Is your ADHD pushing you towards overcompensation? 4 signs to know

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental disorder that affects the way we pay attention, behave, and sit still. ADHD is one of the most common brain disorders found in children. People with ADHD have a tendency to overcompensate and overcorrect – in a social media post, ADHD coach Meredith Carder wrote, “There are many reasons we might adopt these behaviors… but avoiding shame and judgment is probably the main one. Do you feel like you tend to overdo it in these areas? What has helped you rebalance yourself?”

Here are four signs to be aware of:

Also read: Understanding ADHD: 6 symptoms and their causes

Apologizing excessively:

Often people with ADHD internalize the idea that they often make mistakes, or that they are never able to do things perfectly. Therefore, they apologize repeatedly, even for small mistakes, in order to make others around them change their opinion of them.

Over-providing:

People with ADHD live with the idea that they are failures – this also comes from past trauma of repeatedly receiving negative feedback or harsh criticism. Therefore, they set very high standards for themselves and are also perfectionists. This leads them to over-deliver and over-promise.

Also read: ADHD: Factors affecting symptoms; therapist explains

Explaining more:

ADHD brains have a different way of thinking – they often get caught up in a thought loop when trying to prove a point. This can make it difficult for them to get to the end of a conversation and get their point across. This internal thinking can lead them to over-explain themselves to others.

Over-commitment:

People with ADHD have a tendency to be people pleasers, which can lead them to say yes to things they don’t like. This is often triggered by thoughts and behaviors linked to people’s past experiences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.