Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes significantly with functioning or development.

• Inattention means a person cannot focus on task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining concentration and is disorganized

• Hyperactivity means a person is restless, seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets.  

• Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have high potential for harm; or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.

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.

Symptoms of Inattention

• Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities

• Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading

• Not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Not follow through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked

• Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines

• Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms or reviewing lengthy papers

• Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones

• Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli

• Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments

Symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

• Fidgets and squirms in  seat

• Leaves  seat in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the office

• Runs or dashes around or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate  

• Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly

• Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”

• Talk nonstop

• Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in conversation

• Have trouble waiting his or her turn

• Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities

Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a professional such as a  psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. The symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity can be long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind normal development for his or her age.  ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 years and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships.

ADHD symptoms can change over time as a person ages. In young children with ADHD, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may become more prominent and cause the child to struggle academically. In adolescence, hyperactivity seems to lessen and may show more often as feelings of restlessness or fidgeting, but inattention and impulsivity may remain. Many adolescents with ADHD also struggle with relationships and antisocial behaviors. Inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity tend to persist into adulthood.  It is possible to treat ADHD symptoms and the person can lead a good quality of life following treatment and therapy.