What Is ADHD? Traits, Patterns, and How to Start Tracking Them

Written By Thaina Cordero

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s regulation of attention, impulses, and activity levels. It’s recognized in the DSM-5 and usually shows up in childhood, but symptoms can persist into adulthood.

Key aspects of ADHD:

  • Inattention: Difficulty focusing, easily distracted, losing track of tasks.

  • Hyperactivity: Excess energy, restlessness, fidgeting (more common in kids, often less visible in adults).

  • Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting, difficulty waiting.

ADHD is diagnosed when these symptoms:

  • Are chronic (lasting at least 6 months),

  • Occur across multiple settings (home, work, school),

  • Significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, or work performance.

ADHD Traits

Traits are individual tendencies or tendencies linked to ADHD, but having them doesn’t automatically mean someone has ADHD. Traits are more like characteristics on a spectrum.

Common ADHD traits include:

  • Easily bored or restless

  • Struggling to complete tasks

  • Procrastination or trouble starting tasks

  • Daydreaming frequently

  • Emotional reactivity (strong frustration or excitement)

  • Forgetfulness (losing keys, forgetting appointments)

  • Difficulty with time management

Key difference: Traits might show up occasionally or mildly. ADHD as a disorder is when these traits cause persistent impairment in life.

ADHD Patterns

Patterns are the recurring behaviors, cycles, or ways ADHD manifests over time. They’re the “how ADHD shows up in your life” and often include habitual struggles or coping strategies.

Examples of ADHD patterns:

  • Task initiation: Waiting until the last minute to start a project (procrastination cycle)

  • Focus fluctuations: Hyperfocus on what you enjoy → distraction on routine tasks

  • Forgetfulness loop: Making plans → forgetting them → anxiety → repeating cycle

  • Emotional reactivity: Frustration → shame → avoidance → repetition

  • Productivity peaks and crashes: Intense output → burnout → recovery → repeat

  • Impulsivity: Quick decisions → regret → damage control → repeat

  • Time blindness: Underestimating time → lateness → rushing → stress

Patterns are especially helpful to track because identifying them allows someone to intervene with strategies, routines, or environmental adjustments. By noticing patterns and practicing small mindful resets, you can start working with your brain instead of against it.

Get Support

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Thaina Cordero, PhD
Hi, there! I’m a Clinical Sexologist and work with clients who want to cultivate greater ease and pleasure in their lives.

Thaina Cordero

Hi, I’m Thaina, PhD in Clinical Sexology. I’m a Somatic Sex Counselor. My practice focuses on stress and emotional regulation, sexuality and relationships. I work with individuals, couples, and non-monogamous relationships.

Find ease and pleasure in your body and relationships. Schedule a session today.

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