Is It Laziness, Or Do I Have ADHD? Recognizing Symptoms

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), is a neurodevelopmental condition and a form of neurodivergence that can impact a person’s ability to focus and control impulses. People with ADHD may experience symptoms like hyperactivity and forgetfulness, which could make it difficult to complete tasks on time. However, trouble with motivation and focus could also stem from other factors. Below is an overview of how ADHD may impact daily functioning, other elements that might be at play, and how a professional evaluation from an in-person or online therapist may help you address these challenges. 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. According to the diagnostic criteria, symptoms generally must first appear when the individual is a child (before age 12), and they often persist into adulthood. ADHD symptoms may vary somewhat in type and intensity, but they can have the potential to cause challenges related to:

• Work
• School
• Daily functioning
• Self-care
• Social situations
• Relationships with friends, partners, family, coworkers, etc.

ADHD may sometimes co-occur with other mental health disorders, which may exacerbate symptoms. Research suggests that “as many as 80% of adults with ADHD are reported to have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder.” The same study indicates that substance use disorder may be the most common co-occurring condition in those with ADHD, followed by mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

ADHD in the general population 

According to statistics from 2023, 6% of US adults in the general population have an ADHD diagnosis. Approximately 55% of those diagnosed are male, and 44% are female (with statistics for other genders currently unavailable), and 70% of those diagnosed are white. 

That said, a growing body of research suggests that girls, women, people of other genders, and BIPOC individuals are likely significantly underdiagnosed. Research from 2024 suggests that implicit biases and systemic racism may be key contributing factors to these disparities. 

Common signs of ADHD in adults

The American Psychiatric Association identifies three primary presentations of ADHD based on the symptoms the individual experiences most often. The three presentations include primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and a combined type.

The primarily inattentive type

The primarily inattentive presentation of ADHD often manifests as executive dysfunction (difficulty focusing, organizing, and following through), forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. Inattention symptoms might lead a person to make careless mistakes, misplace items, miss deadlines, and forget to do important tasks.

The primarily hyperactive/impulsive type 

The primarily hyperactive/impulsive presentation of ADHD is often marked by a high level of energy that can sometimes be difficult to manage. A person with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms may frequently be feeling restless, and they may also experience fidgeting, trouble waiting, and impulsive decision-making.

The combined type

A person with the combined presentation of ADHD may experience symptoms from both categories above. For example, they may have difficulty waiting and experience physical restlessness, as well as being easily distracted and having trouble organizing tasks. Trouble with emotional regulation may also be more common in those with the combined presentation.

ADHD across the lifespan

Since it’s a neurodevelopmental condition, ADHD typically appears in childhood and persists throughout a person's lifetime, though symptoms may evolve in some ways over time. Their impacts may change depending on whether the person receives treatment and develops any co-existing conditions. 

Age and the expectations of a particular setting can also affect the way ADHD symptoms manifest. For example, children or adolescents with the hyperactive/impulsive presentation may be prone to running, bouncing, or climbing at school due to restlessness symptoms. In contrast, an adult with the same symptoms may fidget instead when having to sit for long periods at work.

In cases where a parent and/or a child has ADHD, the condition can also affect families. Symptoms could impact daily activities in a household, though professional treatment may help parents manage these effects.

“Do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy”: What’s the real difference? 

Both ADHD and feeling lazy or unmotivated may cause a person to neglect tasks or miss deadlines, but the two are not the same. Understanding the differences between these experiences in a few key areas may be helpful.

Also note that even if a person doesn’t have ADHD, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re “lazy.” In most adults, a lack of motivation to complete certain tasks could stem from many potential causes, from medication side effects or an anxiety disorder to low self-esteem, perfectionism, a fear of failure, or others.

The term “lazy” may have harmful connotations, so placing this label on others or even oneself might not be constructive. If you’re struggling with motivation, you might consider working with an in-person or online therapist to address the root cause.

Behavioral patterns 

Adults with ADHD may forget a meeting or miss a deadline due to symptoms like impulsivity, forgetfulness, or distractibility. Even though they may want and intend to complete a certain task, their symptoms could get in the way, so their efforts might not lead to the desired outcomes. In contrast, a person without ADHD might avoid a task because they choose to or because they’re affected by some other emotional or mental health experience.

Cognitive aspects

Executive dysfunction can be a common cognitive feature of ADHD, which may affect areas like working memory, goal-directed behavior, and the ability to switch between mental tasks. This symptom can make it harder for a person with ADHD to fulfill responsibilities or meet deadlines. 

In other words, failure to complete a task is not typically about willpower in a person with ADHD, but neurological barriers. In contrast, someone who doesn’t have executive dysfunction and fails to complete a task may do so because of lack of interest or another factor.

Emotional factors 

The way a person feels about missed tasks or deadlines may also be linked to the underlying cause. For example, someone with ADHD may feel frustrated or guilty when their symptoms interfere with their responsibilities. In contrast, a person who chooses not to do a certain task might feel indifferent after making that choice.

