Clumsiness, Curiosity, and Teeth Grinding: The ADHD Traits You Won’t Find in the DSM

Clumsiness, Curiosity, and Untold ADHD Traits

Discover the ADHD traits that go beyond the DSM, from clumsiness to constant curiosity, and how they shape everyday life in ways many people don’t realize.

One of the many reasons that adults with ADHD feel misunderstood is because the way this condition is described in the diagnostic manual just doesn’t seem to fit, especially for women.  In this blog post,  I want to share some  personal, humorous, but also practical information about traits that many people with ADHD have, but really don’t have any idea are part of the condition.  

The Historical Path to Understanding ADHD

ADHD has always been a part of our history, long before it became recognized in medical circles. Imagine the late 18th century, when Scottish doctor Sir Alan Crichton first described symptoms that we now recognize as ADHD. Fast forward to 1902, British pediatrician Sir Frederick Still attributed these signs to a “deficit of moral consciousness,” echoing the misconceptions of the time. By 1960, the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized ADHD as a distinct medical condition, a crucial turning point in understanding the disorder.

My journey with helping others ADHD began in earnest when I realized how inadequately it was represented in the DSM. The DSM-5, published in 2013, lists extreme behaviors and divides ADHD into three subtypes: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. But what about the subtler, more nuanced traits?

Living the Combined-Type ADHD Experience

As someone with combined-type ADHD, I encounter both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits. I often find myself making careless mistakes, which is why I’ve learned that hiring help for detail-oriented tasks is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our focus and attention heavily depend on how interested we are in a task. When I’m passionate, I can enter a state of hyper focus and achieve remarkable outcomes. But on the flip side, disinterest can lead to forgetfulness and a façade of attentiveness.

I vividly remember one bright afternoon near the Burbank airport. Distracted by a text message, I didn’t notice the dip in the sidewalk. In a split second, I was on the ground with a scraped elbow, bruised knees, and a damaged phone. It was an unmistakable reminder of one of my common, yet undocumented, ADHD traits: clumsiness.

Traits Beyond the DSM: Personal and Unfiltered

It’s these unlisted traits that paint a more comprehensive picture of ADHD:

Clumsiness: Falls, bumps, and bruises are regular occurrences for us. That day at Burbank was a clear example. My advice? Avoid looking at your phone while walking, inform your friends about your tendency to drift, and utilize car sensors for safety.

Teeth Grinding/Clenching: The relentless effort to suppress our impulses and stay on track can lead to significant dental damage. I’ve had five root canals due to this. A mouth guard can be a lifesaver.

Change for the Sake of Change: Boredom intolerance drives us to seek out novelty, whether it’s changing jobs, moving homes, or altering personal appearance. It’s an inherent trait that keeps us dynamic but can also complicate stability.

Self-Deprecating Humor: It’s common to use humor as a coping mechanism for our impulsive mistakes. Laughing at ourselves helps mitigate the sting of rejection sensitivity and offers immense mental health benefits, fostering stronger bonds with those who understand.

Curiosity: Our intense curiosity fuels innovation and risk-taking. Extroverts might shine as investigative reporters or salespeople, while introverts could excel as researchers or thought leaders. This trait, combined with impulsivity, propels us to explore and experiment continually.

Navigating the DSM and Our Daily Realities

The DSM’s narrow criteria often dissuade many from seeking formal diagnosis and treatment. For us female entrepreneurs, recognizing and embracing these unique traits can be life-changing. I encourage everyone to recognize that we are more than just a set of symptoms in a manual. Our traits, although nuanced and sometimes challenging, make our experiences vibrant and dynamic.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.