About ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children and adults. ADHD is also sometimes referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The core characteristics of ADHD include difficulties with attention, impulse control, and sometimes excessive activity levels that are developmentally inappropriate.

The Three Types of ADHD

ADHD is divided into three primary presentations:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: The primary challenge is difficulty sustaining focus and concentration. People with this type of ADHD are easily distracted, may appear absent-minded or forgetful, and may struggle with organization and task completion.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This type is characterized by restlessness, impulsivity, and excessive talking. Individuals may have trouble sitting still, constantly fidget, interrupt others, and make impulsive decisions.
• Combined Presentation: This is the most common type of ADHD, exhibiting a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Is it ADHD or Not?

While everyone experiences periods of inattention, forgetfulness, or impulsivity, ADHD symptoms are:

• Persistent: They don’t just come and go; they are present much of the time.
• Pervasive: They occur across multiple settings, such as home, school, and social situations.
• Impairing: The difficulties significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that ADHD symptoms can vary between individuals, and may change over time. Children with ADHD may also display different signs than adults. Most importantly, ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence, laziness, or poor parenting and it often occurs alongside other conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities.

The ADHD Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, a professional evaluation by a qualified mental health provider or pediatrician specializing in ADHD is crucial. Only a trained professional can accurately diagnose ADHD and create an appropriate treatment plan.

ADHD can be challenging, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, both children and adults with ADHD can build successful, fulfilling lives. In the following pages, we’ll take a deeper dive into understanding the causes, impacts, and effective management strategies for ADHD.