Having trouble focusing? Could you have ADHD?

I got to know about ADHD for the first time in fifth grade while reading Percy Jackson. I did not completely understand what it meant, but now I understand better.

We all have trouble concentrating on things. If you're a student like me, you might say that it is almost impossible to sit down and study for hours at a stretch. You may get distracted often. But this does not necessarily mean that you have ADHD.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders out there. It has two components: being predominantly hyperactive and being predominantly inattentive. You can have either of these components or maybe even both of them. And here, the word 'predominantly' should not be ignored. 'Predominantly' means that these characteristics dominate every aspect of how you behave. So, being distracted while studying is quite normal, but being distracted all the time is a symptom of ADHD.

Children with the inattentive component of ADHD have a very short attention span and they get distracted very quickly. They just cannot help it. Their mind simply wanders off. It's not like they cannot pay attention. The truth is: they can pay attention, but they pay attention to everything! It is not easy for them to just concentrate on just one thing at a time.

With the hyperactive component, children usually cannot sit still even if everyone around them is quiet and calm. Excessive talking, fidgeting and interrupting others are things they do without realising. They do not do it purposely; it is difficult for them to control their impulses. If they have had these habits before the age of 12, they are likely to have ADHD.

Even if you have most of the symptoms, do not diagnose yourself with ADHD, because diagnosis is the job of a psychologist. Hence, if you think you have ADHD, you can contact a psychologist or psychiatrist nearby. 

Take care and stay safe!