I can’t tell whether I’m lazy or genuinely struggling

Clinicians don’t frame ADHD struggles as laziness. One of the key differences they look for is intention versus outcome. People with ADHD usually care deeply, want to do well, and feel distressed about not following through. Laziness implies indifference. ADHD does not. Another clue is effort. If tasks require intense mental effort, planning, and self pressure just to get started, that points to executive functioning difficulty. Many adults internalize shame after years of being told to try harder. Part of assessment is separating moral judgment from neurological limitation. Struggling despite effort is not laziness.