“Do I Have ADHD?”
This question has been coming up a lot lately. In fact, it’s probably one of the top reasons adults have been walking into my office lately — sometimes with a sheepish smile, sometimes with a long list of TikToks bookmarked under “ADHD signs you didn’t know you had.”
And honestly? It makes sense. So many adults are finally connecting the dots — realizing that what they thought was just being “scatterbrained,” “lazy,” or “bad with deadlines” might actually be something deeper.
Flashback to School Days
A lot of these conversations start with a trip down memory lane.
“I always needed extra time on tests, but no one ever figured out why.”
“I’d start homework, then suddenly I’m organizing my sock drawer.”
“My report cards always said, ‘Smart, but doesn’t apply themselves.’”
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding, you’re not alone. Many adults — especially those assigned female at birth or raised in environments that expected them to be “good” and “compliant” — slipped through the cracks. They weren’t the “hyper” kids bouncing off the walls. They were the daydreamers, the late bloomers, the ones who worked twice as hard just to stay afloat.
So... What Is Adult ADHD?
First, ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder that magically disappears when you turn 18. It's a neurodevelopmental condition that affects things like attention, focus, impulse control, emotional regulation, and organization.
For adults, ADHD can look like:
Constantly losing things (wallet, keys, train of thought…)
Struggling to start (or finish) projects
Missing deadlines (despite really good intentions)
Zoning out in conversations
Forgetting appointments
Feeling overwhelmed by “simple” tasks
Having bursts of hyper-focus… followed by total burnout
And let’s not forget the emotional side: frustration, self-doubt, anxiety, and a constant loop of, “Why can’t I just get it together like everyone else?”
Wait... But Isn’t That Just Life?
Great question. We all forget things or procrastinate sometimes. The difference is in the impact. If these patterns have been showing up since childhood and are significantly interfering with your daily life — your work, relationships, self-esteem — that’s worth paying attention to.
Also, adult ADHD often comes with some creative superpowers — quick thinking, out-of-the-box problem-solving, incredible energy when inspired. But it can also feel like your brain is a browser with 47 tabs open… and you can’t figure out where the music is coming from.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have ADHD?
Start by reflecting. When did these patterns begin? What areas of your life are affected?
Talk to a professional. A therapist or psychologist can walk you through a full assessment to determine if what you’re experiencing is truly ADHD or something else — like anxiety, trauma, or burnout.
Get curious, not judgmental. Instead of saying, “Ugh, why am I like this?” try, “Hmm, what’s going on with my brain today?” That shift in language matters more than you think.
Know that it’s never too late. Whether you’re 27 or 67, understanding your brain is a powerful step toward healing. Diagnosis isn’t a label — it’s a flashlight.
If you’ve been quietly wondering, “Do I have ADHD?” — you’re not weird, broken, or alone. You’re a human being trying to make sense of your experiences. And sometimes, that sense-making starts with a question.
So if this post feels like it’s describing you — if school was a struggle, deadlines still give you anxiety, and you’ve always felt a little out of sync with how the world expects your brain to work — let’s talk. You deserve answers, understanding, and support.
And hey, if nothing else, at least now you know where the music tab was coming from.
Warmly, Dr. Becerra
