Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder marked by trouble controlling impulsive behavior, difficulty paying attention, or overactivity. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. ADHD interferes with a person’s ability to stay on a task and maintain focus. The person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control.

Some people with ADHD have symptoms related to hyperactivity/impulsiveness, while others may be mainly inattentive. Some people have a combination of both types of symptoms. There are several types of ADHD, which is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.

Causes: 

The exact causes of ADHD are not known, and there is no single cause.

Studies have shown that ADHD symptoms are related to the biology of the brain. It is thought that genetic and environmental factors can interact to cause changes in brain development and function.

Symptoms: 

There are 2 groups of symptoms in ADHD:

Inattentive symptoms

• not paying attention to details, or making careless mistakes in schoolwork
• having difficulty remaining focused in class, conversations or reading
• avoiding tasks that take continuous mental effort (for example, homework)
• not following through on instructions, a tendency to start but not finish tasks
• having difficulty organising tasks, activities, belongings or time
• being easily distracted or daydreaming
• losing things
• not seeming to listen when spoken to
• being forgetful with everyday tasks, such as chores and appointments
  
  Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
  
  

• fidgeting and squirming
• running or climbing in situations where it is inappropriate, leaving their seat in class
• talking non-stop
• interrupting conversations, games or activities or using people’s things without permission
• blurting out an answer before a question has been finished
• having difficulty playing quietly
• having difficulty waiting their turn
• leaving the seat in class or in other situations where sitting is expected
• being constantly in motion, as if ‘driven by a motor’
• struggling to play or do tasks quietly
  
  Treatment: 

There is no cure for ADHD, but medicines can help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention. Other options include psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.