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.
Inattentive
- Often loses things
- Tends to daydream
- Is easily distracted
- Doesn't seem to be listening
- Forgets about daily activities
- Has problems organizing daily tasks
- Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
- Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
- Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
Hyperactive-impulsive
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts others
- Doesn't stay seated
- Talks excessively
- Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
- Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things. (In teens and adults, this is more often described as restlessness.)
- Is always “on the go,” as if “driven by a motor”
Combined
This involves signs of both other types.