What to know about ADHD

A person with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has difficulty maintaining attention, managing energy levels, and controlling impulses.

In the United States, around 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. In some children, ADHD characteristics begin as early as 3 years of age.

Ways of treating ADHD include medication, behavioral management techniques, and other practical strategies.

Below, we explore what ADHD is, how it affects a person, and which treatments can help.

What is ADHD?

People with ADHD have difficulty focusing on tasks and controlling their attention, which can make completing a project, for example, challenging. ADHD can limit a person’s ability to study or work, and it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Some people with ADHD also find it hard to sit still. They may be quick to act on impulse and become easily distracted. 

While children of any age can experience distraction and impulsiveness, these traits are more noticeable in those with ADHD.

Features

ADHD may develop in one of three ways. A doctor may find that the disorder has:

  • a predominantly hyperactive and impulsive presentation
  • a predominantly inattentive presentation
  • a combined presentation

People with ADHD experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in varying degrees.

Inattention

Below are some behaviors related to inattention that a person might notice in someone with ADHD:

  • daydreaming
  • becoming distracted and having difficulty focusing on tasks
  • making “careless” mistakes
  • appearing to not listen while others are talking
  • having difficulty with time management and organization
  • frequently losing everyday items
  • avoiding tasks that need prolonged focus and thought
  • having difficulty following instructions

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Some or all of the following may be apparent in someone with ADHD:

  • seeming constantly “on-the-go” and unable to sit still
  • running or climbing at inappropriate times
  • having difficulty taking turns in conversations and activities
  • fidgeting or tapping the hands or feet
  • talking and making noises excessively
  • taking unnecessary risks

In adults

Adults and children tend to experience the same symptoms of ADHD, and these can create difficulties in relationships and at work.

The effects of these features vary widely from person to person, and a person may find that their experience of ADHD changes over time.

Not everyone with ADHD is noisy and disruptive. A child may be quiet in class, for example, while facing severe challenges that they do not express.

In females

Females with ADHD may be more likely to have difficulty paying attention, while males may be more likely to experience hyperactivity and impulsivity.

This may be one reason why more males than females receive diagnoses of ADHD. Hyperactivity can be easier to spot than inattention.

Diagnosis

Most children with ADHD receive a diagnosis while they are in elementary school, but some may not do so until adolescence or adulthood.

No single test can identify ADHD, and the symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose.

A doctor will conduct examinations to rule out other potential causes, such as hearing or vision problems.

Other conditions that can lead to similar behaviors include:

  • trouble hearing or seeing
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • learning disabilities
  • sleep disorders

A doctor will often ask questions to learn more about the person’s behavioral patterns. They may speak with the individual, members of their family, and any other caregivers, such as teachers.

Many children experience hyperactivity and inattention. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must meet specific criteria, including having a significant impact on daily life and schoolwork.