ADHD is a common developmental disorder that affects children and teens. It causes a person to have problems with their attention, social skills and behavior. It may affect work and home life, as well as relationships. People with ADHD are able to succeed in their lives, but they need help.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD refers to a combination of symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The condition can be diagnosed at any age, but the most common form is seen in children and teenagers.
Some of the symptoms are obvious, such as trouble paying attention in class or school, running around and jumping up and down when playing, fidgeting and talking too much. But others are less obvious. For example, a child may be easily distracted by TV or music, or they may forget things at home and lose their homework.
What Does ADHD Look Like?
If you notice that you or your child have some of the symptoms of ADHD, it’s important to get help. Treatments for ADHD include medication, therapy and other forms of support.
Medication for ADHD is one of the most common treatments for the disorder. It can help people with the disorder focus on what they are doing and control their behaviors, reducing symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help people with ADHD learn more effective ways of managing their problems and improving their life. Therapists help patients with a wide range of issues, including social and interpersonal skills, stress management, anxiety and depression.
What Is Adhd in Adulthood?
It’s a little harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. Many of the same symptoms that might have been present in childhood are still there as adults, but their intensity can vary depending on how they’ve been treated.
There’s also a lack of research on how the disorder changes as an adult. But some studies show that ADHD can continue to affect adulthood even after it’s been treated in childhood.
A person’s personality, family history and genetics can also play a role in how they respond to the disorder. People with certain personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, are more likely to have ADHD.
What Is ADHD in Black, Hispanic and Asian Kids?
It’s rare for children of color to be diagnosed with ADHD. Some of this may be due to discrimination, or it could be that kids of color are less likely to talk about their symptoms because they don’t feel they can trust a doctor to treat them appropriately.
The most common type of treatment for ADHD is medication, which helps people with the disorder focus on what they are learning and control their behavior. It can be very effective, especially for children and teenagers.
What Is the Difference Between ADHD and Other Problems?
While ADHD can be hard to spot, it’s not unusual for kids to have problems with other conditions that don’t cause the same kind of trouble. For example, a child who has problems in school but gets along with their friends at home isn’t having a problem with ADHD. It’s also common for a child who has a medical or emotional issue to have ADHD symptoms.