For some people, it’s hard to tell whether or not they have a mental health disorder and need dual diagnosis treatment. For example, it’s common for them to confuse attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with being lazy. While it might sound odd to confuse the two, there are good reasons why people make this mistake. Because of that, it’s time to ask yourself, “Do I have ADHD or am I just lazy?”
Do you need to know more about ADHD treatment? Call Crestview Recovery today for more information.
Why Do People Confuse ADHD and Laziness?
Some doctors believe that people diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. They’re also more likely to smoke or vape and often have a harder time quitting smoking. People struggling with untreated ADHD are more likely to become chemically dependent. They’re also more likely to have higher arrest rates. In short, ADHD is a real mental health disorder. If left untreated by an ADHD treatment program, ADHD can have serious consequences that affect a person’s professional life, social life, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Laziness, on the other hand, is not a mental health disorder. It’s a character trait that some people possess. While laziness can have negative consequences, it doesn’t usually have the same serious consequences as ADHD. People who are lazy may not achieve as much as they’d like to in life, but they’re not typically at risk for the same serious problems as people with ADHD.
So why do people confuse ADHD and laziness? There are a few possible reasons. First, both disorders can be difficult to diagnose. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between someone who is truly lazy and someone who has ADHD. Second, people with ADHD may appear lazy because they have difficulty completing tasks or following through on commitments. Finally, people with ADHD may be more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions that can make them appear lazy, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD & Intelligence
Recent studies show that most people with ADHD are of average intelligence. There is little difference in the intelligence levels of people with ADHD compared to others in the general population. The study found that people with ADHD who scored lower on intelligence tests usually had other preexisting conditions. These conditions include learning disabilities or other types of cognitive impairment.
People with ADHD sometimes perform at lower levels than their peers at school. This may be because they have trouble staying organized, paying attention to detail, focusing, and completing tasks. However, their lower academic performance is not due to a lack of intelligence. With proper management, coaching, and discipline at a mental health treatment program, individuals with ADHD can definitely achieve academic success.
ADHD & Laziness Are Not the Same
The idea that people with ADHD are lazy seems silly. After all, it’s a hyperactivity disorder. If people are hyper, how are they lazy? The truth is that people with ADHD often come across as lazy because their minds move too fast.
Before getting an ADHD diagnosis, people with this problem have trouble focusing. Their minds work overtime, but they have difficulty completing tasks on time. For those on the outside looking in, it appears that people with ADHD are too lazy to finish their work. In reality, they just can’t focus, which makes completing work difficult.
Do I Have ADHD or Am I Just Lazy?
Knowing the link between ADHD and laziness, how do people respond to, “Do I have ADHD or am I just lazy?” In truth, they can’t answer this question without professional help. Only a doctor can diagnose ADHD.
However, there are a few scenarios in which people can determine if they’re just lazy or have the disorder. First, they have to look at how they react during a crisis. While ADHD might cause trouble focusing in normal situations, high adrenaline situations make the brain work harder. People who are a mess under stress might not have ADHD.
Next, people need to ask themselves if they meet their potential. If they feel pretty good about what they accomplish, they likely don’t have ADHD. People with this disorder rarely feel like they accomplish a lot even when they achieve their goals.
Do I have ADHD or am I just lazy? When you ask yourself this, consider another question: does your difficulty with concentrating come and go? If you said yes, then you don’t have ADHD. This disorder is present in your DNA. Because of that, people do not have ADHD one minute and don’t the next.
Additionally, take a look at your family tree. Does anyone else in your family have ADHD? If not, there’s a good chance that you don’t have it either. After all, ADHD is the genes, so it is rare to see only one person in a family develop it.
How Do I Know If I Have ADHD?
Recognizing whether you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be challenging, as its symptoms can vary widely among individuals. In adults, some common signs and symptoms of ADHD include persistent difficulties with attention, such as struggling to concentrate on tasks, becoming easily distracted, and frequently making careless mistakes. Impulsivity may manifest as impatience, difficulty waiting one’s turn, and blurting out responses or interrupting others. Hyperactivity, often less pronounced in adults compared to children, can appear as restlessness or a constant need to stay occupied. Additionally, adults with ADHD might struggle with organization and time management, frequently losing important items or missing deadlines.
If these symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning and have persisted since childhood, it’s advisable to seek an evaluation by a healthcare professional or mental health specialist to determine whether ADHD may be a contributing factor.
Don’t Let Your ADHD Lead to Drug Abuse
It’s common for people with ADHD to abuse drugs. They use drugs to fit in or help themselves focus. At Crestview Recovery, we understand the risks. For this reason, we offer a drug and ADHD treatment program. Some of our other programs include:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Residential rehab
- Individual therapy
- Intensive outpatient program
- Extended care
Don’t let your disorder go undiagnosed. Get the answer to the question, “Do I have ADHD or am I just lazy?” Contact Crestview Recovery today for help.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
