Do I have ADHD or Am I Just Lazy?

Have you ever Googled, “Do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy?”. If so, you’re not alone. This question is often asked on Google, Reddit, and other platforms online.

Many people struggle to identify if they have a mental health disorder, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), that requires treatment or intervention. The increase in discussion about symptoms on social media may contribute to people wondering if they may have a mental health diagnosis. This increase in awareness is positive, but only a mental health professional can diagnose and treat ADHD properly.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder typically characterized by lack of focus and increased impulsivity, which are often present in those with the diagnosis. In adults, symptoms impact the individual in various environments, including work, school, home, and relationships.

Common symptoms also include the following:

• Poor listening skills
• Distractibility
• Forgetfulness
• Short attention span
• Lack of attention to detail
• Procrastination
• Fidgeting
• Restlessness

People with ADHD also report difficulty initiating and completing tasks, as well as organizing their thoughts and their environments. These symptoms must be present over time and significant enough to impact a person’s overall functioning in order to be diagnosed.

Moreover, ADHD often affects executive functioning, which encompasses a range of skills crucial for goal-setting, planning, self-control, and sustained attention. Deficits in executive functioning can impair various aspects of life, from work performance to personal relationships and self-care routines.

ADHD vs. Laziness

The term “lazy” is often defined as being “unwilling to work or use energy.” Typically associated with individuals who avoid tasks or only do the bare minimum, the crux lies in the word “unwilling.” Those labeled as lazy are perceived to consciously choose not to complete tasks or follow through entirely. However, this definition fails to capture the nuanced experiences of individuals with ADHD, whose cognitive processes present unique challenges in task initiation and completion.

Consider a scenario: a kitchen cluttered with dishes after dinner. A lazy individual might glance at the mess and decide, “I’ll do it later,” consciously opting to postpone the task. In contrast, someone with ADHD might acknowledge the need to tackle the chore but struggle to muster the motivation to begin. The disparity lies in intentionality; while laziness entails a perceived choice to procrastinate, individuals with ADHD grapple with cognitive barriers that hinder task execution.

Moreover, the concept of laziness carries historical and cultural baggage, often wielded to pass moral judgments and uphold societal norms. Though commonly perceived as a personal flaw or character trait, laziness is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a subjective assessment rooted in societal expectations. Factors such as fatigue, boredom, or external pressures can contribute to feelings of laziness, blurring the distinction between genuine lethargy and circumstantial fatigue.

The Stigma of the Label Lazy

Laziness often intersects with various mental health conditions characterized by challenges in executive functioning, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Our previous blog on the subject delves into the misconception of laziness and its association with depression. The stigma surrounding these disorders perpetuates misunderstandings of symptoms, often leading to individuals being unfairly labeled as “lazy” instead of recognizing underlying diagnoses that contribute to their difficulties in productivity.

Learning about ADHD and how it can impact people’s lives can help reduce the stigma and help people get the resources they need. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy?”, it could be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional for information and support.

If You’re Still Questioning, “Do I have ADHD or am I just lazy?”, We Can Help

Our expert team of therapists, specializing in ADHD Treatment, is here to support you in addressing the symptoms you’re facing that prompted this question. Additionally, we provide comprehensive ADHD Testing options to ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored care. Reach out today by calling 412-856-WELL or completing the form below to take the first step towards finding relief.

Written by: Maddie Larson, LCSW.