What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It happens in children and teens and can continue into adulthood.
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children. Boys are more likely to have it than girls. It’s usually spotted during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention.
ADHD Types
Symptoms are grouped into three types:
Inattentive
- Is easily distracted
- Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
- Doesn't seem to be listening
- Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
- Forgets about daily activities
- Has problems organizing daily tasks
- Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
- Often loses things
- Tends to daydream
Hyperactive-impulsive
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- Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
- Doesn't stay seated
- Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things. (In teens and adults, this is more often described as restlessness.)
- Talks excessively
- Is always “on the go,” as if “driven by a motor”
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts others
Combined
- This involves signs of both other types.