Signs and symptoms
Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatments
Manage symptoms
Get Help
ADHD in Adults
More Information

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children. The disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, exhibit impulsive behaviors (acting without thinking about the consequences) or be overly active.

Signs and symptoms

It is not uncommon for children to have difficulty focusing and behaving at some point. These behaviors don't disappear as children with ADHD grow older. The symptoms may continue to be severe. The symptoms can be severe and cause problems in school, at home or among friends.

ADHD in children can present as:

daydream a lot
You often forget or lose things.
Squirm or fidget
Too much talking
Do not take unnecessary risks or commit careless mistakes
You have a hard time resisting temptation
Take turns with ease
You have difficulty getting along with others
Learn more about the symptoms and signs
National Resource Center for ADHD - Support and Information

Types

ADHD symptoms can be manifested in three different ways depending on their severity.

Presenting as Someone Who Is Mainly Inattentive : The person has trouble organizing or completing a task. Also, they have difficulty paying attention to details or listening to instructions or conversations. They can easily be distracted and forget daily details.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. You cannot sit still. If you're doing your homework, or eating dinner for a while. Children younger than five years old may run, jump or climb incessantly. A person may be restless or find it difficult to control their impulsivity. Impulsive people can speak inappropriately, disrupt others, grab things from them or grab at objects. This person is unable to wait their turn or listen to directions. Impulsiveness is a factor in more accidents and injuries.

Both types of symptoms are present simultaneously.

The symptoms can also change over time.

ADHD is a serious condition.

Scientists are studying the causes and factors that increase risk of ADHD to reduce and better manage it. Genetics plays a significant role in ADHD, according to current research. Recent studies have shown that genetic factors are linked to ADHD.

Scientists also study the effects and causes of other factors, including:

Brain injury
Exposure to environmental hazards (e.g. Lead) is harmful to pregnant women and young children.
Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
Premature delivery
Low birth weight
This popular belief has been debunked. Some people may experience symptoms that are worsened by many things, including the ones listed above. Evidence does not support that these are the main causes of ADHD.

Diagnosis

To determine if your kid has ADHD, you need to take several steps. ADHD cannot be diagnosed with one test. Similar symptoms can be seen in many other conditions such as anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and depression. The first step is a medical examination. Hearing and vision tests are used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A checklist is used to assess ADHD symptoms. It also includes information from parents, teachers, and sometimes even the child themselves.

Treatments

ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. First, behavior therapy is recommended for children (ages 4-5) who have ADHD. It is important to train parents. What is effective can be determined by the child's family, and what treatment works best for them. A good treatment plan includes monitoring, follow-ups, and making adjustments along the way, if needed.

Staying Healthy: Managing Symptoms

Children of all ages should be healthy, but those with ADHD may be especially important. With the help of behavioral therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle, your child can better manage ADHD symptoms. Here are some healthy lifestyle habits that can help.
Healthy eating habits include eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choosing lean protein.
Participation in physical activity and age
Limit your daily screen time, including TVs, computers, and mobile phones
Rest the amount recommended for your age each night

ADHD in Adults

ADHD can last into adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have been properly diagnosed. The symptoms can cause problems at home, work or in relationships. As you age, the symptoms can change. Hyperactivity, for example, can be misinterpreted as extreme restlessness. When demands from adults increase, symptoms may worsen. Learn more about ADHD treatment and diagnosis by visiting the National Resource Center for ADHD.

National Institutes of Mental Health