Medical Treatments

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a mental health condition that affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and manage their energy levels. It often starts in childhood but can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD might have trouble sitting still, paying attention, or staying focused on tasks for a long time. They may also act impulsively, meaning they do things without considering the consequences. This can make it hard for them to follow instructions or finish tasks.
Children with ADHD might be easily distracted in school, find it difficult to wait their turn, or talk too much in class. As they grow older, some of these behaviors may continue into adulthood, affecting their work and relationships. ADHD is not the result of laziness or bad behavior. It's caused by differences in how the brain works, especially in areas that control attention and self-control.

Signs & Symptoms

ADHD symptoms can vary but generally fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms are often more noticeable in children but can affect adults, too.

Inattention:

Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
Struggling to focus on tasks or conversations
Frequently losing things like keys, school supplies, or homework
Being easily distracted by noises, thoughts, or external events
Forgetting daily tasks like chores or appointments
Having trouble organizing tasks and activities

Hyperactivity:

Constant fidgeting or tapping
Trouble staying seated when expected, like in class or at work
Running or climbing in inappropriate situations (more common in children)
Feeling restless or having difficulty staying still
Talking excessively

Impulsivity:

Interrupting others during conversations
Difficulty waiting for their turn
Acting without thinking about the consequences
Making decisions quickly without considering the outcome

Not everyone with ADHD will have all these symptoms. Some may primarily struggle with inattention, while others may show more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Causes

The exact cause of ADHD is still not fully understood. Still, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, so a family history of ADHD increases the risk.
Brain structure and function: Differences in brain development and function can contribute, especially in controlling attention and self-regulation.
Environmental factors: Factors like prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, low birth weight, and early exposure to lead may increase the risk.

When to seek medical attention?

If you or your child is showing signs of ADHD, it's essential to seek medical advice if:

Symptoms persist over time and occur in more than one setting (e.g., school, home, work)
Symptoms interfere with daily life, causing problems in school, work, or relationships
You notice intense difficulties with focus, organization, or impulse control that affect functioning.

Diagnostics & Tests

There is no single test for ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

Medical history: To rule out other conditions.
Behavioral questionnaires: To assess symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Interviews with the individual, parents, teachers, or coworkers.
Observation in various settings, like school or home, to understand how symptoms affect daily life.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, or pediatricians are typically involved in diagnosing ADHD.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do's:

Create structure: Use a daily schedule that helps you stay organized.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming, so divide them into manageable chunks.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves focus and reduces stress.
Stay positive: Offer encouragement and celebrate small successes.
Use reminders: Notes, alarms, and apps can help you remember tasks and deadlines.

Don'ts:

Avoid distractions: Create a quiet, clutter-free space for work or study.
Don't multitask: Focus on one task at a time to prevent overwhelm.
Limit screen time: Excessive use of screens can worsen symptoms.
Don't ignore symptoms: Seek help if ADHD symptoms interfere with daily life.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) | About Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (.gov) | Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

nhs.uk | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

nhs.uk | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Causes

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Explore All Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Packages

Frequently Asked Questions For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

No, ADHD cannot be cured; however, it can be effectively managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.

Yes, adults can have ADHD. Some may be diagnosed in childhood, while others may not realize they have it until later.

ADHD medications are generally safe when taken as prescribed. However, they can have side effects, and close monitoring by a doctor is necessary.

No, while it starts in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood. Symptoms may change as a person grows older.

There is no specific ADHD diet, but a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting sugar can support brain health.

Best Hospitals in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility

BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

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Accord Superspeciality Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Faridabad, offering advanced treatments with modern infrastructure.

Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India

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High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.

Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

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PARAS Health, Gurugram – top multispecialty hospital for international patients via VivaVel.com

PARAS Health, Gurugram

C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002

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Amrita Hospital, Faridabad – India's largest multispecialty hospital with cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and global standards.

Amrita Hospital

Mata Amritanandamayi Marg, Sector 88, Faridabad, Haryana, India 121002

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Columbia Asia Extended Care Hospital, Kuala Lumpur – Specialized elderly care with VivaVel

Columbia Asia Extended Care Hospital

Lot 2, Jalan Baung 17/22, Seksyen 17, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor Kuala Lumpur, 40200 (Malaysia)

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Top Doctors in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Dr. Rohit Gupta
Chairman, Neurosciences
Neurology
17 Years Experience
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. (Prof.) Rohit Gupta is a well-known neurologist in Faridabad, Haryana, India, with over 17 years of experience in clinical neurology. He achieved academic success...

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Dr. Sandeep Ghosh
Consultant
Neuro-Surgeon
11 Years Experience
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Sandeep Ghosh is a highly regarded consultant neurologist, currently practicing at the esteemed Neurosciences Department of Accord Superspeciality Hospital in Faridabad, ...

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Dr. Vikram Dua
Director – Dept Of Brain & Spine Surge...
Neurosurgery & Spine
26 Years Experience
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Vikram Dua is one of India's top neuro and spine surgeons. With over 26 years of experience, he has performed over 10,000 surgeries, with a success rate excee...

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Dr. L. N. Tripathy
Senior Vice Chairman, Director & Senior ...
Neuro-Surgeon
31 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. LN Tripathy is a highly esteemed neurosurgeon with an impressive 31-year career. Since April 2010, he has been the Director of the Medica Institute of Neurologica...

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Dr. Anish Kumar Ghosh
Consultant
Neurology (Medicine)
20 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. Anish Kumar is a highly experienced medical professional with over 21 years of experience, including more than 11 years dedicated to neurology. He is currently a ...

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Dr. Kaushik Sen
HOD & Senior Consultant
Neurologist
18 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. Kaushik Sen is a highly esteemed senior consultant neurologist with over 18 years of post-DM experience in neurology. He holds a gold medal in MBBS, an MD i...

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