ADHD Factsheet
- Team Nolmë Labs
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference marked by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some people mostly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.
ADHD is widely recognized as a form of neurodivergence. "Neurodivergent" is a term derived from the community of persons with lived experience, and is used to describe people whose brains function in ways that differ from what is considered 'typical', due to ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning or developmental differences.
💡Neurodiversity is a community led movement that purports that neurodivergence should be understood as part of the spectrum of natural variations in how the brain works to process information, and not as a 'disorder' that needs to be 'fixed'. Different ways of thinking come with unique strengths and challenges, which is why support and acceptance are so important.
Symptoms of ADHD begin in childhood and can interfere with daily life, which is largely designed around neurotypical needs. Social relationships and school or work performance are largely impacted. ADHD is well-known among children and teens, but many adults are also affected, because many adults are diagnosed late in life due to lack of information, or social and structural barriers to mental health support. There are many accommodations and treatments to manage the symptoms of ADHD, if one chooses to use them.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
People with ADHD may experience an ongoing pattern of:
Inattention: Difficulty paying attention
Hyperactivity: Showing too much energy or moving and talking too much
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
Signs of inattention can include frequent difficulty with:
Paying attention to details, leading to careless mistakes at school, work, or during other activities
Concentrating on tasks or activities, for instance, while having conversations, taking tests, completing assignments, or reading papers
Listening when spoken to directly
Following instructions or finishing tasks at school, work, or home
Organizing tasks and activities, managing time, and meeting deadlines
Completing tasks that require sustained attention, such as homework, large projects, and complicated forms
Losing things, such as backpacks, books, keys, wallets, and phones
Getting easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
Forgetting about daily activities, such as chores, errands, and events, or other important things, like assignments, appointments, and phone calls
Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include often:
Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming while seated
Moving around when expected to remain seated, such as in the classroom or office, or feeling restless in these situations
Running, climbing, or moving around at times when it is not appropriate
Being constantly “on the go” and acting as if driven by a motor
Being unable to quietly play or take part in hobbies and activities
Talking excessively
Answering questions before they are fully asked or finishing other people’s sentences
Struggling to wait or be patient, such as when playing a game or waiting in line
Interrupting or intruding on others, for example, in conversations, games, or meetings
What causes ADHD?
There is no single cause of ADHD, and researchers are still studying factors that are estimated to influence the presentation of ADHD. What we do know is that ADHD is highly heritable. This means that genes play a significant role in the transmissibility of ADHD, which is estimated to be at 70-80 per cent.
In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at differences in brain development and neurobiology among people with ADHD compared to those without the disorder. The regulation of neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine, have been implicated in presentation ADHD symptoms. They are also studying environmental factors that might increase the risk of developing ADHD, including brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments.
💡There is no single cause explaining ADHD. More importantly, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or any sort of personal or moral failure. People are just different in how they process information and relate to each other.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Based on their specific symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD:
Inattentive: Mostly symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity or impulsivity
Hyperactive-impulsive: Mostly symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but not inattention
Combined: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity
ADHD symptoms must begin in childhood (before age 12). Symptoms often continue into the teen years and adulthood. The criterion for a diagnosis differs slightly based on age.
Children up to 16 years must show at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both.
Adults and youth over 16 years must show at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person’s symptoms must also:
Occur for at least 6 months
Be present in two or more settings (for example, at home, at work, in school, or with friends)
Interfere with or impair social, school, or work functioning
Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential that an RCI registered clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist conduct a thorough evaluation to make a diagnosis, and help identify effective management or treatment protocols in partnership with the client.
While diagnosing ADHD, a clinical psychologist usually:
Examines the person’s mental health and medical history, including their mood and past or current health conditions.
Looks at the person’s current or, if an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. To obtain this information, the provider may ask for permission to talk with family, friends, partners, teachers, and others who know the person well and have seen them in different settings to learn about behaviors and experiences at home, school, or elsewhere (if you are uncomfortable providing this permission, you may let the clinical psychologist know)
Uses standardized ADHD symptom checklists or screening instruments to determine whether the person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Administers psychological tests that look at cognitive skills, such as working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, or reasoning. Such tests can help identify psychological or cognitive (thinking-related) strengths and challenges and identify or rule out possible learning disabilities.
Does ADHD look the same in everyone?
Anyone can have ADHD. However, boys and men tend to display more hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, while girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
ADHD can also be diagnosed at any age, although symptoms must have begun in childhood (before age 12). Adults with ADHD often have a history of problems with school, work, and relationships.
ADHD symptoms may change as a person gets older.
Children show hyperactivity and impulsivity as the most common symptoms. As academic and social demands increase, symptoms of inattention often become more prominent and begin to interfere with academic performance and peer relationships.
Adolescents usually show less hyperactivity and may appear as restless or fidgeting. Symptoms of inattention and impulsivity typically continue and may cause academic, organizational, or relationship challenges. Teens with ADHD are more likely to engage in impulsive, risky behaviors, such as substance use and unsafe sexual activity.
Adults, including older adults, can show inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity, although, in some people, those symptoms become less severe and less impairing. They may also be irritable, have a low tolerance for frustration and stress, or experience frequent or intense mood changes.
