What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. But some people don’t get diagnosed with ADHD until they are adults. ADHD involves:
Having trouble paying attention (inattention)
Having trouble controlling impulsive behaviors (impulsivity)
Being overly active (hyperactivity)
What are the types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
There are three types of ADHD:
Mostly Inattentive ADHD. People with this type of ADHD have trouble paying attention and are easily distracted. It’s hard for them to organize or finish tasks. They may have trouble following instructions or conversations.
Mostly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. People with this type of ADHD have symptoms of both hyperactivity and impulsivity:
With hyperactivity, people feel a need to always be moving. They have trouble sitting still and may fidget and/or talk too much.
With impulsivity, people have trouble controlling their actions and words. They tend to act on sudden ideas or feelings without thinking about the possible results. They may interrupt others a lot or have trouble waiting their turn.
Combined ADHD. People with this type of ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Combined ADHD is the most common type.
It’s normal to sometimes have trouble paying attention or sitting still, especially for children. But people with ADHD have more severe symptoms that can sometimes cause serious problems, for example, failing grades for a child or a job loss for an adult. The symptoms are ongoing and may affect family and social life, too.
What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. ADHD probably results from a combination of factors, such as genetics and your environment. Researchers are looking at possible environmental factors that might raise the risk of developing ADHD. These factors include brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments.
What are the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
The symptoms of ADHD depend on the type of ADHD a person has:
People with symptoms of attention problems may often:
Miss details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or in other activities
Have trouble staying focused on play activities or work tasks
Not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Find it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks, or may start but get easily sidetracked
Have trouble being organized, keeping belongings in order, and managing time
Avoid doing tasks that require long periods of mental effort
Lose important items, such as books, wallets, keys, eyeglasses, and cellphones
Forget about doing daily activities
People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often:
Fidget and squirm while seated
Get up when staying seated is expected, such as at school or work
Run around or climb when it’s not appropriate (children) or feel restless (teens and adults)
Have trouble doing quiet activities
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