What Is ADHD? Three Things You Know Already

Adhd definition: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. It can make it hard to control behavior, focus on tasks, and organize daily activities. ADHD is characterized by the coexistence of inattention symptoms or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. The diagnosis requires symptoms to be present before age 12, evidence for developmentally inappropriate behaviors across more than one setting, six or more symptoms for at least six months duration persisting for more than six months with varied types of behaviors observed in different settings.

What is ADHD? The term can refer to a variety of different disorders. It presents in two primary types, inattentive and combined types; It is commonly treated with psychostimulant medication like Ritalin or Adderall.

More than six million children are diagnosed with ADHD in the United States alone. Up to 80% of individuals diagnosed with it will develop comorbid anxiety and depression by adolescence. An estimated 2-5% of adults have ADHD.