turn off" - Procrastination despite good intentions - Time blindness and chronic lateness Or if you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is ADHD—you're in the right place. What This Community Is About: This is an educational community focused on understanding ADHD symptoms and evidence-based approaches for managing them. We discuss: ✅ The neuroscience of ADHD (dopamine, executive function, working memory) ✅ How ADHD affects different areas of life (work, relationships, health) ✅ Evidence-based strategies and information ✅ Lifestyle factors (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress) ✅ How hormones affect ADHD (especially for women) ✅ Working with your brain, not against it ⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This community provides educational content only. Nothing shared here constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not acting as your healthcare provider in this community. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have ADHD, please consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or changes. Individual results vary. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Community Guidelines: 1. Be kind and respectful—we're all struggling with similar challenges 2. Share experiences, not medical advice (we're not each other's doctors) 3. No promoting/selling (education space only) 4. Respect privacy (what's shared here stays here) 5. No stigma or judgment about medication choices 6. Always consult your own healthcare provider before making changes