Create by Canva

‹ Back to Mental Health Resources

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

📖 Definition

American Psychology Association defines ADHD as

"a behavioral syndrome characterized by the persistent presence of six or more symptoms involving :

(a) inattention (e.g., failure to complete tasks or listen carefully, difficulty in concentrating, distractability) or 

(b) impulsivity or hyperactivity (e.g., blurting out answers; impatience; restlessness; fidgeting; difficulty in organizing work, taking turns, or staying seated; excessive talking; running about; climbing on things). 

The symptoms, which impair social, academic, or occupational functioning, start to appear before the age of 7 and are observed in more than one setting. 

ADHD has been given a variety of names over the years, including the still commonly used attention-deficit disorder (ADD)."
References

American Psychology Association. (2018, April 19). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In APA Dictionary of Psychology, Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://dictionary.apa.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder

🎭 Emotional & behavioral signs & symptoms

Signs of ADHD in Adults

  • Impulsiveness
    • Disorganization and problems prioritizing
    • Poor time management skills
    • Poor time management skills
    • Problems focusing on a task
    • Trouble multitasking
    • Excessive activity or restlessness
    • Poor planning
    • Low frustration tolerance
    • Frequent mood swings
    • Problems following through and completing tasks
    • Hot temper
    • Trouble coping with stress

Signs of ADHD in Children

  • Inattentive
    • daydream a lot
    • forget or lose things a lot
    • squirm or fidget
    • talk too much
    • make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
    • have a hard time resisting temptation
    • have trouble taking turns
References
  1. Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). Symptoms of ADHD. In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from www.cdc.gov/adhd/signs-symptoms/index.html

💪 Physical signs & symptoms

Signs in Children

  • Inattentive
    • Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork
    • Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play
    • Seem not to listen, even when spoken to directly
    • Have a hard time following through on instructions and not finish schoolwork or chores
    • Have trouble organizing tasks and activities
    • Stay away from or not like tasks that need focused mental effort, such as homework
    • Lose items needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils
    • Be easily distracted by other things, thoughts, or activities rather than finishing a task
    • Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do chores
  • Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
    • Fidget with or tap hands or feet, or squirm in the seat
    • Have a hard time staying seated in the classroom or in other situations
    • Be on the go, in constant motion
    • Run around or climb in situations when it’s not proper
    • Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly
    • Talk too much
    • Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner
    • Have trouble waiting for a turn
    • Interrupt others’ conversations, games, or activities

Signs in Adults

  • Inattentive
    • Poor attention to detail
    • Difficulty getting started and completing tasks
    • Difficulty focusing and regulating attention
    • Forgetfulness
    • Poor time management, organizational skills
  • Hyperactivity
    • Fidgeting
    • Restlessness
    • Interrupting frequently
    • Talking excessively
  • General
    • Emotional dysregulation
    • Low frustration tolerance
References

1. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889?fromsection=inarticle&sectioninfo=6000505&p=1

2. Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

📊 Facts

  1. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.
  2. Around 2.5% of adults worldwide have ADHD, though the number of people living with ADHD is likely higher than current estimates suggest.
  3. ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and neurological factors, not parenting style or lack of discipline.
  4. There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
  5. The most effective treatment for ADHD typically combines medication and therapy.
  6. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed later than men and boys.
  7. ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
  8. According to CDC data, approximately 6% of U.S. adults, or about 15.5 million people, currently have ADHD. ADHD affects both men and women and can have a significant impact on daily life, including work, relationships, school, and overall well-being.
  9. ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, there is no cure, and the majority do not outgrow it. Approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms and challenges in adulthood that require treatment.
  10. ADHD occurs in both men and women. While initial research was focused on studying hyperactive, school-aged boys, we now know that women also have ADHD. Boys and men are more likely to be referred for ADHD testing and treatment, receive accommodations, and participate in research studies, which makes it hard to identify the ratio of men to women with ADHD. Some researchers have suggested that ADHD is more prevalent in men, but we are learning that this is likely not the case. ADHD in women is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to men, especially in those who do not display hyperactivity or behavioral problems.
  11. Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed later in life. Some adults are not diagnosed until the demands of work, relationships, finances, or daily responsibilities become too difficult to manage. Others don’t find out until a child or family member receives a diagnosis. A late diagnosis can bring both relief and grief, offering an explanation for years of struggles while also raising questions about what life might have looked like with earlier support.
  12. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be overlooked. Girls and women with ADHD tend to present with inattentive symptoms rather than obvious hyperactivity. As a result, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed much later than boys and men. They also tend to mask their symptoms more, often due to societal expectations.
  13. ADHD is not necessarily an attention deficit. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the condition. People with ADHD don’t always struggle with a lack of attention. The real challenge lies in regulating attention and controlling when and where it is directed. These individuals may find it difficult to focus on tasks that feel boring, while becoming deeply hyperfocused on activities they find engaging or rewarding.
  14. ADHD is closely linked to executive function challenges. Executive functions help people plan, organize, prioritize, manage time, and remember information. For people with ADHD, these tasks can be difficult, even when they are intelligent, capable, and motivated.
  15. Emotional dysregulation is a common challenge for people with ADHD. Although it is not an official symptom of ADHD, many adults with ADHD experience emotions intensely and have difficulty regulating their emotional responses.
  16. People with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep difficulties. Many adults with ADHD report insomnia, restless sleep, or trouble waking up in the morning. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and may worsen core ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity.
  17. ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions. Many adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. When co-occurring conditions are present, both diagnosis and treatment can become more complex.
  18. Many disruptive ADHD symptoms are invisible to others. For example, time blindness makes it hard to perceive and manage time. ADHD paralysis can cause a person to freeze when faced with too many demands at once. Low self-esteem, sensory overload, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships are also hidden challenges that many people with ADHD face. This is a big part of why ADHD is so often misunderstood by those who don’t live with it.
  19. ADHD does not define your intelligence or your potential. ADHD is sometimes dismissed as laziness, irresponsibility, or a lack of willpower. In reality, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and not a reflection of character, intelligence, or effort. Many people with ADHD are highly intelligent, creative, and curious, and can demonstrate remarkable focus when engaged in something that interests them.
References
  1. Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (n.d.). ADHD: The facts. https://add.org/adhd-facts/

