Mental Health
We’ve all been there – missed a deadline, forgotten an appointment, or lost our keys for the third time in a week.
In those moments of frustration, it’s easy to wonder: am I just a disorganised person, or could there be something more going on?
As more adults are being diagnosed with attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than ever before, people are increasingly asking themselves this question.
The trouble is that being disorganised and having ADHD can sometimes look similar on the surface. Both can involve forgetfulness and difficulty staying on top of everyday tasks. The distinction lies in how often these challenges occur and how much they affect your life.
What Is ADHD, really?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects your brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and executive function. “It's not simply about being ‘hyper’ or unable to sit still,” says Vuyelwa Dladla a psychologist at Mediclinic Newcastle. “In fact, many adults with ADHD present quite differently to the childhood stereotype.”
There are three recognised types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- Combined presentation.
For many adults, especially women, the inattentive type often goes undiagnosed for years because it can look a lot like just being a bit scattered.
Normal disorganisation vs ADHD: What’s the difference?
Everyone has off days. Stress, poor sleep, or a heavy workload can make even the most organised person feel frazzled and forgetful. “The key distinction with ADHD lies in persistence, pervasiveness, and impact,” says Dladla.
Ask yourself these five questions:
- Has this been a pattern throughout most of my life, not just during stressful periods?
- Do these struggles occur across multiple areas, such as my work, relationships, finances, and health?
- Have I tried countless organisational systems, planners, and apps, only to abandon them within weeks?
- Do I frequently start tasks with great enthusiasm but rarely finish them?
- Do I constantly underestimate how long things will take?
If you answered yes to most of these, it may be worth exploring further. “General disorganisation tends to be situational and can improve with helpful tools and strategies,” says Dladla. “ADHD-related challenges are more deeply wired, and no amount of colour-coded calendars will truly fix them.”
What about hyperfocus?
Here’s the paradox that confuses many people: if you have ADHD, how can you spend six hours completely absorbed in something you love? This is called hyperfocus, and it’s actually a hallmark of ADHD.
“The ADHD brain doesn’t struggle to pay attention to everything,” Dladla explains. “It struggles to regulate attention on demand. Tasks that feel dull or overwhelming don’t get attention, while those you find deeply interesting can absorb you entirely.” If your focus is feast or famine depending on how stimulating a task is, that pattern is revealing.
The emotional side nobody talks about
One of the most overlooked aspects of ADHD is its emotional impact. “People with ADHD often struggle with chronic low self-esteem after years of being told they’re lazy, careless, or not living up to their potential,” says Dladla. “Some resort to using substances like drugs or alcohol to mask the symptoms and the shame.”
What should you do?
Be wary of self-diagnosis. Rather speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. “A proper ADHD assessment looks at your history, symptoms across different settings, and their real-world impact,” says Dladla. “Getting an answer, whether it’s ADHD or not, can be life changing – remember that effective treatment is available.”