ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental (brain) disorder typically diagnosed in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5 million children in the United States have ADHD. Boys are more likely to have the disorder than girls.

Symptoms include trouble paying attention, being overly active and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, learning disorders, anxiety disorders and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD, though some symptoms in childhood may change as people grow into adulthood. Some people aren’t diagnosed until they’re adults. There are several effective treatments that can help both children and adults manage their symptoms.

ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Common symptoms include a short attention span, difficulty organizing tasks, making careless mistakes, fidgeting, excessive talking, interrupting conversations and an inability to sit still.

Some people may only have issues with one category of behavior, but most children with ADHD show signs of both. Preschool-aged children most often show signs of hyperactivity. Symptoms in adults with ADHD may look different. For example, hyperactivity in adults can seem like restlessness.

Symptoms may appear as early as age 3, continue into adulthood and manifest as inattention, impulsivity and antisocial behaviors. Signs that an adult may have undiagnosed ADHD include challenges focusing  at work, a history of struggling with academic performance at school and difficulty in relationships.

There are three types of ADHD: Inattentive or distractable, hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentation. The type a person has depends on their symptoms.

ADHD type may change with age. For example, children with ADHD who have difficulty paying attention in school may grow into adults who struggle to manage multiple responsibilities at work and home.

Health care providers use a manual from the American Psychiatric Association called the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,” known as the DSM-5, to diagnose ADHD.

This information is only for reference. Only a health care provider can diagnose ADHD. If you think you or your child may have ADHD, speak to your general practitioner for a specialist referral if needed.

Children up to age 16 must have six or more symptoms of inattention and/or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. For those 17 and older, a diagnosis requires at least five symptoms.

Much like other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, researchers aren’t sure what causes ADHD. However, several environmental and genetic factors could increase the risk of ADHD.

Mothers who smoke, drink or use drugs during pregnancy raise the risk of their child having ADHD, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. For example, a study in Pediatrics found children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are 60% more likely to develop ADHD.

Genetics and a family history of ADHD also play a role. Additional risk factors include low birth weight, brain injuries and exposure to toxins in-utero.

Taking certain medications during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a child with ADHD. A 2017 study in Pediatrics found that taking acetaminophen while pregnant was associated with a greater risk of ADHD in children.

ADHD treatment involves a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. For most people, medication for ADHD is the first line of therapy. Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin are the most prescribed medications.

In October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of the active ingredient in Adderall, immediate-release amphetamine salts.

Medical providers usually recommend medication combined with therapy. However, for children younger than age 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends therapy as a first-line treatment before medication. Types of therapy that may help with ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, marital counseling and parenting classes or support groups.

Managing ADHD involves using strategies to improve organizational skills and attention span. Parents and teachers can influence children with praise and reinforcement of positive behaviors. For adults with ADHD, keeping routines, schedules and lists can help.

Make sure to take medication as directed and keep all appointments with medical providers. There are things you can do to help manage your ADHD or to help your child manage symptoms.

A counselor, therapist or life coach can help you make changes and develop strategies for staying organized. Ask your therapist or other support person to help you think through decisions and consider the positive and negative consequences of your actions.

Adults should seek emotional support to counteract negative comments, thoughts or harmful experiences. Give children praise and discipline as needed, and be supportive and positive.