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ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. People with ADHD report difficulties with focusing, restlessness, and impulsivity that affect daily life.
ADHD is relatively common, and it is treatable. Recognizing symptoms and getting an evaluation is the first step to finding effective treatment and support.
ADHD affects a person’s ability to manage their thoughts and behavior. There are three main groups of symptoms:
Inattentive type ADHD is characterized by challenges with focus, organization, and staying on task.
Symptoms can include:
Hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD is characterized by excessive movement, restlessness, and challenges with self-regulating behaviors.
Symptoms can include:
Many people with ADHD struggle with paying attention and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This is called combined type ADHD, in which symptoms are present for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types.
Learning what type of ADHD you have is important. Understanding exactly how ADHD affects you—and what symptoms show up most in your daily life—empowers you to get the most effective treatment.
ADHD affects people at all stages of life, but it can pose different challenges depending on age.
In children and toddlers, ADHD symptoms often surface in environments like home, school, or daycare. Common symptoms can include:
ADHD may evolve as children grow into teenagers. For some, symptoms become less disruptive, but others face new challenges as responsibilities increase. Additional symptoms in teenagers may include:
The demands of adulthood can cause another shift in ADHD symptoms. While hyperactivity may decrease with age, struggles with impulsivity, restlessness, and focus often persist. Additional symptoms in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may include:
There are effective ADHD treatment options for all ages. Understanding how ADHD symptoms appear differently across age groups can help you better address specific challenges.
ADHD often occurs with other mental health or behavioral issues. These are some of the most common.
Difficulties with emotional regulation are also common with ADHD. In addition, living with ADHD can lead to challenges with interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.
Since ADHD often coexists with other challenges, tailored and comprehensive care is essential. A holistic treatment approach addresses ADHD symptoms and related conditions while supporting overall mental and emotional well-being.
The exact causes of ADHD aren’t known, but it likely results from several different factors.
Research indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. Other contributing factors may include differences in brain development, structure, and function, as well as social and family environments.
Possible risk factors for ADHD include:
ADHD symptoms can be managed with effective treatment. The most common treatments involve medication, therapy, or both.
ADHD medications increase the levels of brain chemicals related to attention, motivation, and focus.
Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvance regulate levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications typically start working quickly and are highly effective for many people with ADHD. However, they are controlled substances and should only be taken as prescribed.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications like Strattera, Guanfacine, and Clonidine primarily increase norepinephrine levels. While they take longer to become effective, they are not controlled substances. Non-stimulants are a good option for those who don’t respond well to stimulants or experience side effects from them, as well as for those who prefer to take other medications.
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are effective for ADHD. They can help you:
Therapy also gives you the space and support to address challenges related to ADHD, like mood and self-esteem.
We’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Depending on your symptoms and goals, your clinician may recommend medication.
If you and your clinician feel you’d benefit from additional therapy, we can provide recommendations. We have therapists on staff to work with patients who are seeing our psychiatrists.
ADHD diagnoses are complex and require a thorough evaluation by a licensed clinician. This can all be done through online psychiatry. Here’s how it works at Talkiatry.
You’ll meet with a clinician online to determine whether ADHD could be a factor in daily challenges at work, school, or home. They’ll use standard diagnostic criteria to assess your symptoms.
If the initial screening supports a possible ADHD diagnosis, your clinician will ask additional questions about your health, family history, and daily functioning.
After reviewing this information and ruling out other conditions, your clinician may provide a diagnosis of ADHD. Together, you’ll discuss next steps and possible treatment options, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Inattention, which means difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the primary symptoms of ADHD for all age groups. Some people are more affected by certain ADHD symptoms, and the condition is categorized into three main types based on what symptoms are most prominent: inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD.
Common symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:
Common symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include:
In combined type ADHD, inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are both present.
Yes. It’s not uncommon for a person’s experience of ADHD to change over time. Hyperactivity often decreases with age while symptoms of inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity are common symptoms of adult ADHD.
In addition, as responsibilities and expectations increase during adolescence and adulthood, ADHD may present new challenges. Many adolescents and adults with ADHD struggle with time management, organization, and meeting workplace or academic expectations.
While medication is a common and effective treatment for ADHD, therapy, productivity strategies, and lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms. A comprehensive care plan from an experienced healthcare provider can support you in finding tools, strategies, and practices that work for you.
Therapy and mindfulness practices:
Productivity strategies:
Lifestyle changes:
Most children exhibit inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behavior at some point. Toddlers and young children have naturally short attention spans and are typically much more energetic than older children and adults. Some children are also naturally more active than others, but these differences aren’t necessarily related to ADHD.
What separates ADHD symptoms from typical childhood inattentiveness or hyperactivity are the intensity, frequency, impact, and persistence of the behaviors. For children with ADHD, inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are often more prominent and frequent, and they can also significantly affect daily functioning. In addition, issues with natural childhood hyperactivity and attention span often resolve on their own without interventions, in contrast to ADHD symptoms, which typically benefit from treatment.
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