Attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by core symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD, previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD, is thought to be the most common childhood mental health disorder, with estimates of its prevalence in children ranging from 5 to 16 percent; in the U.S., approximately 11 percent of children have been diagnosed with ADHD , per the CDC. ADHD in diagnosed less
What does ADHD look like?
Some children and adults with ADHD display primarily hyperactive or primarily inattentive symptoms. However, it’s also possible—and more common—for both types of symptoms to exist together, in what is typically called combined type ADHD.
Many children and adults with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate on tasks at school or work and may daydream frequently. Some, particularly those with inattentive-type ADHD, also struggle to stay organized, manage their time, and keep track of their belongings.
Children with ADHD, particularly those who struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, can also become disruptive, defiant, or difficult for adults to manage. Social challenges are common, as children with ADHD who find it difficult to sit still, take turns, or pay attention in conversations can at times frustrate or alienate peers.
Adults with ADHD, on the other hand, often report feeling restless or fidgety; if they struggle with impulsivity, they may make rash decisions that adversely affect their life. Difficulties with executive functioning (planning, emotional regulation , and decision-making ) can create problems at work, at home, and in relationships.
Is ADHD a disease of modernity?
Some experts argue that what we call ADHD is actually a “disease of civilization”—that is, a disorder that arises because of a mismatch between humans’ evolutionary roots and our modern environment. High energy levels, for instance, may have been adaptive for a hunter-gatherer but are problematic in a modern classroom.
Some prominent child development experts have noted that the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses has coincided with an increased focus (particularly in American schools) on rigorous standardized testing and reduced playtime—suggesting that at least some children diagnosed with ADHD have been placed in environments that worsen the evolutionary mismatch.
For more on living with ADHD in the modern world, see Daily Management of ADHD.
Is ADHD a disability?
It depends. In the U.S., under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ADHD can be legally considered a disability in some cases. But a diagnosis alone isn’t enough to qualify for protection under the law. In addition to a formal diagnosis, the individual (and/or their parent, if in an academic setting) must also establish that symptoms substantially limit functioning. If such limitations can be adequately documented, reasonable accommodations must be provided by the employer or the school (if it is public).
For more on accommodations, see ADHD at School or ADHD in the Workplace.
Is ADHD a learning disability?
Though ADHD can and often does cause academic challenges, it is not considered a specific learning disability (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia). However, many children with ADHD—anywhere from 30 to 50 percent, according to some estimates—have a comorbid learning disability. The conditions can also display similar external symptoms, particularly in children.
For more on distinguishing ADHD from learning disabilities and other disorders, see ADHD and Related Conditions.
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