ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is often wildly misunderstood. Most people are familiar with its visible symptoms-such as hyperactivity and inattention-but there's far more beneath the surface. The ADHD iceberg is an efficient way to understand the external symptoms that others see, versus the internal experiences of those with ADHD.
The Visible Symptoms: The Tip of the Iceberg
These symptoms of ADHD are typically what people notice first. These can include:
Excessive fidgeting and body-focused repetitive behaviors (skin picking, nail picking or biting, hair pulling or twirling, leg bouncing)
Rushing or being late or too early coupled with overplanning or poor planning
Getting easily distracted by external stimuli
Impatience and anger outbursts (road rage or meltdowns)
Being overly organized or disorganized
Being forgetful and constantly losing items (phone, keys, wallet, etc.)
Substance use or addictive behaviors and eating disorders
The Invisible Symptoms: What's Hidden Beneath
What’s often unseen are the internal struggles that individuals with ADHD face daily. These invisible symptoms can be just as debilitating, if not more so. Some of these include:
Emotional dysregulation
Time blindness, or not being aware of time
Racing and intrusive thoughts
Sensory processing disorder or generally feeling overwhelmed due to sensory issues
Rejection dysphoria or sensitivity to criticism and social anxiety
Choice paralysis
Sleep issues and disturbances
Low self-esteem and guilt and shame
ADHD can also impact one's executive functioning-the mental skills needed for planning, organizing, and self-regulating. They may struggle with attention and focus, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. The root cause is most often a brain chemistry imbalance, particularly with dopamine.
Recognizing the complexity of ADHD is the first step toward better understanding and support. People living with ADHD experience far more than what's visible to the outside world. By acknowledging both the external and internal aspects of ADHD, we can create a more empathetic and supportive environment for those navigating it.
The ADHD iceberg is an efficient way to understand the external symptoms that others see, versus the internal experiences of those with ADHD. For information on how to address your ADHD or for testing, click here.
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