Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neuro-developmental disorder with symptoms that carry into adulthood. ADHD is also a form of neurodivergence, which may sometimes be considered an identity. It can affect many aspects of an individual's life and may benefit from accommodation in school and work settings. Under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to meet with family members of students with learning disabilities or neurodivergence to determine a plan of interventions and environmental factors to promote success in the classroom.
Brain injuries can affect areas of the brain that may develop into symptoms of ADHD, but the majority of those with this condition were born with genetic factors that impact brain chemicals and structure during development.
People with ADHD commonly experience co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety disorders or depression, and sleep disorders.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms
Scientists have classified ADHD into three major types: inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combination type.
Predominantly inattentive presentation of mental health symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Trouble focusing or participating in activities that require sustained mental effort
- Making careless mistakes
- Easily distracted
- Processing information slowly
- Daydreaming
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation symptoms
- Impulsive behaviors
- Difficulty sitting still or participating in activities that require sustained mental effort
- Impatience
- Constant talking, even in settings where it’s inappropriate (like during class)
- Blurting out inappropriate comments
- Acting out of turn, not considering consequences of their actions
Those with combination type may present with any combination of symptoms from either list.
Common symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children
While the symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person, the following are common signs in children:
- Difficulty waiting for a person to finish speaking before talking
- Difficulty waiting in line or waiting their turn
- Difficulty focusing, inattention, or "zoning out" is a symptom of this disorder
- Becoming disinterested quickly in long conversations or activities is a symptom of this disorder
- Avoiding mundane tasks due to difficulty or lack of interest is a symptom of this disorder
- Forgetting essential items is a symptom of this disorder
- Difficulty organizing their personal space and school space is one of the common ADHD symptoms
ADHD is often considered a spectrum, with some people having more severe symptoms than others. Further, some individuals might struggle more with specific symptoms. For example, a child may be able to focus well but experience impulsiveness. This variation is due to the unique subtypes of ADHD, which are explored more in the articles above.
Common symptoms in adults
Adults and children with ADHD often have overlapping symptoms since children with ADHD grow into adults with ADHD. These individuals may struggle with tasks they consider dull or uninteresting.
Other symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults
- Driving recklessly can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Struggling to listen during conversations or speeches can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Difficulty in relationships, such as forgetting anniversaries can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Difficulty finishing tasks one has already started can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Hyperactivity can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Difficulty getting an idea out of their head when it comes up ("hyper-fixation") can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Passion toward certain activities, impulsivity, and avoidance of others can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
- Sensory challenges, such as difficulty eating certain textures can be a sign of hyperactivity disorder
Misconceptions & history
Some may assume that people with ADHD are "rude" or "lazy." These stereotypes are untrue and misleading. For example, someone with ADHD might struggle with interrupting because they're excited about the conversation, not because they don't care about what the other person is saying.
ADHD and comorbidity
Other mental illnesses are more common in people living with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. The rates of comorbidity with ADHD are high, with an estimated 60% to 100% of people exhibiting one or more comorbid conditions as adults.
In some cases, people with ADHD may try to explain their behaviors but find that others don't understand them. This challenge can play out throughout their lives, leading to self-isolation and withdrawal from their loved ones. While it may be difficult for them to express these feelings, they may benefit from journaling or talking to a provider.
ADHD: Diagnosis and treatment of one of the most common mental disorders
An ADHD diagnosis can be made by your primary care physician or mental health professional. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Rather, a provider will use a medical history, family history, and ADHD symptoms checklist to rule out other issues and determine ADHD.
To treat ADHD, providers will often recommend talk therapy (commonly cognitive behavioral therapy) with a clinical psychologist or licensed therapist, ADHD medications like stimulant medications, or a combination of both. If a child’s behavior is causing challenges in school, or if they have also been diagnosed with conduct disorder, they may also add targeted behavior therapy to the treatment plan.
The following articles discuss ADHD in detail, offering support to adults with the condition and parents of children with ADHD.
Navigating neurodiversity with a mental health professional
Seeking support for neurodiversity-related challenges, like coping with ADHD symptoms, may be difficult for those who experience symptoms that cause accessibility issues. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be more accessible.
With online therapy, you can receive tailored guidance from anywhere you have an internet connection. Whether you're a parent of a child with ADHD or live with ADHD and would like an alternative form of care, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with a licensed therapist using an online platform. In addition, you can send messages throughout the week as you have thoughts, which may be accessible if you forget topics you'd like to discuss during sessions.
Research has proven the effectiveness of online therapy for navigating various concerns, including those associated with ADHD. One study found that parents participating in an online behavioral parent training program experienced high engagement, acceptability, and parent treatment knowledge and fidelity. These outcomes were comparable to those found with in-person treatment. Further studies have shown that online interventions for ADHD can successfully improve attention deficit and social function in adults with the condition.
Takeaway
ADHD is a common neuro-developmental disorder that is lifelong, impacting children, adolescents, and adults. Its symptoms often include inattention, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity, which may make it more challenging to achieve daily functioning. Learning more about ADHD and seeking support from a qualified professional can be vital in managing the symptoms. Consider contacting a therapist online or in your area to get started.
Explore more articles on ADHD in adults and children: