What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects how people focus, stay organized, and control their actions. Someone with ADHD might have trouble paying attention, sitting still, or keeping track of tasks. It’s not because they’re lazy—it’s because their brain works differently. ADHD can make life harder at times, but with the right help and tools, people with ADHD can do amazing things and use their unique strengths to succeed.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a complex condition thought to arise from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Studies have shown that ADHD often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. For instance, children with parents or siblings who have ADHD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. Neurologically, ADHD is linked to differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that regulate attention, impulse control, and executive functioning, such as the prefrontal cortex. These differences can affect how the brain processes information, leading to challenges in focus, organization, and self-regulation.

Environmental factors may also play a role in increasing the likelihood of developing ADHD. For example, premature birth, exposure to alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances during pregnancy, or experiencing significant stress or trauma in early childhood may increase the risk of ADHD.

It’s essential to understand that ADHD is not caused by a lack of willpower, laziness, or lack of effort. Instead, it results from a unique interplay of biological and environmental influences that shape how the brain develops and functions. While the exact causes may vary for each individual, ongoing research continues to shed light on how and why ADHD occurs.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is characterized by three primary symptom categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus, especially on tasks that require sustained attention, and may frequently forget details or become easily distracted. Hyperactivity is marked by excessive movement, restlessness, and an inability to remain still, even in situations where doing so is expected, such as in class or at work. Impulsivity manifests as difficulty waiting for one’s turn, interrupting others during conversations, or making decisions without fully considering the consequences. While these behaviors are common in many people from time to time, they are persistent and more intense in those with ADHD, often impacting daily functioning in areas like school, work, and relationships.

What is the relationship between gender and ADHD?

ADHD in adult women can often be overlooked because the symptoms may not be as noticeable or obvious. While boys and men with ADHD typically show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, women are more likely to have symptoms of inattention, like difficulty focusing, staying organized, or remembering tasks. These symptoms can be mistaken for laziness, stress, or just being "scatterbrained." Women may also develop coping strategies, like overcompensating with lists or routines, which can hide the disorder. As a result, many adult women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life, sometimes after years of struggling with feelings of frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Because their symptoms are less disruptive, ADHD in women is often misunderstood or dismissed, making it harder for them to get the support they need.