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Symptoms & Causes

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also called ADHD, is a disorder that affects children and typically continues throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Children with ADHD symptoms have difficulty paying attention and focusing and may be overly active (hyperactive) and impulsive. Treatment for ADHD includes medications and behavioral support.

When ADHD is diagnosed early and treated correctly, the condition can be managed effectively, so children can grow up to have productive, successful, and fulfilling lives.

Types of ADHD

Types

Children and teenagers with ADHD have symptoms that are related to inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that affect their performance and possibly their development. Based on the signs and symptoms, the three types of ADHD are:

  • Inattentive/distractible. The child may have difficulties paying attention, and following instructions or conversations, they may be easily distracted, disorganized and unable to complete a task.
  • Hyperactive/ Impulsive. The child may constantly be moving, running, jumping, fidgeting, and talking and may have difficulty sitting still, as expected of children their age.
  • Combined type, inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. The child may have ADHD symptoms of both types.

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms

Children and teenagers with ADHD show signs of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity affecting their performance at home, school, and other activities. Often, the child may experience the following symptoms of ADHD:

  • Inattention/distractible
    • Not paying attention to details and making careless mistakes
    • Have difficulty with tasks that require sustained mental effort
    • Be easily distracted
    • Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities
    • Not following through on specific instructions
    • Dislike and avoid doing tasks such as homework
    • Misplace or lose things
    • Be forgetful in daily activities
  • Hyperactive/ Impulsive
    • Fidget, tap hands or feet or turn in the seat
    • Leave their seat when it is inappropriate
    • Run about where it is not appropriate
    • Have difficulty playing quietly
    • Constantly moving
    • Talk a lot
    • Have trouble waiting their turn
    • Interrupts others

More to explore

What Causes ADHD in Children?

Causes

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. Research suggests it may be due to a combination of genetics, environment, and other factors that may have caused injury to the nervous system early on, like prematurity.

Risk Factors for ADHD

Risk Factors

Risk factors for ADHD include:

  • Genetics - having a close relative with ADHD, including a parent or a sibling
  • Gender - boys tend to be diagnosed with ADHD more often than girls
  • Premature delivery
  • Low birth weight
  • Maternal alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy

Prevention

Prevention

Currently, there is no known way to prevent ADHD. Pregnant persons should avoid smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using drugs, which may help reduce the risk of ADHD and other issues in the child’s behavior.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for ADHD Care

At NewYork-Presbyterian, specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry diagnose and treat ADHD as well as a wide range of mental health disorders in children of all ages. Our compassionate and highly skilled team works closely with each child and their family to meet their unique needs. Learn more about our child and adolescent psychiatric care and contact us to make an appointment.