Not Just Another ADHD Blog

ADHD is a diagnosis that a lot of people are talking about, and the team at Contemporary Psychology would like to add to the conversation, though perhaps a little differently. Rather than covering the basics of ADHD symptoms, this post explores something that tends to get less attention: the history of missed diagnoses, the persistence of misconceptions, and what a more accurate understanding of this condition looks like.

The problem with the name

Start with the label itself: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Disorder. Many psychologists, teachers, and medical professionals find this name wildly inaccurate. A more fitting term, many argue, would replace "deficit" with "dysregulation", which better reflects the actual brain patterns involved, and drop the word "disorder" entirely. Interestingly, the first formal mention of an ADHD-like diagnosis described the condition as "an abnormal defect of moral control in children", and later it was labelled "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood", essentially meaning hyperactivity in kids. Our language has evolved, but it is still catching up to what the research tells us.

Who has been left out of the diagnosis

For much of its history, ADHD assessment focused narrowly on stereotypical hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. Inattentive presentations, or internal hyperactivity that often looks more like anxiety, were commonly overlooked. Differences in how ADHD presents across females, non-binary individuals, and people of colour were also largely ignored. Until 2013, individuals with ASD could not receive an ADHD diagnosis at all. That is a significant number of people who went unidentified and unsupported for a long time.

With increased research and understanding, we now know that ADHD is neurodevelopmental: it is not something people outgrow, it is a lifelong difference in brain functioning, and it presents differently across individuals. This is why so many people are only receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, and why getting a proper ADHD assessment matters.

Why ADHD is so often missed

• Inattentiveness is not a common starting point. People often write it off as forgetfulness or laziness, and many have developed coping strategies that mask the difficulty.
• Hyperactivity does not look like children climbing trees. In adults, it more often presents as excessive fast-moving thoughts, restlessness, or agitation. Many people channel this into demanding jobs or hobbies.
• Impulsivity is more subtle in adults. It might look like interrupting conversations, jumping to conclusions, or making impulsive decisions rather than obvious physical restlessness.
• Other diagnoses can obscure ADHD. Anxiety, depression, and dyslexia can all overlap with ADHD presentations, and people who have developed strong masking strategies may show very few obvious signs.
• Gender plays a significant role. Many women only receive a diagnosis later in life, due to differences in presentation, greater social pressure to mask, and a tendency to internalise hyperactive symptoms as anxiety.

When ADHD traits are common but diagnosis is not

ADHD is a hot topic right now, and many people, with and without the condition, identify with some of the criteria. Most people will experience moments of forgetfulness, distractibility, or emotional reactivity. What distinguishes ADHD is the frequency of these experiences, the intensity with which they are felt, and the degree to which they impact daily functioning. As explored in our post on why everyone seems to have ADHD now, cultural awareness and social media have both shaped how people relate to the diagnosis.

Regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is reached, if you experience symptoms that are distressing or affecting your ability to function, speaking with a psychologist is always a worthwhile step.

Final thoughts

At Contemporary Psychology, the aim is to shift the way individuals and communities understand ADHD. The assessment process is not simply about confirming a diagnosis; it is about helping each person understand more about themselves. Throughout the support process, the focus is on celebrating differences and identifying strengths, rather than encouraging people to mask who they are. If you would like to explore what an ADHD assessment or coaching pathway might look like for you, our team in St Kilda is here to help.