Frequently Asked Questions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 5-7% of the population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and females and people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas, such as school, home, the workplace, and family and social relationships. It is genetically influenced and runs in families.

ADHD occurs on a spectrum of severity. Not every person with ADHD presents all the possible symptoms that are associated with ADHD, nor do the symptoms cause the same level of impairment in all people. Some people have mild ADHD and may experience only transient periods of impairment. In others, ADHD may be severe, characterized by more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and chronic impairments in the ability to function. It can be diagnosed and treated at any point in the lifespan when it causes significant levels of impairment for the individual.

ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over some time. The most common core features include:

• Distractibility (Poor Sustained Attention to Tasks)
• Impulsivity (Impaired Impulse Control and Delay of Gratification)
• Hyperactivity (Excessive Activity and Physical Restlessness)

In order to meet diagnostic criteria, these behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. An important consideration is that the behaviors must create a significant handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, such as school, home, work, or social settings. These criteria set ADHD apart from the “normal” distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our society.

It is certainly not true that “everybody has ADHD.” According to the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), some common symptoms of ADHD include the following:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes;
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks;
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly;
• Often fails to follow instructions carefully and completely;
• Losing or forgetting important things;
• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming;
• Running or climbing excessively;
• Often talks excessively;
• Often blurts out answers before hearing the whole question;
• Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

It should be kept in mind that the exact nature and severity of ADHD symptoms vary from person to person. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD do not have the hyperactive or overactive behavior component, for example.

Common problems of living that may be associated with ADHD include:

• Poor Attention; Excessive Distractibility
• Physical Restlessness or Hyperactivity
• Excessive Impulsivity
• Difficulty Getting Started; Chronic Procrastination
• Difficulty Staying Focused and Completing Tasks
• Disorganized; Frequently Losing Things
• Poor Time Management; Chronically Late
• Excessive Forgetfulness; Memory Problems

Please Read: Do not use a list of symptoms to diagnose yourself or others. Only a qualified healthcare professional can provide a valid and accurate diagnosis. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD are provided in the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

DSM-5 symptoms for ADHD include:

Symptoms of Inattention

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
5. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
6. Often talks excessively

Symptoms of Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
2. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

Presentations Of ADHD

The DSM-5 defines three main types of presentations for ADHD:

• ADHD Combined Presentation
• ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
• ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

According to research data, approximately 5% to 7% of the U.S. population has ADHD. ADHD has also been diagnosed in many other countries. It is not affected by race or culture. ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is not limited to children. Most children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults, which impacts their lives
on the job, within the family, in relationships, and in many areas of daily living.

Common problems for adults involve severe difficulties with organization at home and work, difficulties planning and prioritizing, poor time management, chronic problems with procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention and concentration on tasks.

The only difference is one of terminology, which can get confusing at times. The “official” clinical diagnosis is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. The DSM-5 defines three main types of presentations for ADHD:

• ADHD Combined Presentation
• ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
• ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

Many people use the term ADD as a generic term for all types of ADHD. Some people use ADD to mean the presentation type of ADHD without hyperactivity (Predominantly Inattentive Presentation), which is not accurate and should not be done. The general term “ADD” is still commonly used among the general public, in the media, and even among some professionals. We are still talking about the same thing, however, whether we call it ADD or ADHD.

No. ADHD is not a disease or illness; therefore, there is nothing to “cure.” ADHD is a biological, genetic condition that people have for their entire lives. ADHD symptoms can be managed, however, most effectively with a combination of behavioral strategies and routines and appropriate medication (for those individuals who need medication). 

The goals of treatment are to help the individual understand how ADHD affects his or her behavior and to manage the symptoms better.

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, family problems, poor teachers or schools, too much TV, food allergies, or excess sugar. One early theory was that attention disorders were caused by minor head injuries or damage to the brain, and thus, for many years, ADHD was called “minimal brain damage” or “minimal brain dysfunction.”

The vast majority of people with ADHD have no history of head injury or evidence of any type of brain damage, however. Another old theory was that refined sugar and food additives make children hyperactive and inattentive. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that this may apply to only about 5 percent of children with ADHD, mostly either very young children or children with food allergies.

ADHD is very likely caused by biological factors that influence neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain and which have a strong genetic basis. Studies at NIMH using a PET (positron emission tomography) scanner to observe the brain at work have shown a link between a person’s ability to pay continued attention and the level of activity in the brain.

Specifically, researchers measured the glucose level used by the brain areas that inhibit impulses and control attention. In people with ADHD, the brain areas that control attention used less glucose, indicating they were less active. It appears from this research that a lower level of activity in some parts of the brain may cause inattention and other ADHD symptoms. These differences are associated with lower levels of available neurotransmitters in those areas of the brain, particularly dopamine.

There is a great deal of evidence that ADHD runs in families, which is strongly suggestive of genetic factors. If one person in a family is diagnosed with ADHD, there is a 25% to 35% probability that any other family member also has ADHD, compared to a 5% to 7% probability for someone in the general population. Twin studies have shown that if one twin has ADHD, there is a 90% probability that the other twin will also have ADHD.

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation can be provided by a licensed healthcare professional with training and knowledge about ADHD (Physician, Clinical Psychologist, School Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, etc.). ADHD should never be self-diagnosed based on symptom checklists, internet questionnaires, etc.

A diagnostic evaluation should be provided by a qualified healthcare professional based on scores from standardized ADHD tests and a thorough life history. ADHD cannot be diagnosed accurately just from brief office observations or just from talking to the person. For more information, please see the diagnosis page.

Yes. With accurate diagnosis and treatment, ADHD can be managed effectively during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Research and clinical experience have shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD includes a combination of therapy/counseling and medication.

Some common goals for therapeutic interventions are to develop an understanding of ADHD from a biological perspective, learn appropriate behavioral strategies and coping skills for the individual, improve self-esteem, alleviate feelings of frustration and guilt, and improve communication and social skills.

Behavioral coping skills often addressed in therapy include improving organization, time management skills, and efficiency and productivity in school, the workplace, and in tasks of everyday living.

Yes. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD never have symptoms of hyperactivity or excessive impulsivity. Females with ADHD are less likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity compared to males.

Most types of health insurance policies cover diagnostic and treatment services for ADHD that are provided by licensed health care professionals. Terms of coverage depend on your health insurance policy.