Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder typically first diagnosed during childhood but can continue through adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls.
People with ADHD often experience the inability to focus, or carefully complete tasks, and may demonstrate impulsive behavior.
Causes
It is not clear what causes ADHD. It may be linked to genes and home or social factors. Experts have found that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of children without ADHD. Brain chemicals are also different.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms fall into three groups:
- Not being able to focus (inattentiveness)
- Being extremely active (hyperactivity)
- Not being able to control behavior (impulsivity)
Some people with ADHD have mainly inattentive symptoms. Some have mainly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Others have a combination of these behaviors.
INATTENTIVE SYMPTOMS
- Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Has problems focusing during tasks or play
- Doesn’t listen when spoken to directly
- Doesn’t follow through on instructions and doesn’t finish schoolwork or chores
- Has problems organizing tasks and activities
- Avoids or doesn’t like tasks that require mental effort (such as schoolwork)
- Often loses things, such as homework or toys
- Is easily distracted
- Is often forgetful
HYPERACTIVITY SYMPTOMS
- Fidgets or squirms in seat
- Leaves their seat when they should stay in their seat
- Runs about or climbs when they shouldn’t be doing so
- Has problems playing or working quietly
- Is often “on the go,” acts as if “driven by a motor”
- Talks all the time
IMPULSIVITY SYMPTOMS
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Has problems awaiting their turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
Many of the above findings are present in children as they grow. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development.
Testing
There is no test that can diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a pattern of the symptoms listed above. When a child is suspected to have ADHD, parents and teachers are often involved during the evaluation.
Most children with ADHD have at least one other developmental or mental health problem. This may be a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder. Or, it may be a learning problem or a tic disorder.
Treatment
Treating ADHD is a partnership between the health care provider and the individual and family that impacted by ADHD. If it’s a child, parents and often teachers are involved. For treatment to work, it is important to:
- Set specific goals that are right for the child
- Start medicine or talk therapy, or both
- Follow-up regularly with the provider to check on goals, results, and any side effects of medicines
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder serves as a clearinghouse for evidence-based information on ADHD and provides support and advocacy.