ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s attention, impulsivity, memory, and other cognitive functions. While it is often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can affect people well into adulthood. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity, impulsivity, or both, that interferes with functioning and development.

Many people think of ADHD as something that primarily affects kids, but it affects adults as well. Some children live with ADHD into adulthood, while others do not get a diagnosis until they’re adults.

ADHD Incidence and Demographics

An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022.

Boys are more likely to be diagnosed (15%) than girls (8%).

Average age of onset is 3 years; mean age of diagnosis is 9 years.

Approximately 60% of clients have symptoms persisting into adulthood.

Inattention symptoms are more persistent than hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.

Many children with ADHD also have other co-occurring conditions.

  • According to a national 2022 parent survey, nearly 78% of children with ADHD had at least one other co-occurring condition:
  • Almost half of the children with ADHD had a behavior or conduct problem.
  • About 4 in 10 of the children with ADHD had anxiety.
  • Other conditions affecting children with ADHD include depression, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome.

ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Children

Diagnosing ADHD in children can be more complex. This is because children are very different in terms of development from adults and may not share certain symptoms. Parents and teachers should look for the following behaviors if they suspect ADHD in a child.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms in children include:

  • Making mistakes they shouldn’t make in schoolwork
  • Never staying with one toy for very long
  • Detached from interaction with adults
  • Avoidance of tasks that take focus and concentration
  • An inability to keep track of things
  • Does not listen when spoken to
  • Does not follow through on instructions
  • Loses things
  • Distracted
  • Forgetful

Hyperactive and impulsive Type

  • Not staying still in class even when told to
  • Constant fidgeting and tapping
  • Inappropriate running or climbing
  • Boundless levels of energy
  • Leaves seat
  • Unable to engage in quiet activities
  • “On the go”
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out information
  • Difficulty waiting turn
  • Interrupts others

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

ADHD symptoms vary from one person to the next and also depend on their age. The following are some of the symptoms that can present with the three types of ADHD in adults.

ADHD Symptoms of Inattention and Distraction

  • Inability to focus on detail at work
  • Brief attention span, even with preferred tasks or hobbies
  • Inability to focus
  • Poor executive function
  • Forgetting normal daily activities
  • Disliking anything that requires concentration

ADHD Symptoms of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

  • Fidgeting continuously
  • Restlessness
  • Inability to relax
  • Excessive talking

People with Combination ADHD will have a mix of these symptoms. Any diagnosis of ADHD requires that symptoms interfere with the person’s ability to conduct a regular life. An adult needs to exhibit at least five symptoms, and they must be evident for at least six months. Occasionally showing any of the above does not necessarily mean someone qualifies for an ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD Symptoms in Women

Diagnosing ADHD in women is further complicated by gender role expectations, including the need to manage yourself, your family and your home simultaneously, which is why ADHD is often overlooked and misunderstood for women.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women:

  • Having trouble getting organized
  • Getting easily distracted
  • Being forgetful about things
  • Not being able to pay attention
  • Making careless mistakes
  • Having trouble focusing
  • Not following through
  • Not finishing what you start
  • Internalizing your feelings
  • Making mistakes they shouldn’t make in schoolwork
  • Never staying with one toy for very long
  • Detached from interaction with adults
  • Avoidance of tasks that take focus and concentration
  • An inability to keep track of things