ADHD and other conditions that may look similar

When an individual is showing potential signs of ADHD, a mental health professional may also evaluate their symptoms against the diagnostic criteria for other illnesses. Several other conditions involve symptoms which may mimic ADHD symptoms. Or, a provider could determine that the individual has ADHD and another condition.

For example, an anxiety disorder may sometimes mimic or worsen attention difficulties. Anxiety could cause restlessness (which may be mistaken for ADHD-related fidgeting) and trouble concentrating (which may be mistaken for ADHD-related inattention).

Sleep disorders might also overlap with or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Insufficient sleep due to insomnia or other conditions could cause symptoms like trouble concentrating and emotional dysregulation during the day, which may be mistaken for ADHD. 

Finally, certain learning disabilities may cause symptoms that could be mistaken for ADHD. For instance, a person with dyslexia may struggle to concentrate on reading-based school assignments or work tasks, which could look similar to ADHD-related inattention.

Managing ADHD-related challenges: coping strategies and treatment options

For those experiencing difficulties completing tasks or fulfilling responsibilities due to ADHD symptoms, treatment options are available. ADHD therapy often includes some form of talk therapy, which may help a person learn to shift distorted thoughts and practice healthy coping strategies. In some cases, medication may also be recommended, though it can be advisable to never start, stop, or change any medication without consulting with a doctor or psychiatrist.

In addition to seeking professional treatment for ADHD, certain strategies may help a person reduce symptoms and improve their functioning. Examples include:

• Routine self-care strategies, like regularly exercising, eating nutrient-rich meals, getting enough sleep, and making time for relaxation and leisure activities
• Productivity techniques, like using the Pomodoro method, wearing noise-canceling headphones while working, and trying apps for scheduling and reminders

How ADHD is diagnosed

To be screened for ADHD, you’ll typically need to meet with your primary care physician or a mental health professional. They may evaluate your symptoms in the context of your full medical and mental health history to get a full picture of what you’re experiencing and how it’s impacting your life. They’ll typically compare your symptoms to the diagnostic criteria listed for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). If they believe your symptoms show a persistent pattern that suggests ADHD, they may make a formal diagnosis.

In order for an ADHD diagnosis to be considered, the DSM states that an adult must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

• Five or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity (as listed in the DSM) are present by age 17
• Symptoms persist for more than six months
• Several symptoms appear in two or more settings (work, school, home, etc.)
• Symptoms are impacting daily functioning
• Symptoms can’t be better explained by another mental disorder

While you can take an ADHD test online, these tools are not the same as receiving a diagnosis. Again, a diagnosis usually requires a full assessment from a healthcare professional who can evaluate the complete context of what you’re experiencing. Screening tools are questionnaires that may help a person recognize the symptoms they're experiencing, but the result or answer from an online test is not typically intended to replace a professional diagnosis. 

Who can diagnose ADHD?

In general, you may need to meet with some type of qualified healthcare professional to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. A primary care provider may be able to evaluate your symptoms and potentially rule out any underlying medical causes. Or, a mental health professional like a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist may be able to evaluate your symptoms to see if ADHD or any other mental health condition might be present. ADHD healthcare providers, specifically, like therapists who specialize in treating ADHD, may be able to offer the most tailored care.

When to reach out for support for ADHD symptoms

Whether you qualify for a clinical diagnosis of ADHD or not, you can generally reach out for professional help at any time. A mental health care provider may evaluate your symptoms and offer treatment options to help you manage them. If you don’t have a diagnosable condition, they can often still equip you with coping strategies for the challenges you may be facing.

It may be particularly important to meet with a mental health professional about your symptoms if they're significantly impacting your daily life or causing you distress. In addition to these impacts, untreated ADHD could lead to masking and burnout and could also contribute to or exacerbate co-occurring mental illnesses like depression or anxiety. 

What to expect when seeking treatment for ADHD symptoms

When seeking help for possible ADHD symptoms, your doctor or mental health care provider may ask you to describe:

• Which symptoms you’re experiencing
• When you first noticed your symptoms
• How your symptoms impact your daily life
• Your mental and physical health history
• Whether you have a family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions

In addition to determining whether an ADHD diagnosis might be warranted, they may also screen you for comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.

Getting support through BetterHelp

Seeking treatment from a mental health professional may be beneficial for people who are living with ADHD. However, individuals who struggle with inattention or executive functioning may find it difficult to search for a therapist or commute to in-person appointments each week. In cases like these, online therapy might be a more convenient option.

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, finding a therapist can be as simple as filling out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences. After that, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist accordingly. Once matched, you can meet with your provider virtually from anywhere you have an internet connection, via phone, video, or live chat. While BetterHelp therapists are not permitted to make diagnoses, they may provide evidence-based support for a variety of conditions.

Research on the effectiveness of online therapy

Research suggests that online therapy may often be as effective as in-person therapy for treating many mental health symptoms, including signs of ADHD. For example, one 2022 meta-analysis of research on the topic suggests that online interventions may be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.