Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common—and widely misunderstood.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9.4 percent of children and adolescents (just over 6 million) in the United States have ADHD.

One of the many myths about ADHD is that it only affects children. However, nearly 2.6 percent of adults globally have persistent ADHD from childhood, while about 6.7 percent of adults have symptoms of adult ADHD.

There are many other myths and much to learn about ADHD. Next week, we’ll cover the Myths and Facts about ADHD, but first, let’s explore the basics.

ADHD: The Basics

For a long time, ADHD was mostly associated with children. But while ADHD symptoms usually appear before age 12, the diagnosis can apply to people of any age.

It can take years for someone to receive an accurate diagnosis, and some people never do.

Signs of ADHD in children

ADHD primarily causes symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both.

With ADHD, someone may experience difficulties paying attention and staying organized, excess fidgeting or restlessness, and trouble with self-control or impulsive behaviors.

In children or toddlers with ADHD, this can lead to symptoms at home, in day care, or at school, such as:

• trouble focusing on activities and becoming easily distracted
• low attention span while playing or doing schoolwork
• fidgeting, squirming, or otherwise having trouble sitting still
• constantly needing movement or frequently running around
• engaging in activities loudly or disruptively
• excess talking and interrupting other people

Signs of ADHD in teenagers

As children with ADHD get older, the symptoms they experience may change. In some cases, certain symptoms seen in childhood may become less problematic in adolescence, while new symptoms can arise amidst the changing responsibilities that accompany growing older.

In adolescents and teenagers with ADHD, other symptoms that may appear can include:

• difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other work
• frequently making mistakes while doing work
• trouble finishing tasks, especially schoolwork or chores
• trouble with task organization and time management
• frequently forgetting things or losing personal items
• frequently avoiding mentally taxing tasks
• experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity
• trouble navigating social and familial relationships
• increased conflict with parents due to ADHD symptoms affecting the home life

It’s important to understand that while these symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can sometimes cause adolescents and teenagers with this condition to appear “immature,” they are simply a part of ADHD and have nothing to do with a child’s maturity level.

Signs of ADHD in adults

Although most people with ADHD receive a diagnosis during childhood, sometimes the signs and symptoms of this condition are overlooked or misinterpreted.

But as long as the symptoms of ADHD have been present for that individual before 12 years of age, they can still receive a diagnosis in adulthood.

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can appear different than those in adolescence or childhood due to the different responsibilities someone may have in adulthood. According to the literature, adults tend to experience:

• difficulties at work or college
• trouble passing classes or completing work
• issues with self-esteem and overall mental well-being
• substance misuse issues, especially with alcohol
• relationship challenges with partners, family, or co-workers
• frequent accidents or injuries
• a compulsion to finish other people’s sentences
• frequently interrupt others while they’re talking
• trouble seeing someone else’s perspective during a conversation
• impatience when waiting for something (such as in a line for groceries, or in a traffic jam)

Other factors affecting ADHD

When we look at the presentation of ADHD symptoms, age seems to be the biggest factor for differences in symptoms between individuals. However, ethnic and cultural differences can also play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

According to research, differences in beliefs, values, and even medical approaches can impact the way that certain behaviors—many of which are the direct result of ADHD—are viewed.

In fact, various studies have shown that children who belong to marginalized ethnic groups are less likely to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment they need for their ADHD.

Other cultural factors that can influence the perception, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD include:

• lack of knowledge about the condition
• fear of the stigma surrounding the condition
• lack of trust in the medical system
• reduced ability to recognize when symptoms are problematic
• differences in the way certain behaviors are viewed between genders
• language barriers for non-native English speakers
• no access or limited access to insurance or healthcare services
• lack of healthcare professionals who are culturally competent

All of these factors can play a role in the way that ADHD symptoms are viewed and can lead to barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in historically marginalized communities.

Living with ADHD

Without treatment, ADHD can make it difficult to function at your best in your home life, at work or school, or even within your relationships.

If you believe that you, your child, or someone close to you is displaying signs of ADHD, reach out to a doctor or psychologist to ask about a potential diagnosis and start on the path to treatment.

If you’ve received an ADHD diagnosis, you might find the following treatment options can reduce symptoms and help you function better in your everyday life:

Therapy

Behavioral therapy is one of the most beneficial types of therapy for ADHD, especially for children and adolescents, because it helps identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are having the most impact.

In younger children with ADHD, behavioral therapies that focus on parent training, classroom management, and peer interventions are most effective.

In adolescents and adults, a type of behavioral therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be helpful.

Medication

Medications can be used alone or in conjunction with behavioral therapy to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults.

According to research, psychostimulants—which are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system—are the first-line medication for ADHD.

Other nonstimulant medication options for ADHD can include certain high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes for ADHD involve strategies that can help you work through the inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that the condition causes. Here are some helpful ways to create structure for yourself if you have ADHD:

• Fine tune your study skills
• Create organizational techniques
• Implement time management strategies

Stay tuned…

Next week we’ll explore the myths and facts about ADHD, as well as provide additional resources. See you then!

This article was brought to you by the Proactive Health Management Plan in partnership with Healthline.