Add how many people have it

This page includes ADHD data from different sources. View text version. Because of an increased focus on ADHD in younger children, age ranges were expanded to include children years of age.

According to a national parent survey, 1 6 in 10 children with ADHD had at least one other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder:. Other conditions affecting children with ADHD: depression , autism spectrum disorder , and Tourette syndrome. Percentage of children with ADHD and another disorder 1. Treatment for ADHD can include behavior therapy and medication.

For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably both together. For children under 6 years of age behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment. A national parent survey from 1 reported on medication and behavioral treatment for children 2—17 years of age with current ADHD:.

Read more about these findings external icon. A more in-depth national survey 2 from reported on treatment and services that children with ADHD had received at some point prior to the survey. Findings indicate that people with ADHD have less gray matter volume.

Gray matter includes the brain areas that help with:. Researchers are still studying potential causes of ADHD, such as smoking during pregnancy. Find out more about the potential causes and risk factors of ADHD. To make a diagnosis, a doctor will assess any symptoms you or your child has had over the previous 6 months. Your doctor will likely gather information from teachers or family members and may use checklists and rating scales to review symptoms. Learn more about ADHD rating scales and what they can and cannot do.

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, talk with a doctor about getting an evaluation. For your child, you can also talk with their school counselor. Schools regularly assess children for conditions that may be affecting their educational performance. Depending on the diagnosis, they may also suggest making an appointment with a psychiatrist or neurologist. Treatment for ADHD typically includes behavioral therapies , medication, or both.

Types of therapy include psychotherapy , or talk therapy. With talk therapy, you or your child will discuss how ADHD affects your life and ways to help you manage it. Another therapy type is behavioral therapy. This therapy can help you or your child learn how to monitor and manage your behavior. ADHD medications are designed to affect brain chemicals in a way that enables you to better control your impulses and actions.

Find out more about treatment options and behavioral interventions that can help ease ADHD symptoms. These drugs work by increasing the amounts of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

Examples of these drugs include methylphenidate Ritalin and amphetamine-based stimulants Adderall. Certain nonstimulant medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. These medications include atomoxetine Strattera and some antidepressants such as bupropion Wellbutrin. ADHD medications can have many benefits, as well as side effects. Learn more about medication options for adults with ADHD.

In addition to — or instead of — medication, several remedies have been suggested to help improve ADHD symptoms. For starters, making lifestyle changes may help you or your child manage ADHD symptoms.

Studies have also shown that yoga , tai chi , and spending time outdoors can help calm overactive minds and may ease ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation is another option. Research from has suggested meditation might improve attention in people with ADHD. Avoiding certain allergens and food additives are also potential ways to help reduce ADHD symptoms. Learn more about these and other nondrug approaches to addressing ADHD. ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is an outdated term.

It was previously used to describe people who have problems paying attention but are not hyperactive. ADHD is the current overarching name of the condition. This manual is what doctors refer to when making diagnoses for mental health conditions. More than 60 percent of children with ADHD still show symptoms as adults. For many people, hyperactivity symptoms often decrease with age, but inattentiveness and impulsivity may continue.

That said, treatment is important. Untreated ADHD in adults can have a negative impact on many aspects of life. Symptoms such as trouble managing time, forgetfulness, and impatience can cause problems at work, home, and in all types of relationships.

Find out more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they can impact your life. This includes For children, ADHD is generally associated with problems at school. Children with ADHD often have difficulties in a controlled classroom setting. Boys are more than twice as likely as girls to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

This may be because boys tend to exhibit hallmark symptoms of hyperactivity. Although some girls with ADHD may have the classic symptoms of hyperactivity, many do not.

John T. Walkup , who wrote about the C. The C. The end results of the C. Walkup says. C data suggest that we are getting to a point when children with ADHD in the United States may actually be getting an opportunity for a diagnostic assessment and appropriate evidence-based treatment.