Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects people’s behavior. More specifically, it results in restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and acting on impulses.

It’s reported that around 8% of children and 2.5% of adults struggle with ADHD. ¹ Early onset is usually first noticed due to disruptions in school. However, ADHD sometimes goes unnoticed and untreated, resulting in adult ADHD.

Throughout this article, we’ll examine ADHD, its symptoms, and what treatment measures are available.

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Key Highlights

• Three core symptoms – ADHD centers on hyperactivity, impulsivity, and trouble focusing, and it shows up differently from person to person.

• No single cause – Genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry all play a role, though researchers don’t fully know what causes ADHD.

• Treatable, not curable – Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can meaningfully reduce symptoms, but ADHD typically doesn’t go away entirely, especially in adults.

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Table of Contents

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What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition where someone struggles with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While most diagnoses occur during childhood and teenage years, it can also occur in adulthood. ²

If you struggle with ADHD, you likely struggle with executive function. This is a set of mental skills revolving around three main areas: ³

• Working memory
• Cognitive flexibility (or flexible thinking)
• Inhibitory control (including self-control)

ADHD is often seen as laziness or a lack of willpower. ⁴ However, these are just myths. If you have the condition, chances are you try really hard to focus and not act on impulses.

Although ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it is not classified as a learning disability. However, its symptoms can make learning more challenging. Additionally, some individuals with ADHD may also have learning disabilities.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of ADHD most often revolve around the following three symptoms:

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Trouble focusing

Some will have all three symptoms to different degrees. Others will only experience one or two. Symptoms will change with time, and some may go away with age. ⁵

ADHD symptoms are usually divided into two types. These include:

Inattentive Symptoms

• Apparently not listening if spoken to directly
• Becoming distracted often and easily
• Difficulty following instructions
• Easily confused
• Frequent daydreamer
• Grows bored quickly
• Slowly processes information
• Stays away from tasks that require heavy mental thinking (i.e. homework)
• Trouble with learning new information

Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms

• Constantly talking (can’t wait to speak)
• Difficulty waiting for your turn
• Inability to do leisure activities
• Interrupts others
• Frequently fidgets
• Never seems to stop moving (always going)
• Plays and climbs where you’re not supposed to
• Unable to stay seated (noticeable in a classroom or workplace)

Types of ADHD

With these symptoms, there are three types of ADHD. These include:

• Inattentive ADHD – You often feel distracted or preoccupied. Although you may occasionally display impulsive behavior or hyperactivity, these are not the primary characteristics of your condition. ⁶

• Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD – You likely experience symptoms of excessive activity and impulsiveness. Although you may also have some symptoms of inattention, they are not the primary aspect of your ADHD. ⁷

• Combination Type – Your symptoms include a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. ⁸

What Causes ADHD?

Like other mental illnesses, researchers don’t 100% know what causes ADHD. However, they do have a few theories:

• Genetics – If a close family member has ADHD (i.e., parent or sibling), you’re at a higher risk of developing the condition. In fact, ADHD shows higher heritability than other mental conditions, at 74%. In other words, 3 out of 4 children with ADHD are related to someone else with the disorder. ⁹

• Environmental Factors – Such as brain injury, consumption of alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, lead exposure, low birth weight, and premature birth. ¹⁰

• Brain Function and Structure – Research has found that ADHD leads to a reduction in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This is a crucial building block for our brains, beginning as dopa, then converting into dopamine, and finally into norepinephrine. ¹¹

Treatment for ADHD

ADHD treatment involves behavioral therapies, medication, or both. We’ve provided more information on each to give you a better idea of how these treatment measures work:

Medication

There are two types of medication used in ADHD: stimulants and nonstimulants.

The most common medications are central nervous system (CMS) stimulants. These help to increase certain brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine. ¹² Examples include:

• Amphetamine-based stimulants (Adderall)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

If stimulants are ineffective or lead to side effects, your doctor may suggest a non-stimulant medication. These also help to increase norepinephrine in the brain. ¹³ Examples include:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

While ADHD medication can be beneficial for symptoms, it can also result in side effects. The most common include: ¹⁴

• Anxiety and depression
• Appetite changes
• Changes in mood, emotional processing, and behavior
• Headaches and dizziness
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures
• Sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia)

Therapy

When paired with medication, certain therapies have been found effective in the management of ADHD symptoms. These include:

• Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, will allow you or your child to understand their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. ¹⁵

• Behavioral Therapy will allow you or your child to learn how to monitor and manage behaviors. ¹⁶

Natural Remedies

Some studies have shown that several remedies may help to improve ADHD symptoms. However, these are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, you should consult a doctor before giving these to your child.

The most commonly used are: ¹⁷

• Brahmi
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Ginseng
• Gotu Kola
• Green oats
• Herbal Tea
• Lion’s Mane mushrooms
• Pine Bark extract
• Saffron

If you’d like to learn more about a natural remedy treatment method, we invite you to check out our guide on Ayurvedic Herbs for ADHD.

Lifestyle Changes

There are a few measures you can take to minimize symptoms of ADHD, including:

• Being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day.
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Getting plenty of sleep.
• Limiting daily screen time (on phones, computers, and TV).

Adult ADHD

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports over 60 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. While hyperactivity often decreases with age, inattentiveness and impulsivity may persist for many individuals. Other symptoms adults may feel include: ¹⁸

• Anger outbursts
• Anxiety
• Chronic boredom
• Depression
• Impulsiveness
• Interpersonal problems (relationships, families)
• Lateness/forgetfulness
• Low self-esteem and motivation
• Mood swings
• Poor organization skills
• Procrastination
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Trouble concentrating and controlling emotions

Therefore, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of treatment. Left untreated, ADHD in adults can significantly complicate various aspects of life.

Final Word

ADHD looks different for everyone, but it’s a manageable condition with the right combination of support, treatment, and self-understanding. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis yourself or supporting a child, know that help is available and symptoms can improve with time and the right care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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