ADHD is a developmental brain condition that affects the way a person thinks, processes emotions, and responds to the environment. ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood.

Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting), and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).

ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or combined type.

Inattentive type may have the following symptoms frequently:

• Struggles to pay attention to details and often makes careless errors in schoolwork or job tasks.
• Has difficulty maintaining focus during tasks or activities, like lectures, conversations, or reading for long periods.
• Appears not to listen when spoken to directly, as if their mind is elsewhere.
• Fails to complete instructions or finish school assignments, chores, or work duties, often starting but losing focus quickly.
• Finds it challenging to organize tasks and responsibilities, leading to poor time management, disorganized work, and missed deadlines.
• Tends to avoid or feel reluctant about tasks that need sustained mental effort, such as filling out forms or writing reports.
• Frequently misplaces items needed for tasks or daily life, like books, keys, wallets, phones, or glasses.
• Gets distracted easily by unrelated thoughts or activities.
• Often forgets daily responsibilities, like household chores or errands. Older teens and adults may also forget appointments, paying bills, or returning calls.

Hyperactive/Impulsive type may have the following symptoms frequently:

• Frequently fidgets with hands or feet, or shifts around in their seat.
• Has trouble remaining seated when expected, such as in class or at work.
• Often runs or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate.
• Struggles to engage in quiet activities or play calmly.
• Seems constantly active, as if powered by an endless motor.
• Talks excessively.
• Answers questions before they are fully asked, often finishing others’ sentences or interrupting conversations.
• Finds it hard to wait their turn, like when standing in line.
• Interrupts or intrudes on others, such as by cutting into conversations or activities, or using belongings without asking. Older teens and adults may try to take over tasks others are doing.

Childhood ADHD

ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty keeping attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms usually reduce with age; however, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. Most find they can learn strategies to be successful and overcome the barriers. Medication is also often used as a support.

Children with ADHD often face challenges such as low self-confidence, difficulties in relationships, and academic struggles. While symptoms can improve as they get older, some individuals continue to experience them into adulthood. However, they can develop skills and strategies to manage these symptoms effectively and achieve success. Many children with ADHD also find it hard to maintain friendships and perform well in school. ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls. For example, boys may be more hyperactive, and girls may tend to be quietly inattentive. ADHD can make life difficult for children.

Children with ADHD:

• Often face difficulties in school, increasing the risk of poor grades and criticism from peers and adults.
• Have a higher chance of experiencing various types of accidents and injuries compared to children without ADHD.
• May develop low self-confidence.
• Are more prone to challenges in social interactions and may struggle to gain acceptance from others.
• Face a greater risk of engaging in substance use and other problematic behaviors.

Supporting Your Child

Fostering the development of a child with ADHD means that you may need to modify your behavior and learn to manage the behavior of your child. Medication may be the first step in your child’s treatment. Behavioral methods for helping your child manage ADHD symptoms must always be in place. Your support can limit destructive behavior and help your child overcome self-doubt.

Some ways to support your child may include:

• Break their tasks into manageable pieces
• Simplify and organize your child’s life
• Limit distractions
• Encourage exercise
• Regulate sleep patterns
• Encourage out-loud thinking
• Promote the wait time to respond
• Believe in your them! Don’t sweat the small stuff, be negative, or lash out as it only causes more self doubt and impedes their ability to manage the disorder.
• Take care of yourself so you can be your best, this means taking breaks and calming yourself with self care activities.

Adult ADHD

ADHD is a mental health condition characterized by ongoing issues like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. In adults, ADHD can contribute to challenges such as difficulties at work or school, low self-esteem, and unstable relationships.

Many adults are unaware they have ADHD. They often struggle with concentration and prioritizing tasks, which can result in missed deadlines or overlooked appointments and social commitments. Impulse control issues may appear as impatience in everyday situations, sudden mood changes, or unexpected anger outbursts.

Adult ADHD symptoms may include:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization and problems with prioritizing
• Poor time management skills
• Problems focusing on a task
• Trouble multitasking
• Excessive activity or restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Frequent mood swings
• Problems following through and completing tasks
• Hot temper
• Trouble coping with stress

Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination. Behavior management strategies, including ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization, are used to reduce the negative impacts on life and work. CBT aims to change negative patterns of thinking and replace them with a renewed framing of how you feel about your ADHD symptoms. Medication is commonly used to reduce symptoms and make the disorder manageable.