What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood. More about ADHD »
Listen to NIMH’s experts discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD and treatment options.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, and include:
- Impulsiveness: a child who acts quickly without thinking first.
- Hyperactivity: a child who can't sit still, walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated, talks when others are talking.
- Inattention: a child who daydreams or seems to be in another world, is sidetracked by what is going on around him or her. More about Signs & Symptoms »
How is it diagnosed?
If ADHD is suspected, the diagnosis should be made by a professional with training in ADHD. This includes child psychiatrists, psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, behavioral neurologists, and clinical social workers. After ruling out other possible reasons for the child’s behavior, the specialist checks the child’s school and medical records and talks to teachers and parents who have filled out a behavior rating scale for the child. A diagnosis is made only after all this information has been considered. More about Diagnosis »
Treatment
Effective treatments for ADHD are available, and include behavioral therapy and medications. More about Treatment »
Learn about the Multimodal Treatment for ADHD (MTA) study
Getting Help: Locate Services
Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations. More about Locating Services »
Related Information
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders
- Information about medications
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español)
- Listen to a NIH podcast about a study on ADHD medications by the National Institute on Environmental and Health Sciences
Science News about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Featured Publications about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A detailed booklet that describes ADHD symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping. -
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Answers to frequently asked questions about the treatment of mental disorders in children.
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