What to Know About ADHD for Kids and Adults

Young children are active, curious, and sometimes impulsive. As their brains and bodies grow, they need energy to learn and explore. But when does that high energy cross the line into something more serious, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

How to Know if Your Child Has ADHD

Children with ADHD may be overly active, have trouble focusing, or act without thinking. While that can sound like many kids, these behaviors are much more frequent and intense in children with ADHD — and can make it hard to learn, make friends, or enjoy time as a family.

Signs and Symptoms

ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders in kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 7 million children in the U.S. ages 3 to 17 have ADHD. That’s around 11% of that age group. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls, but the symptoms can look different. Boys often seem more hyper, while girls may quietly struggle to focus.

The three main types of ADHD symptoms are:

1. Inattention:

Has a hard time paying attention or makes careless mistakes
Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly
Struggles to follow instructions or finish tasks
Daydreams often
Frequently loses things like books or backpacks

2. Hyperactivity:

Fidgets or squirms a lot
Has trouble staying seated or being quiet
Finds it hard to play quietly

3. Impulsivity:

Talks too much or interrupts others
Blurts out answers before questions are finished
Has a hard time waiting their turn

It’s normal for kids to behave like this from time to time. The difference with ADHD is that the behaviors are consistent, intense, and happen across different settings, like home, school, and social situations. They also interfere with daily life.

Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of ADHD isn’t known. Research shows that genetics play a big role, especially if a parent or sibling has ADHD.

Other possible risk factors include:

Early birth or low birth weight.
An expectant woman using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy.
Exposure to environmental toxins like lead.
Brain injuries.

When to Seek Help

If you’re worried about your child’s behavior, talk to their pediatrician, a psychologist, or a school counselor. Getting your child tested early can help you figure out if it’s ADHD or something else. If you need to find a doctor or specialist, use our Find Care tool.

Diagnosis

There’s no single test for ADHD. Instead, doctors gather information from you and your child’s teachers and caregivers. They may use checklists and mental tests to assess skills like planning and decision-making.

Treating and Managing Symptoms

The best treatment plans often includes behavior therapy, school support, and medicine.

For kids under age 6, behavior therapy with training for parents is usually the first step.
For older children and adults, medicine may be added if needed.

Types of treatment:

Behavior therapy: Helps manage daily habits and emotions.
School support: Things like individual education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and counseling can help kids succeed in class.
Medicine: Stimulants, like Ritalin^® and Adderall^®, and nonstimulants can improve focus and behavior.

Healthy habits can also make a big difference. The CDC recommends:

Eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein.
Being active every day.
Limiting screen time on phones, computers, video games, and TV.
Getting enough sleep each night.

What if You Think You Might Have ADHD as an Adult?

ADHD doesn’t always go away after childhood — and more adults are now being diagnosed with the condition as adults, but their symptoms must have begun before age 12. As an adult with ADHD, you might not be hyper, but you could feel distracted, overwhelmed, or disorganized much of the time.

Common adult symptoms include:

Trouble focusing or finishing tasks.
Forgetfulness or being late often.
Poor time management.
Procrastination.
Mood swings or irritability.
Feeling restless or unable to relax.

If you have these symptoms and they affect your job, relationships, or mental health, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. It’s important to note that stress and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, can mimic ADHD or make symptoms more severe. This overlap can complicate a diagnosis, which is why talking to your doctor is vital. Getting a proper diagnosis can lead to helpful tools and resources, like medicine, therapy, and coaching.

Having ADHD can impact you or your child’s ability to do well in school, be productive at work, and have strong relationships, but with the right treatment and support, life can improve at any age.

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