What is ADHD / ADD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based condition marked by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily life or development.
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Inattention: Trouble staying on task, disorganization, and difficulty sustaining focus—not due to defiance or lack of understanding.
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Hyperactivity: Excessive movement, talking, or fidgeting, even in inappropriate situations. In adults, it may show as restlessness.
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Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making quick decisions with potential negative outcomes.
Signs and Symptoms
Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. Some people with ADHD only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Most children have the combined type of ADHD.
In preschool, the most common ADHD symptom is hyperactivity.
It is normal to have some inattention, unfocused motor activity and impulsivity, but for people with ADHD, these behaviors:
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are more severe
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occur more often
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interfere with or reduce the quality of how they function socially, at school, or in a job
Inattention
People with inattention symptoms may:
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Make careless mistakes or miss details
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Struggle to stay focused in tasks, conversations, or reading
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Seem not to listen when spoken to
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Start tasks but get easily distracted or fail to finish
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Have trouble organizing tasks, managing time, or meeting deadlines
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Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort
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Frequently lose items like keys, books, or phones
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Get distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
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Be forgetful with daily responsibilities and appointments
Hyperactivity - Impulsivity
People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often:
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Fidget or squirm frequently
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Leave their seat when expected to stay put (e.g., in class or meetings)
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Feel restless or constantly “on the go”
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Talk excessively or interrupt others
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Struggle to play or work quietly
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Blurt out answers or speak out of turn
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Have difficulty waiting their turn
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Intrude on others’ conversations or activities
ADHD: Risk Factors, Treatments
& Support
Risk Factors
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, but research shows that several factors may contribute to its development:
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Genetics
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Substance use during pregnancy (smoking, alcohol, or drugs)
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Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy or early childhood (e.g., high lead levels)
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Low birth weight
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Brain injuries
ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males. Females are more likely to experience primarily inattentive symptoms. People with ADHD often also face challenges such as learning disabilities, anxiety, conduct disorders, depression, or substance abuse.
Treatment & Therapies
While ADHD has no cure, a combination of treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Treatment is highly personalized and may involve one or more of the following approaches:
Medication
Medications for ADHD are designed to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and support overall daily functioning. Finding the right medication and dosage may take time and close collaboration with a healthcare provider.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed class of ADHD medications, stimulants work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain—chemicals essential for attention and focus.
Potential side effects may include:
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Decreased appetite
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Sleep disturbances
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Tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds)
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Headaches or stomachaches
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Personality changes
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Increased anxiety or irritability
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Non-Stimulants
These medications take longer to become effective but can help improve attention and control impulsivity. They are often used when stimulants cause unwanted side effects or are not effective on their own. In some cases, non-stimulants may be combined with stimulant medication for added benefit.
Antidepressants
While not specifically FDA-approved for ADHD, certain antidepressants may be prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms—particularly when co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression are present. They may be used alone or in combination with other medications to create a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Psychotherapy
Therapy helps both individuals and families manage emotional and behavioral challenges related to ADHD.
Behavioral Therapy
Teaches practical skills like task organization, emotional regulation, and self-monitoring. It may involve:
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Reinforcing desired behaviors
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Creating structured routines
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Social skills training (e.g., sharing, waiting turns, responding to teasing)
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Learning to read facial expressions and social cues
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focuses on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and changing negative thought patterns. Helps patients learn to slow down, reflect, and reduce impulsive actions.
