ADHD

What Is ADHD?

Millions of children and adults have ADHD, a complex condition that affects an individual’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. It typically begins in childhood and can persist in adulthood, affecting various aspects of life, including academic performance, work productivity, and social relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD affects 3 times as many males as females.

Many people use the terms ADHD and ADD interchangeably, but they are not the same condition. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is no longer a distinct diagnosis but is a type of ADHD. It refers to someone who has trouble focusing and experiences difficulty following instructions but is not hyperactive.

Types of ADHD

People with ADHD may experience inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. The frequency of these individual symptoms determines which type of ADHD a doctor will diagnose.

Inattentive

This type of ADHD is often diagnosed if you or your child have trouble staying focused on an activity, have difficulty following directions, or seem not to be listening during conversations. A person with primarily inattentive ADHD usually doesn't experience significant hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Other symptoms include:

• Trouble with organization
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Tendency to lose items
• Forgetfulness

Hyperactive-Impulsive

Someone who frequently fidgets, has difficulty staying seated, and is extremely restless is often diagnosed with primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Other symptoms include:

• Having difficulty waiting their turn
• Often interrupting others
• Blurting out answers or inappropriate things
• Problems controlling powerful emotions, which can lead to anger issues
• Taking risks and not understanding the consequences of their actions

Diagnosing ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD involves identifying a range of symptoms that have been present for at least 6 months, occur in 2 or more settings (such as school and home), and affect your or your child’s ability to function at school, work, or in social situations.

The symptoms differ for different types of ADHD, although the most common is when someone shows both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

Therapy Treatments for ADHD

ADHD is treatable, and many effective options are available. Psychological treatment can help relieve anxiety  and lower the risk of anxiety attacks. Treatment options for anxiety typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle support tailored to each individual’s needs.

In addition to medication, ADHD treatment often includes:

Behavioral Therapy, which helps reinforce positive behaviors and reduce disruptive ones—especially effective for children and in classroom settings. .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used for teens and adults to develop coping strategies, improve organization, and shift unhelpful thought patterns. 

Coaching and skills training offer targeted support for time management, goal-setting, and executive functioning challenges.  

Educational and workplace accommodations—like extended testing time or quiet workspaces—can remove barriers to success in learning and professional environments. lifestyle interventions – such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and balanced nutrition, play a vital role in supporting attention and emotional regulation.