Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It happens in children and teens and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children. Boys are more likely to have it than girls. It’s usually spotted during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can’t be prevented or cured. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.
Doesn’t pay attention and makes careless mistakes Forgets about daily activities Has problems organizing daily tasks Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still Often loses things
Genes. ADHD tends to run in families. Chemicals. Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance. Brain changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD. Poornutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse duringpregnancy. These things can affect a baby’s brain development. Toxins, such as lead. They may affect a child’s brain development. A brain injury or a brain disorder. Damage to the front of the brain, called the frontal lobe, can cause problems controlling impulses and emotions.
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- Specialty physicians
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