Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person manages attention, activity and impulses. It often begins in childhood but may continue into adulthood. Some people are diagnosed only in adulthood because their symptoms were not recognised earlier.
ADHD is more than simply being distracted or unable to sit still. Its symptoms can affect learning, work, relationships and daily activities. Understanding the signs and getting the right support can make these challenges easier to manage.
ADHD affects the brain's ability to control attention and behaviour. A person with ADHD may find it difficult to stay focused, organise tasks, control impulses or remain still when expected to.
Interestingly, ADHD does not mean that a person cannot pay attention. Some people can focus intensely on activities they enjoy while finding routine or less interesting tasks much harder.
ADHD usually starts during childhood. However, symptoms may continue into the teenage years and adulthood. It can affect both children and adults, including women, although symptoms may look different from person to person.
The three main presentations of ADHD are:
People with this type mainly have problems with attention and organisation. They may:
This type mainly involves hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. A person may:
A person has significant symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is commonly referred to as combined ADHD.
There is no single known cause of ADHD. Research suggests that genetics play an important role. ADHD can run in families, although having a family member with ADHD does not mean that a person will definitely develop it.
Researchers have also found differences in brain development and activity in people with ADHD. Brain areas involved in attention and executive functions, such as planning and organising, may work differently.
Some factors associated with a higher risk include:
These factors are linked with an increased risk, but they do not mean that they directly cause ADHD in every person.
ADHD symptoms can vary with age. They may also become more noticeable when school, work or other daily responsibilities become more demanding.
Common signs in children include:
Occasional forgetfulness or restlessness is normal in children. ADHD may be considered when symptoms are persistent, occur in more than one setting and interfere with daily life.
Teenagers may experience:
Symptoms may become more noticeable as academic and social demands increase.
ADHD in adults may appear as:
Adults can have ADHD even if they were not diagnosed as children. However, symptoms must have been present during childhood for an ADHD diagnosis.
There is no blood test or brain scan that can diagnose ADHD. Doctors use a detailed assessment that includes symptoms, medical and developmental history, and information from parents, teachers, partners or other people who know the person well.
For a diagnosis, symptoms need to be persistent, cause problems in daily life and have started during childhood. Healthcare professionals also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems or learning difficulties.
If attention, impulsivity or hyperactivity is affecting school, work, relationships or daily activities, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
There is currently no cure for ADHD, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment depends on the person's age, symptoms and individual needs.
Treatment may include:
Regular sleep, physical activity, healthy eating and limiting excessive screen time can support overall health and symptom management. These habits are helpful as part of ADHD care but are not a replacement for medical treatment.
ADHD can affect attention, behaviour and daily activities, but the right support can make these challenges easier to manage. Recognising the symptoms early can help children and adults receive appropriate care. If ADHD symptoms are affecting school, work, relationships or daily life, speaking with a healthcare professional can help with proper assessment and treatment.
ADHD has a strong genetic component and can run in families. It does not usually develop suddenly in adulthood. Symptoms begin during childhood, but they may not be recognised until later in life.
Yes. Some adults receive their first diagnosis later in life because their childhood symptoms were missed or were less obvious. However, symptoms must have been present before age 12 for an ADHD diagnosis.
Yes. Difficulty focusing, organising tasks, managing time and completing work can affect school performance and productivity at work. With appropriate treatment and support, these challenges can be managed.
Yes. ADHD can occur alongside anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties. Healthcare professionals may screen for these conditions because some of their symptoms can overlap with ADHD.
Current evidence does not support the idea that simply eating certain foods or having excessive screen time causes ADHD. Genetics and several developmental and environmental factors are more strongly linked with ADHD. However, healthy eating, adequate sleep, physical activity and limiting screen time can support overall health and help with symptom management.
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Dr. Amitabha Chanda is Director of Neurosurgery Dept. at CMRI, Kolkata with over 36 years of experience. He specializes in awake brain surgery, skull base & pituitary tumors, complex spine and pediatric neurosurgery, and treatment of cerebral aneurysms & AVMs.
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