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What is Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Overview

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

Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.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.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:

are more severeoccur more ofteninterfere with or reduce the quality of how they functions socially, at school, or in a jobInattention

People with symptoms of inattention may often:

Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activitiesHave problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy readingNot seem to listen when spoken to directlyNot 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 sidetrackedHave 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 deadlinesAvoid 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 papersLose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phonesBe easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuliBe forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointmentsHyperactivity-Impulsivity

People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often:

Fidget and squirm in their seatsLeave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the officeRun or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate or, in teens and adults, often feel restlessBe unable to play or engage in hobbies quietlyBe constantly in motion or "on the go," or act as if "driven by a motor"Talk nonstopBlurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people's sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in conversationHave trouble waiting his or her turnInterrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities

Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD. For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person's functioning, and cause the person to fall behind normal development for his or her age. The doctor will also ensure that any ADHD symptoms are not due to another medical or psychiatric condition. Most children with ADHD receive a diagnosis during the elementary school years. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present prior to age 12.