What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders
affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus),
hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that
occur in the moment without thought). ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder
and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life Including academic and
professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (Harpin, 2005).
ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately
treated (Harpin et al., 2016). Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity
towards criticism, and increased self-criticism possibly stemming from higher levels of criticism
throughout life (Beaton, et al., 2022). Of note, ADHD presentation and assessment in adults
differs; this page focuses on children.
An estimated 8.4% of children and ”.5% of adults have ADHD (Danielson, 2018; Simon, et al.,
2009). ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the
classroom or problems with schoolwork. It is more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls
given differences in how the symptoms present. However, this does not mean that boys are more
likely to have ADHD. Boys tend to present with hyperactivity and other externalizing symptoms
whereas girls tend to have inactivity.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Many children may have difficulties sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, being
fidgety, and acting impulsively. However, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD,
differ in that their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and/or inattention are
noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level. These symptoms lead to
significant suffering and cause problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships. The
observed symptoms are not the result of an individual being defiant or not being able to
understand tasks or instructions.
There are three main types of ADHD:
Predominantly inattentive presentation.
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.
Combined presentation.
A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of
time and are noticeable over the past six months. While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this
disorder begins in childhood. When considering the diagnosis, the symptoms must be present
before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting.
For instance, the symptoms can not only occur at home.
