Same here. I actually wasn’t sure it was a real thing when I was younger even though I have all the symptoms. I just assumed it’s because my classes are boring and I’ll grow out of it.
As an adult. I try so hard to pay attention. I notice it’s a huge problem paying attention for a long period of time taking 4 hours of intensive Italian. And even when I try to watch videos for my online courses, I have to keep scrolling back because my mind drifts a lot.
And I’m definitely not stupid. I get straight As. And have done well academically. Got an academic scholarship and all that. I just can’t stay focused because I get distracted so easily.
It’s frustrating. The only thing that ever worked was adderal and other drugs like it. But like you, I don’t want to take them anymore. The side effects suck.