Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. According to WHO and American research, ADHD affects 5–7% of school-age children, with boys being diagnosed 2–3 times more often than girls (though girls more often have the inattentive type, which is less frequently noticed).
Important: ADHD is not "bad parenting," "laziness," or "spoiled behavior." It's a biologically based condition related to how the dopamine and norepinephrine systems in the brain work.
Main Types of ADHD (According to DSM-5 and ICD-11)
- Predominantly Inattentive Type (formerly called ADD — Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Combined Type (the most common — about 70% of cases)
In many children, hyperactivity decreases with age, but attention and executive function problems remain.
Signs Across Three Main Symptom Groups
1. Inattention
Must have at least 6 out of 9 symptoms (for teens over 17 — 5 out of 9), lasting at least 6 months:
- Often fails to pay attention to details; makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or work
- Often doesn't seem to hear when spoken to directly
- Often doesn't finish tasks (homework, chores, games)
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities (poor time management, loses things)
- Often avoids or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained mental effort (homework, reading)
- Often loses things (school supplies, gloves, phone, keys)
- Easily distracted by external stimuli
- Often forgetful in daily activities (forgot to take out trash, feed the hamster, etc.)
- Problems following through on instructions (teacher gave 3-step instruction — only completed the first)
2. Hyperactivity
(For children under 16 — at least 6 out of 9 symptoms):
- Often runs or climbs where inappropriate (in teens — subjective feeling of inner restlessness)
- Often leaves seat in classroom or other situations where sitting is expected
- Often fidgets with hands or feet, squirms in seat
- Often can't play quietly or engage in leisure activities
- Often "on the go," as if "driven by a motor"
- Often talks excessively
3. Impulsivity
- Often blurts out answers before questions are finished
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations/games
Age-Specific Manifestations
Preschoolers (3–6 years)
- Endless motor restlessness
- Can't sit at table for 5 minutes
- Constantly switches from one toy to another, never finishing anything
- Excessive impulsivity: may run into the street without thinking
- Often gets injured due to carelessness
Elementary School Children (7–12 years)
- Problems staying seated in class
- Can't organize workspace and backpack
- Forgets to turn in homework, even if completed
- Many "careless" errors in notebooks
- Daydreams in class, "spaces out"
Teens (13–17 years)
Hyperactivity often goes "inside":
- Subjective feeling of inner restlessness
- Difficulty planning time (chronic lateness)
- Procrastination and last-minute rushes before deadlines
- Impulsive purchases, risky behavior
- Problems with emotional self-regulation (anger outbursts)
"Red Flags" — When You Definitely Need a Specialist
- Child significantly lags behind peers in self-regulation in at least two settings (home, school, activities, outside)
- Problems started before age 12 and last at least 6 months
- Serious difficulties in academics or social adaptation
- Parents and teachers are literally "going crazy" from the child's behavior
- Child is suffering ("I'm stupid," "everyone hates me")
Co-occurring Problems (Comorbidity)
60–80% of children with ADHD have at least one co-occurring disorder:
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (50–60%)
- Anxiety disorders (30–40%)
- Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia) — up to 50%
- Tics and Tourette's syndrome
- Sleep disorders (trouble falling asleep, restless sleep)
- Enuresis/encopresis
How to Tell ADHD from "Just an Active Child"?
| Sign | Typical Active Child | Child with ADHD |
|---|---|---|
| Can sit still if very interested | Yes | No, even if very interested |
| Forgets things | Sometimes | Constantly, chronically |
| Can play one game for 30–40 minutes | Yes | Maximum 5–10 minutes |
| Able to wait their turn | Yes | Very difficult, almost impossible |
| Problems in one setting (only at home or only at school) | Most often | Problems in two or more settings |
What Should Parents Do If They Suspect ADHD?
- See a pediatric neurologist or psychiatrist (preferably one specializing in ADHD)
- Complete a full evaluation:
- History taking + questionnaires (Vanderbilt, Conners, SNAP-IV)
- Neuropsychological testing (if needed)
- Rule out medical causes (iron, lead, thyroid tests, EEG, etc.)
- Don't diagnose from TikTok videos and don't start treatment with "Methylphenidate from the internet"
ADHD treatment is always comprehensive:
- Behavioral therapy (for parents and child)
- School environment modifications
- If needed — medication (methylphenidate, atomoxetine, guanfacine, etc.)
With proper help, the prognosis is very good. Many children with ADHD grow up to be successful, bright, creative adults (among famous people with ADHD — Michael Phelps, Justin Timberlake, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, Simone Biles, and others).
The key is to notice it in time and help your child understand and accept their differences. ADHD is not a life sentence — it's a different way the brain works, which with proper support can become an advantage.