AD/HD

What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental health problem in children. Children with ADHD often have problems with attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. It is often called by an older name, attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Between 8% and 12% of all school age children have ADHD. The disorder begins in the preschool years and may either continue or fade away during the teenage years. About one-third of children with ADHD also have learning problems such as a reading disability. About half of ADHD children and teenagers have behavior problems, which may include breaking rules, talking back, and hitting other children.

ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Girls are more likely to have troubles with attention and less likely to have hyperactivity.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of ADHD, especially hyperactivity, usually appear by age 2 or 3 and by first grade at the latest. The main symptoms are:

• Distractibility (trouble keeping attention on tasks): Children and teens with ADHD change activities very often, frequently not finishing what they have started. Their attention is also very easily interrupted (distracted) by noises or things they see around them.
• Poor impulse control, or impulsivity (having a hard time with patience and waiting): Children with this symptom often react quickly without thinking of the outcome. They also are impatient and tend to interrupt others in conversations and begin tasks without enough planning.
• Hyperactivity (excessive movement): Hyperactive children are nearly always on the go. They seldom sit still, and even when sitting, they usually fidget or play with things.

Content Provided by the Patient Education Handout associated with University of Michigan Health System Clinical Care Guidelines