🎋 Facts/stats about AAPI with ADHD

  1. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.
  2. Around 2.5% of adults worldwide have ADHD, though the number of people living with ADHD is likely higher than current estimates suggest.
  3. ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and neurological factors, not parenting style or lack of discipline.
  4. There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
  5. The most effective treatment for ADHD typically combines medication and therapy.
  6. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed later than men and boys.
  7. ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
  8. According to CDC data, approximately 6% of U.S. adults, or about 15.5 million people, currently have ADHD. ADHD affects both men and women and can have a significant impact on daily life, including work, relationships, school, and overall well-being.
  9. ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, there is no cure, and the majority do not outgrow it. Approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms and challenges in adulthood that require treatment.
  10. ADHD occurs in both men and women. While initial research was focused on studying hyperactive, school-aged boys, we now know that women also have ADHD. Boys and men are more likely to be referred for ADHD testing and treatment, receive accommodations, and participate in research studies, which makes it hard to identify the ratio of men to women with ADHD. Some researchers have suggested that ADHD is more prevalent in men, but we are learning that this is likely not the case. ADHD in women is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to men, especially in those who do not display hyperactivity or behavioral problems.
  11. Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed later in life. Some adults are not diagnosed until the demands of work, relationships, finances, or daily responsibilities become too difficult to manage. Others don’t find out until a child or family member receives a diagnosis. A late diagnosis can bring both relief and grief, offering an explanation for years of struggles while also raising questions about what life might have looked like with earlier support.
  12. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be overlooked. Girls and women with ADHD tend to present with inattentive symptoms rather than obvious hyperactivity. As a result, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed much later than boys and men. They also tend to mask their symptoms more, often due to societal expectations.
  13. ADHD is not necessarily an attention deficit. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the condition. People with ADHD don’t always struggle with a lack of attention. The real challenge lies in regulating attention and controlling when and where it is directed. These individuals may find it difficult to focus on tasks that feel boring, while becoming deeply hyperfocused on activities they find engaging or rewarding.
  14. ADHD is closely linked to executive function challenges. Executive functions help people plan, organize, prioritize, manage time, and remember information. For people with ADHD, these tasks can be difficult, even when they are intelligent, capable, and motivated.
  15. Emotional dysregulation is a common challenge for people with ADHD. Although it is not an official symptom of ADHD, many adults with ADHD experience emotions intensely and have difficulty regulating their emotional responses.
  16. People with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep difficulties. Many adults with ADHD report insomnia, restless sleep, or trouble waking up in the morning. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and may worsen core ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity.
  17. ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions. Many adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. When co-occurring conditions are present, both diagnosis and treatment can become more complex.
  18. Many disruptive ADHD symptoms are invisible to others. For example, time blindness makes it hard to perceive and manage time. ADHD paralysis can cause a person to freeze when faced with too many demands at once. Low self-esteem, sensory overload, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships are also hidden challenges that many people with ADHD face. This is a big part of why ADHD is so often misunderstood by those who don’t live with it.
References
  1. Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (n.d.). ADHD: The facts. https://add.org/adhd-facts/

🔍 Resources

‹ Back to Mental Health Resources

*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.