It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling
impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about the result will be).
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Signs and Symptoms
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one
time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of
these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
A child with ADHD might:
daydreams a lot
forget or lose things a lot
squirm or fidget
talk too much
make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
have a hard time resisting temptation
have trouble taking turns
have difficulty getting along with others
Learn more about signs and symptoms
ADHD affects millions of adults
ADHD is defined as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in children, teens,
and adults. Its core symptoms are inattention, impulsivity/hyperactivity.
In an adult with ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity may be less obvious,
but difficulties with inattention, poor planning, and the impulsivity may
persist. These symptoms can appear at home, work or school, or social
settings. For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, symptoms must be
present in two or more settings.
Symptoms sound familiar?
Tell your doctor about your symptoms and
how they impact you. This can help.
With 11 Million adults in the U.S. estimated to have ADHD
The 3 Main Characteristics of ADHD – (adhddiy.com)
This list is an overview of what these symptoms may look like in adults.
It is not a diagnostic tool.
Symptoms of Inattention
Symptoms must occur OFTEN.
Makes careless mistakes and lacks attention to details
Examples: overlooking or missing details or handing in work that is inaccurate.
Has difficulty paying attention to tasks
Example: difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy readings.
Seems to not listen when spoken to directly
Example: mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of obvious distraction.
Fails to follow through on instructions, chores, or duties in the workplace
Example: starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked.
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Examples: messy, disorganized work; poor time management; fails to meet deadlines.
Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to participate in tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Example: avoids or dislikes preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities:
Example: loses tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and mobile phones.
Forgetful in daily activities:
Easily distracted by other things, including unrelated thoughts.
Example: forgets to run errands, return calls, pay bills, or keep appointments
Symptoms of Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
Symptoms must occur OFTEN:
Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected:
Fidgets with or taps hands and feet, or squirms in seat
Example: leaves their place in the office or other workplace
setting, or in other situations that require remaining seated.
Runs or climbs where it is inappropriate, or feels restless
(in adults, may be limited to feeling restless),
Acts as if “on the go” or “driven by a motor” :
Unable to participate in leisure activities quietly.
Example: is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for an
extended time, as in meetings or restaurants,
Talks excessively:
Blurts out an answer before a question has been fully asked
Examples: completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for next
turn in the conversation.
Has difficulty waiting his or her turn:
Example: has trouble waiting in line
Interrupts or intrudes on others:
Examples: butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start
using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission;
may intrude into or take over what others are doing
ADHD can appear in different settings:
ADHD symptoms may affect adults at home, at work or school,
and in social situations.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, symptoms must occur often,
and be present in two or more settings. Need help?
Get information and support from the National Resource Center on ADHD
There are three different types of ADHD,
depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:
It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation:
The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
3. Combined Presentation:
Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.
“Is it ADHD?” in American Sign Language – Bing
Is it ADHD? (cdc.gov)
Learn about symptoms of ADHD, how ADHD is diagnosed, and treatment recommendations including behavior therapy, medication, and school support.
Causes of ADHD
Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role.
Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.
In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:
1. Brain injury
2. Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead)
during pregnancy or at a young age
3. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
4. Premature delivery
5. Low birth weight
Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.
ADHD Fact Sheet
Diagnosis
Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out problems with symptoms like ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD usually includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child. Learn more about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD
Treatments
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.
Learn more about treatments
Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy.
Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. In addition to behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms.
Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:
1. Developing healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruit,
vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources.
2. Participating in daily physical activity based on age.
3. Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers,
phones, and other electronics.
4. Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age.
Get Help!
If you or your doctor has concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist such as a child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician, or you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
funds the Understanding ADHD – CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their website has links to information for people with ADHD and their families.
The National Resource Center operates a call center:
(1-866-200-8098) with trained staff to answer questions about ADHD.
For more information on services for children with special needs, visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources | Your Central Hub for Parent Centers Serving Families of Children With Disabilities To Find Your Parent Center Information and Resources (parentcenterhub.org)
ADHD in Adults
ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never
been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase. For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the Overview – CHADD and the NIMH » Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: What You Need to Know (nih.gov)
More Information
NIMH » Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (nih.gov)
Understanding ADHD – CHADD