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ADHD Patient Info
ADHD Overview
Today, between 4 and 7 million children (5–9% of the population)
and 9 to 13 million adults (4–6% of the population) in the United States are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A diagnosis of ADHD can be daunting and symptoms can be a challenge for parents and children. But treatment can make a big difference and most children with ADHD grow up to be normal adults.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Individual does not display symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive behaviors — simply ADD
- Has trouble paying attention, finishing tasks, or following directions
- Easily becomes distracted; appears forgetful, careless, and disorganized
- Appears sluggish and slow to respond and process information
- Day dreamy, spacey, shy or withdrawn
- Often overlooked and not diagnosed as ADHD
- Most common type
- Individual may appear restless, fidgety, overactive, and impulsive
- Might “act before thinking” and often “speak before thinking” by blurting out and interrupting others
- Talks excessively and has trouble waiting his/her turn and staying seated
- May seem to be perpetually “on the go”
Individuals display both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms
*Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a term frequently used to describe individuals that have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder without the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. For the purposes of this guide, the more general term ADHD will be used to refer to all three types, including that which does not include hyperactivity.
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