What is "ADHD," Anyway? A Look Under the Hood of Attention

True solutions come from understanding the mechanics of your mind.

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a sea of browser tabs, rereading the same paragraph for the tenth time, or struggling to start a project that’s been looming for weeks, you’ve probably asked yourself the question: Do I have ADHD?

It’s a valid question. In today's world, "ADHD" has become a common shorthand for any struggle with focus, organization, or impulsivity. We see it in memes, hear it in conversations, and read about it everywhere. The term is so prevalent that it can feel like everyone has it.

As a psychologist who specializes in cognitive and diagnostic assessment, I want to let you in on a professional secret: "ADHD" is not just one thing.

Frankly, the diagnosis itself can be limiting. While it can be immensely validating to finally have a name for your experience—and I fully support diagnosing for that reason—the label alone doesn't capture the full picture. It doesn't explain why a brilliant, capable person is struggling, nor does it provide a personalized roadmap for how to help. That’s why I believe the real, more helpful question isn't "Do I have this label?" but rather, "What specific cognitive processes are making attention difficult for me?"

The "Check Engine" Light of the Brain

Think of struggles with attention like a "check engine" light in your car. The light tells you there's a problem, but it doesn't tell you what the problem is. Is it the engine, the transmission, or just a faulty sensor? You wouldn't just put a piece of tape over the light and call it fixed. You'd run a diagnostic to find the root cause.

Similarly, "a deficit of attention" is a symptom, not the core problem. It’s the brain’s check engine light, signaling that one or more underlying systems may need support.

So, what could be "under the hood"? Here are just a few of the distinct cognitive and environmental factors that can look like ADHD:

• Executive Functioning Differences: This is a big one. Executive functions are the "CEO" of your brain, responsible for planning, organizing, prioritizing, and starting tasks. If your brain's CEO is overwhelmed or works differently, it can be nearly impossible to manage daily life, even if your raw "attention" is fine.

• Working Memory Load: Working memory is your brain's temporary sticky note. It’s what you use to hold information in your mind while you work with it (like remembering a phone number while you find a pen). If your sticky note is smaller than average or gets wiped clean easily, you might forget instructions, lose your train of thought, or struggle with multi-step problems.

• Processing Speed: Some brains simply process information at a different pace. In a world that demands instant responses, having a slower processing speed can lead to feeling constantly behind, overwhelmed in conversations, and struggling to keep up, which can easily be mistaken for inattention.

• Emotional Regulation: Intense emotions can completely hijack our cognitive resources. If you're struggling with anxiety, your focus is naturally diverted to perceived threats. If you're dealing with depression, the cognitive fog and lack of motivation can make concentration feel like moving through molasses.

• Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Health: The brain is a physical organ. Chronic poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or other underlying health issues can have a massive impact on your ability to focus and regulate your energy.

So, Why Bother with an "ADHD Assessment"?

This is where I see many people get stuck. If the label isn't the most important part, why go through a formal assessment?

Because a good assessment isn't about finding a label—it's about creating a map.

A comprehensive neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation doesn't just check boxes on a symptom list. It’s a deep dive into how your unique brain works. It measures those specific building blocks: your working memory, your processing speed, your executive functioning, and more.

The goal is to move from a vague problem to a clear understanding. We replace "I can't focus" with precise, actionable insights like:

• "My verbal working memory is a challenge, so I need to rely on writing things down immediately."

• "My processing speed is slower in auditory contexts, so I should ask for information in writing."

• "My difficulty starting tasks is tied to planning and initiation, so I can use a specific strategy like the '5-Minute Rule' to get started."

The Goal Isn't just a Diagnosis; It's a Strategy

Ultimately, what matters isn't what we call your struggles. What matters is that you get the right support to thrive. Understanding the specific nature of your cognitive profile is the first and most critical step toward building a life that works with your brain, not against it.

If you feel like your "check engine" light is on, don't settle for a simple label. Seek a comprehensive understanding. An assessment can provide the personalized roadmap you need to finally start moving forward with clarity and confidence.

If you're ready to understand the 'why' behind your attention struggles, contact my office to learn more about the comprehensive assessment process.

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation