What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common childhood disorder and can continue into adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD include having a hard time staying focused and paying attention, having difficulty controlling your behavior, and hyperactivity or being over-active.

There are three different types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Most of the ADHD symptoms are in the hyperactiviy-impulsivity groups.

Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are apparent, although some inattention might be apparent

2. Predominantly inattentive

Most of the symptoms are in the inattention groups and fewer than six hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms are apparent.

Children that have this type of ADHD are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. Parents and teachers may overlook these children because they might sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing.

3. Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Many symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention are both present.

A majority of children have the combined type of ADHD.

While there is no cure for ADHD, treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms. Most people that have ADHD can be successful in school and have productive lives.

Current ADHD research is developing more effective treatments and interventions. New tools like brain imaging are being used to better understand ADHD. Hopefully, these new tools will help us understaand they disorder better and provide more effective ways to prevent and treat ADHD.