ADHD is an abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is a disorder that affects people's behaviour, including problems paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It has to do with behavioural and brain management (executive function) issues. Some people with ADHD do not have behavioural issues all of the time. ADHD has no bearing on a person's intelligence.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD in adults and children include:

• Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsiveness

Indicators of Inattentiveness

• Having a short attention span and being easily distracted
• Making careless mistakes (e.g., in schoolwork)
• Appearing forgetful or losing things
• Being unable to stick with tedious or time-consuming tasks
• Appearing unable to listen to or follow instructions
• Constantly changing activity or task
• Having trouble organising tasks

Indicators of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Inability to sit still, especially in calm or quiet environments
• Constant fidgeting
• Inability to concentrate on tasks
• Excessive physical movement
• Excessive talking
• Inability to wait one's turn
• Acting without considering the consequences
• Little or no sense of danger

Three out of every five ADHD individuals have remission by maturity. Unlike impulsivity and hyperactivity, inattentional symptoms last far longer into adulthood and fade more slowly. Adults experience symptoms of hyperactivity more on the inside than on the outside.

Boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently than girls. Girls are less likely to engage in disruptive behaviour, which makes the symptoms of ADHD less pronounced, and are more likely to only exhibit symptoms of inattentiveness. This implies that ADHD in girls may not always be recognized.

Generally, ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues in the lives of children and adults, including poor academic performance, bad social interaction with other kids and adults, and issues with discipline.

Treatment for ADHD

• Behaviour therapy, including training for parents
• Medications

Types of ADHD

There are three ways that ADHD can manifest itself, depending on the types of symptoms that the person experiences the most:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

The person finds it difficult to pay attention to details, arrange or finish an activity, or follow instructions or dialogues. The person is easily sidetracked or prone to missing little details in regular tasks.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

The person is talkative and jittery. Remaining still for a long time is difficult (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Little ones may run, jump, or climb all the time. There is a lack of impulse control and the person feels restless. People that are impulsive may talk out of the blue, take items from others, or regularly interrupt others. Waiting one's turn presents difficulties for the individual. Some persons are more likely to be injured in accidents when they are impulsive.

Combination Presentation

The person exhibits both of the above-mentioned types of symptoms in equal measure.

Causes of ADHD in Adults and Children

• Genetics
• Brain injury
• Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight