Do I have ADHD or Just a Poor Attention Span? - 96five Family Radio

Do I have ADHD or Just a Poor Attention Span?

While technology can worsen attention struggles, there’s a clear line between ADHD and everyday distractions Lindy Hadges explains.

By Steff WillisThursday 17 Oct 202452Q with Steff & MicahHealth and WellbeingReading Time: 3 minutes

There’s a constant battle for our attention in today’s world.

Most of us find ourselves struggling to stay focused, whether it’s zoning out during a conversation or failing to finish even a page of a book.

But why is this happening? Could it be the overwhelming influence of our fast-paced, digital world—where social media algorithms are designed to keep us endlessly scrolling? Or is it something deeper? Could it be ADHD, often misunderstood and mistaken for simple distraction?

The latest episode of 96five’s 52Q with Steff and Micah, seeks to answer this question with the help of psychodynamic psychotherapist question, Lindy Hadges.

“ADHD is a very real neurodevelopmental disorder,” Lindy said.

“So many people that I speak to in my practice or externally to my practice think ADHD kids just haven’t been disciplined.”

Lindy explained how ADHD is a disorder in the frontal lobe which impacts a lot of our executive functions like timeliness, organisation and strategising. It can present like time blindness, short-term memory issues as well as having no filter and struggles with impulsivity.

“On the opposite end of the spectrum is something that belongs to ADHD, which is kind of like a bit of a bionic superpower, but it’s hyper focus” Lindy said.

“The 2024 attention span is definitely part of the ADHD experience but I actually think it’s moved outside of that now, it’s part of the 2024 experience.” Lindy Hadges, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist

The 2024 Attention Span

Lindy recognises that while ADHD can severely impact attention spans, modern technology and lifestyle have made it a universal concern.

“The 2024 attention span definitely is part of the ADHD experience, but I actually think it’s moved outside of that now”

“We know that ADHD people struggle to stay focused or they can flip and become hyper focused but the invention of the smartphone and being able to sit on this small device that’s full of color, lights, sounds and constantly changing images that keep our attention moving very rapidly – it’s a really poor experience for the ADHD brain more so, but for the neurotypical brain as well.

Lindy explains how we’re conditioning ourselves to not be able to sit with a book or have a conversation with someone, let alone be able to recall and have comprehension about what you’ve raid or what someone said.

Diagnosis and Coping Mechanisms

While ADHD has become a part of our cultural rhetoric, the rise in diagnosis is warranted according to Lindy.

“So definitely in 2024 we’re a lot more aware around neurodiversity, around ADHD and ASD, and thank goodness for that so that these people that live with it can have the support that they need”.

“However, one of the [other] things that’s happening is ADHD is a genetic condition.

This genetic link is leading to diagnoses across multiple generations within families.

Another key discussion point is how individuals with ADHD can mask symptoms and develop coping strategies, often without realizing it themselves.

While some adults manage their symptoms well into adulthood without a formal diagnosis, Lindy advocates for awareness and diagnosis, emphasising that “information is power.”

Where to Next

For those seeking more information, Lindy recommends visiting the ADHD Foundation‘s website or consulting a healthcare professional to begin the diagnostic process.

Whether you’re supporting someone with ADHD or exploring a possible diagnosis for yourself, understanding and compassion are vital.

“It’s a very real thing that’s happening, but with the right support and strategies, individuals and families can thrive” Lindy said.

Check out the full episode in the player below or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feature Image: Canva Pro