Some adults may not have been diagnosed with ADHD when younger because their teachers or family did not recognize the disorder, the symptoms may have been too mild to recognize, or they managed well until experiencing the demands of adulthood. But it is never too late to seek a diagnosis and/or treatment for ADHD and other mental health conditions that may co-occur with it. Effective treatment or learning accommodations that work for you can make day-to-day life easier for people with ADHD.
How is ADHD treated?
There is no cure for ADHD, because it is not an illness or disease. It is simply a difference in neurological functioning. However, depending on the degree to which it impedes one's day to day functioning, individuals can seek treatments that may help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Common treatments for ADHD are medication, psychotherapy, and other behavioral interventions. For children, treatment often includes parent education and school-based programs. Apart from these, one may learn various behavioural accommodation systems (such as body-doubling or visualizing progress towards goals) that can help them function in their day-to-day lives.
For many people, treatment involves a combination of elements.
Medication
Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, and research shows them to be highly effective. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals involved in thinking and attention.
Like all medications, stimulants can have side effects and must be prescribed and monitored by a health care provider. Tell the provider about other medications you or your child are taking. Medications for common health problems, such as diabetes, anxiety, and depression, can interact with stimulants, in which case, the mental health provider, usually a psychiatrist, can suggest other medication options.
Sometimes, a person must try several different medications or dosages before finding the one that works for them.
💡The consulting psychiatrist is will be the best guide to help understand the prescribed medication and it's uses, side-effects and interactions with other drugs.
Psychotherapy and behavioral interventions
Psychological interventions for ADHD can take many forms and be combined with medication and other elements for parents, families, and teachers. Adding therapy to an ADHD treatment plan can help some people better cope with daily challenges, gain confidence, or manage impulsive and risky behaviors.
Therapy is especially helpful if ADHD co-occurs with other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, conduct problems, or substance use disorders. Learn about other mental disorders.
Several psychosocial interventions have been shown to help manage symptoms and improve functioning.
Behavioral therapy helps a person change their behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, learning social skills, or monitoring one’s behavior.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person become aware of attention and concentration challenges and work on skills to improve focus and organization and complete daily tasks (for instance, by breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps).
Family and marital therapy helps family members learn to handle disruptive behaviors, encourage behavior changes, and improve interactions with children and partners.
Parent education and support
Therapy for children and teens requires parents to play an active role. Treatment sessions with the child alone are more likely to be effective for treating symptoms of anxiety or depression that may co-occur with ADHD than for managing core symptoms of the disorder.
Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and how it affects a family. They also can help parents develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to their child. Examples include parenting skills training, stress management techniques for parents, and support groups that help parents and families connect with others who have similar concerns.
School-based programs
Many children and teens with ADHD benefit from school-based behavioral interventions and academic accommodations. Interventions include behavior management plans or classroom-taught organizational and study skills. Accommodations include preferential seating in the classroom, reduced classwork, and extended time on tests and exams.
How can I help myself?
Medication and therapy are the most effective treatments for ADHD. Learning other accommodation strategies may also help manage symptoms.
Get regular exercise, especially when feeling hyperactive or restless.
Eat regular, healthy meals.
Get plenty of sleep. Try to turn off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime and get between 7–9 hours of sleep every night.
Stick to a consistent routine.
Work on time management and organization. Prioritize time-sensitive tasks and write down assignments, messages, appointments, reminders, and important thoughts.
Take short breaks during tasks that require sustained attention to help maintain focus and prevent burnout. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Connect with people and maintain relationships. Schedule activities with friends, particularly supportive people who understand your challenges with ADHD.
Take medications as directed. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs not prescribed for you.
How can I help my child?
Be patient, flexible, and understanding. ADHD can be frustrating both for people who have it and the people in their lives. ADHD may make it hard for your child to perform certain tasks or behaviors. Some children may need to use different strategies to help them succeed.
Use clear, simple, direct language to explain rules and expectations. Reward behaviors that meet these expectations with positive reinforcement. Provide consistent praise or rewards for acting in a desired way.
Offer practical help, such as on tasks like cleaning and organizing, or simply be present and engaged while your child works, which can give them a sense of accountability and motivation and help them stay focused and on track.
Provide opportunities to explore different activities and interests. Help your child discover their unique talents and build confidence in their abilities.
💡The best source of guidance, psych-education and mental health treatment is a mental health professional. Please use the RCI website to identify a clinical psychologist closest to you. Here is a related guide on how to use the RCI website to find a list of practitioners in your state.
🔗 RCI website
🔗 How to use the RCI website to locate a clinical psychologist.
This article is a part of Nolmë Labs ongoing series on #HowToMentalHealth.
Find more such updates under our Mental Health Advocacy Resources page.
This article was adapted by Nolmë Labs from the ADHD Factsheet by National Institute of Mental Health, USA. Changes were made to destigmatize the language and make it culturally relevant, as well as provide information relevant to the Indian context.
Sources:
Thapar A, Cooper M, Jefferies R, Stergiakouli E. What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Arch Dis Child. 2012 Mar;97(3):260-5. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300482. Epub 2011 Sep 7. PMID: 21903599; PMCID: PMC3927422.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: What you need to know. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know
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