ADHD

ADHD isn't just about being easily distracted or having lots of energy. It's a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects your ability to pay attention, control impulsive behaviors, and manage activity levels. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.

Understanding

ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. There are three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.

About 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD, though many adults remain undiagnosed. It affects all genders, though boys are more frequently diagnosed in childhood. Girls often have inattentive symptoms that go unrecognized.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.

Inattentive Symptoms

  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities
  • Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • Fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or workplace tasks
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time
  • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
  • Loses things necessary for tasks (keys, phone, paperwork)
  • Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
  • Forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms

  • Fidgets, taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
  • Leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected
  • Feels restless or driven by a motor
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out answers before questions are completed
  • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others
  • Acts without thinking about consequences

Causes

ADHD is a complex condition with no single cause. Current research points to:

  • Genetics—ADHD runs strongly in families
  • Brain structure and function differences, particularly in areas controlling attention and movement
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, or environmental toxins
  • Early childhood lead exposure
  • Brain injury (rare cases)

Treatment Options

Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.

Stimulant Medications

Medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines are most effective for managing ADHD symptoms. Despite the name, they help people with ADHD focus and control impulses.

Non-Stimulant Medications

Options like atomoxetine or guanfacine work differently than stimulants and may be prescribed when stimulants aren't suitable or effective.

Behavioral Therapy

Teaches strategies for managing symptoms, organizing tasks, and developing better habits. Particularly important for children and helpful for adults too.

Coaching and Skills Training

ADHD coaches help adults develop systems for time management, organization, and achieving goals.

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy diet, and structured routines can significantly improve symptom management.

Living With ADHD

These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Organization and Time Management

ADHD makes these skills challenging, but systems and tools can help:

  • Use calendars, planners, or apps to track tasks and appointments
  • Set reminders and alarms for important activities
  • Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Create designated spaces for important items
  • Use timers to stay on task and prevent hyperfocus
  • Build in buffer time—things take longer than you think

Managing Impulsivity

Learning to pause before acting helps avoid regrettable decisions:

  • Practice the 'pause' technique before responding
  • Sleep on big decisions
  • Have a trusted person to check in with for major choices
  • Recognize your triggers for impulsive behavior
  • Build in waiting periods for purchases or commitments
  • Find healthy outlets for restless energy

Improving Focus

While ADHD makes sustained attention difficult, these strategies help:

  • Work in short bursts with breaks (Pomodoro technique)
  • Eliminate distractions (phone away, quiet space)
  • Use background noise if it helps (white noise, music)
  • Take regular movement breaks
  • Tackle difficult tasks when you're most alert
  • Pair boring tasks with something more interesting

How to Support Someone

Supporting someone with ADHD means understanding their brain works differently, not that they're lazy or don't care.

What helps

  • Learn about ADHD to understand it's a real neurological condition
  • Be patient with forgetfulness and disorganization
  • Help them create systems and structures
  • Recognize and celebrate their strengths (creativity, enthusiasm, passion)
  • Give clear, specific instructions one at a time
  • Offer reminders without nagging
  • Understand that impulsivity isn't intentional
  • Encourage treatment and healthy habits

What to avoid

  • Don't tell them to 'just focus' or 'try harder'
  • Don't compare them to people without ADHD
  • Don't take forgetfulness or lateness personally
  • Don't dismiss ADHD as an excuse
  • Don't micromanage or become a parent to an adult with ADHD
  • Don't criticize medication use

Conversation starters

"I know ADHD makes this challenging. How can I help?"

"What support would be useful for you right now?"

"I notice you seem frustrated. Want to talk about it?"

"What strategies have been working well for you lately?"

Statistics & Facts

366 million

adults worldwide have ADHD

77%

of ADHD is attributed to genetics

60%

of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults

Up to 80%

of people with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition

You're not alone

Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.