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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition involving difficulty focusing, being overly active, trouble controlling behavior, or a combination of these issues. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be outside the normal range for a person’s age and developmental level.

Causes

ADHD usually begins in childhood and may continue into adulthood. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children and is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood. A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely plays a role. Brain imaging studies show that the brains of children with ADHD often differ from those without the disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD fall into three main groups:

  • Inattentiveness (difficulty focusing)
  • Hyperactivity (extreme activity)
  • Impulsivity (poor behavior control)

Some people have mainly inattentive symptoms (sometimes called ADD), while others have mostly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Many have a combination of all three. People with primarily inattentive symptoms tend to be less disruptive and are more likely to go undiagnosed.

Inattentive Symptoms

  • Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
  • Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play
  • Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or tasks
  • Has problems organizing tasks and activities
  • Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
  • Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks
  • Is easily distracted
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity Symptoms

  • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
  • Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
  • Has problems playing or working quietly
  • Is often “on the go,” acts as if “driven by a motor”
  • Talks excessively

Impulsivity Symptoms

  • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  • Has difficulty awaiting their turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)