Have you ever put the kettle on, only to forget about it and find yourself 20 minutes later, in the living room, wondering why you’re holding a spoon? Maybe you’ve started a DIY project with all the enthusiasm of a contestant on The Great British Bake Off, only to abandon it halfway through like a soggy-bottomed sponge.
If this sounds familiar, you might have had a fleeting “Do I have ADHD?” moment. But where’s the line between ordinary distraction and something more? Let’s break it down—preferably with a good cuppa in hand (before you forget where you put it).
What Exactly Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting focus, impulse control, and activity levels. Despite its name, it’s not just about struggling to pay attention. It’s about how your brain processes information and reacts to the world—like having 47 tabs open at once, but no idea which one’s playing music.
The Three Flavours of ADHD
Depending on the symptoms, ADHD comes in three main types:
1. Inattentive Type (a.k.a The Goldfish Brain)
If you:
✅ Forget what you went upstairs for, only to go back down and immediately remember.
✅ Struggle with deadlines because you definitely thought you had more time (oops).
✅ Can’t finish a book because you keep re-reading the same paragraph.
✅ Zone out in conversations—nodding along while your brain is wondering what’s for tea.
Then you might fall into this camp.
🤯 Actually, goldfish aren’t as forgetful as people think! They can remember stuff for quite a while, sometimes even years. It’s kind of funny that we call someone with a bad memory a “goldfish brain” when chimps can only remember things for about 20 seconds 🐒. That’s especially surprising since chimps are pretty closely related to us humans.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (a.k.a The Human Whirlwind 🌪️)
This one is often mistaken for just being “lively,” but it’s more than that:
✅ Talking before thinking, like when you accidentally say “love you” to the Tesco cashier. Or oversharing your life story to someone you just met!
✅ Fidgeting constantly—your leg’s bouncing, your fingers are drumming, and you must rearrange your desk.
✅ Feeling like you have to move—meetings, long train journeys, or waiting rooms feel like torture.
✅ Acting on impulse—whether it’s blurting something inappropriate or deciding at 2AM that you must redecorate the bathroom.
3. Combined Type (a.k.a The “Best” of Both Worlds)
If you read both lists and thought “oh dear, that’s me”, welcome to the club! Combined type ADHD means juggling both inattentiveness and hyperactivity, which can make life feel like you’re running a three-ring circus… solo.
ADHD or Just a Busy Chaotic Life?
Life is full of distractions—trains delayed for leaves on the track, emails piling up, and the never-ending battle of remembering whether you locked the door. But ADHD is not just about being forgetful or busy.
It’s about persistence and impact—if distractions, forgetfulness, and impulse struggles have been part of your life for as long as you can remember and significantly affect your work, relationships, and wellbeing, it’s worth exploring further.
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK: A Test of Patience (Ironically Difficult for ADHD)
If you suspect you have ADHD, getting a diagnosis is not as simple as ticking off a Buzzfeed-style quiz. It involves:
1️⃣ Seeing Your GP – They will (hopefully) take you seriously and refer you for an ADHD assessment.
2️⃣ Waiting… and Waiting… – The NHS waiting list for ADHD assessments can take years (yes, really). Many people end up going private, but that can cost upwards of £800–£2,000. With no guarantee of it being recognised within the NHS.
3️⃣ Assessments with a Specialist – This could involve discussing childhood behaviours, filling in forms, and possibly asking family members about your lifelong habits.
4️⃣ Ruling Out Other Conditions – Anxiety, depression, and even sleep disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. A full assessment helps rule out other potential causes.
If you’re thinking, Blimey, that sounds like effort, you’re right. But getting diagnosed can be life-changing—finally understanding why your brain works the way it does can lead to strategies and treatments that make life far easier.
Should You Get Checked?
If you:
✔️ Have struggled with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity for most of your life.
✔️ Find these things significantly impact your work, home life, and relationships.
✔️ Feel like no amount of “trying harder” actually works.
Then it might be time to speak to a professional. ADHD isn’t just about being a bit scatty—it’s about how your brain is wired. And knowing that can make a hell of a difference.
Until then, try writing yourself a note about why you entered this room in the first place.
Sources & Further Reading
• NHS ADHD Overview: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ADHD
• NICE ADHD Guidelines: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
• ADHD UK (Support & Resources): www.adhduk.co.uk
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