ADHD

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Symptoms in Children

Difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, difficulty following instructions, excessive running or climbing in inappropriate situations, fidgeting, and interrupting others are common signs, typically noticed by parents or teachers by early elementary school.

Symptoms in Adults

Hyperactivity often shifts into an internal feeling of restlessness rather than visible fidgeting. Adults more often report difficulty with organization and time management, chronic procrastination, losing things, and trouble focusing during meetings or reading — symptoms that may have been present since childhood but only recognized as ADHD later in life, sometimes after a child's own diagnosis prompts a parent to recognize the same pattern in themselves.

How It's Diagnosed

Diagnosis relies on a comprehensive clinical evaluation — including a detailed history of symptoms since childhood, input from multiple sources (like teachers or family members for children), and ruling out other explanations — rather than a single test or brief questionnaire alone.

Common Co-occurring Conditions

ADHD frequently occurs alongside other conditions, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and learning disorders — these can complicate diagnosis and treatment, and addressing them is often part of a complete treatment plan rather than an afterthought.

Treatment

Stimulant medications are the most well-studied and effective treatment for many people, though non-stimulant medications are also available. Behavioral strategies, organizational systems, and, for children, classroom accommodations provide meaningful additional support, often used alongside medication rather than instead of it. Because stimulants can affect heart rate and blood pressure, a doctor will typically review personal and family cardiac history before prescribing them, and — since stimulants carry some potential for misuse or dependence — will monitor their use over time, particularly in people with a history of substance use.