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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Is it hard for you to pay attention or stay focused on a task? Do you often feel restless and have trouble sitting still? Do you often act without thinking first? Nearly everyone shows these behaviors at times. But if you show some or all of these behaviors for more than six months and they are causing problems at home, on the job, or in social situations, you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

There are three types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly inattentive type (has trouble paying attention and is easily distracted)
2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (has trouble sitting still; also, acts without thinking about whether bad things might happen)
3. Combined type (shows both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)

ADHD starts early in life, before age 7. Many, and perhaps most, children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into their adult years. Sometimes, people with ADHD become adults without ever having been diagnosed with the disorder. They often just feel that it's impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or keep an appointment. Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a sense of relief because now they understand why they are having problems. And, with help, they can begin to face them.

No one knows exactly what causes ADHD. It runs in families, so genes may play a role.

Although there is no cure for ADHD, medicines can help control symptoms. The medicines that appear to work the best are drugs called stimulants. Adults with ADHD can also benefit from having a "life coach." The coach can help you learn how to organize your life by using "props." These might include lists, reminder notes, date books, and a large calendar on the wall on which you write your appointments.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Learning Disabilities — The following pages provide basic information regarding questions that might be considered when determining accommodations for individuals with learning disabilities. This tool reviews key terms associated with different types of learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

   http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/LD.html

2.   Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — This detailed booklet describes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It also contains information on getting help and coping.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm

3.   NINDS Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page — This on-line publication explains ADHD, available treatments, prognosis, and current research being conducted.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/adhd/adhd.htm

4.   NINDS Learning Disabilities Information Page — This on-line publication defines learning disabilities, provides information on treatment, prognosis and current research. It also provides resources and organizations.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/learningdisabilities_doc.htm...

5. AD/HD and Adults (Copyright © MHA) — This publication contains information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorders (ADD). It includes the causes of ADD/ADHD, diagnosis in adults, symptoms, and treatment for adults with ADD/ADHD.

   http://mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/ad/hd/ad/hd-and-adults

6. High School Girls with ADD (ADHD) (Copyright © ADDvance) — This fact sheet discusses the troubling challenges faced by teenage girls with ADD (ADHD) and how parents can help their daughters cope with ADD (ADHD).

   http://www.addvance.com/help/women/high_school.html

Organizations

1.   National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC
2.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
3. Attention Deficit Disorder Association
4. Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
5. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
6. Feingold Association of the United States
7. Learning Disabilities Association of America
8. Mental Health America

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.