What Is ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Home
Blog
Health
Organs & Systems
Nervous System
What Is ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders among children in the United States. According to the 2024 data sheet from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), about 7 million children in the United States between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives by a doctor or a healthcare professional.
The CDC data sheet further reports that boys (15%) were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (8%). Additionally, Black and white children (12%) and American Indian/Alaskan native children (10%) were more often diagnosed with ADHD than Asian children (4%).
Symptoms often begin in childhood and linger into the teen years or adulthood. ADHD often occurs alongside other behavioral, neurodevelopmental disorders, such as conduct disorder, learning disorders, anxiety disorders, or depression.
In this article, we’ll explore what ADHD is, its causes and symptoms, and practical strategies for managing the disorder- both as a parent or guardian and as an adult living with it. Let’s get started!
Introduction: Understanding ADHD in Today’s Society
Researchers from the National Institute of Health, in a 2024 study, examined 10,000 functional brain images of youth with ADHD. The study revealed that symptoms of ADHD occur unusually as a result of interactions between the brain’s prefrontal cortex and information-processing centers deep inside the brain. Brain regions involved in learning, movement, reward, and emotion, such as the caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens, show amplified connections with areas responsible for attention and control of unwanted behaviors, including the superior temporal gyri, insula, inferior parietal lobe, and inferior frontal gyri.
Associations between the prefrontal cortex and the brain’s information processing centers have long been suspected to influence ADHD symptoms. However, previous findings have been mixed, likely due to small sample sizes. In contrast, the current study supports the hypothesis that ADHD is associated with disrupted connectivity between cortical control/attention networks and subcortical processing regions.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, it is defined as a neurobiological developmental disorder characterized by an individual’s trouble paying attention (Inattentive adhd), excessive movement that isn’t fitting to the setting (hyperactivity), and impulsive behaviors (impulsivity). However, not all individuals diagnosed with ADHD present these three classical manifestations, and the degree of presentation in adults and children differs remarkably. The prevalence of ADHD in adults is 4.4% lower than that in children at 5-7%, an indication that a few children often outgrow their symptoms before adulthood.
Furthermore, ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating mental disorder that interferes with the personal, professional, and social lives of many individuals. This can manifest in the form of poor self-esteem, poor self-control, low tolerance to criticism, being easily distracted, difficulty waiting in line, and heightened self-criticism.
Symptoms and Signs of ADHD
There are many symptoms of ADHD, and they are broadly classified under inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each category presents a wide range of symptoms, and they include:
Those with Inattention can have difficulty with the following:
- Inability to keep track or forgetting your normal daily routines like chores, errands, events, or other important things like assignments and appointments.
- Getting distracted by unrelated thoughts and stimuli.
- Losing things easily, such as phones, car keys, wallets, and other personal items.
- Organizing tasks and activities, managing time, and meeting deadlines.
- Trouble focusing on tasks that require attention and detail.
- Paying attention to details can lead to careless mistakes.
- Simultaneously paying attention to tasks and activities while having conversations, completing assignments, or reading papers.
- Following instructions through.
- Combining being spoken to and paying attention.
Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include:
- Interrupting or intruding into personal conversations.
- Inability to wait to take turns.
- Interjecting with an answer while being asked a question or finishing other people’s sentences.
- Talkativeness;
- Inability to keep calm while engaging in activities.
- Inability to read the room and comport oneself.
- Always on the go and being constantly active.
- Fidgeting, taping hands or feet, or squirming while seated.
According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, children must show at least six persistent symptoms from either the inattention group or the hyperactivity/impulsivity group or both, lasting for at least six months. Meanwhile, adults aged 17 or over must show at least five ADHD symptoms from either group, also persisting for at least six months. Additionally, for a diagnosis to be confirmed, symptoms start before the age of 12, in line with the DSM-5 classification.
Types of ADHD
A child must show symptoms of ADHD in at least two different settings, such as home, school, or work, for a diagnosis to be made. There are three recognized ADHD types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type.
- ADHD, inattentive and distractive type. This is characterized chiefly by an inability to pay attention and easy distractibility, but may not include hyperactivity.
- ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. This is characterized by hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, but may not include attention difficulties or high distractibility. This is the least common type of ADHD.
- ADHD, combined type. This is characterized by a combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractibility, and attention difficulties. It is the most common type of ADHD.
Understanding the different types of ADHD is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. By recognizing how symptoms present across inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined types, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals can better support children with ADHD and help them thrive in daily life.
Causes of ADHD: What We Know
Scientists are still not sure of the specific causes of ADHD; however, they believe that many factors play a part in its pathophysiology. Is ADHD genetic? This is one of the questions surrounding the cause. While there are growing studies linking genes to the cause of ADHD, no specific gene or combination of genes has been identified to be implicated in its cause. However, it is important to note that siblings or family members of those with ADHD are often affected, and evaluating medical history is an important component of diagnosis.
Another important factor to consider as the possible cause of ADHD is the structural brain differences between individuals with ADHD compared with those who don’t have it. This is evident in the brain activity of children with ADHD, who often show reduced volumes of grey and white matter, along with differences in how certain brain regions are activated during specific tasks.
More studies have also implicated the involvement of other parts of the brain, such as the frontal lobes, caudate nucleus, and cerebellar vermis, in ADHD. Several other factors have been linked to this disorder, including low birth weight, exposure to toxins, lead exposure, substance use, etc.
In conclusion, ADHD arises from a mix of brain differences, genetics, and environmental influences. While no single factor explains it fully, understanding these risk factors can guide early support and effective management.
Get FREE Access!
We are on a mission to change your life by providing you with curated science-backed health tips, nutrition advice and mouth-watering recipes. Sign up to receive your 3 starter gifts and get exclusive access to new weekly content for FREE:
Free eBook
to boost metabolism
4 Shopping Guides
for every diet
22 Free Recipes
to beat sugar addiction
Subscribe now
Impact of Lifestyle on ADHD
While ADHD shares similar symptoms with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, mood disorders, or learning disabilities, it is distinct. If undiagnosed ADHD persists, it can lead to challenges in school, relationships, and adulthood. Adults may also struggle with adult ADHD symptoms, including disorganization, restlessness, or difficulty with work tasks and managing school supplies or leisure activities quietly.
Although lifestyle is generally regarded as an environmental factor that does not directly cause ADHD, it can exacerbate its symptoms and affect how they are managed.
- Prenatal exposure: Maternal lifestyle, which may involve the intake of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and drugs, can be a risk factor for the unborn baby.
- Dietary habits: Dietary habits such as high sugar and refined sugar intake, food addiction, and obesity can influence ADHD symptoms
- Electric device: Excessive screen time, impulsive gaming, and electronic media dependencies can worsen ADHD symptoms
- Family and social lifestyle factors: Poor parenting styles, such as ineffective, inconsistent, or negligent parenting, worsen symptoms, while authoritative parenting is protective. Maternal stress during pregnancy and early childhood can also play a role.
Lifestyle may not cause ADHD, but it can strongly influence the severity of symptoms and how well they are managed. Healthier choices and supportive environments can make a meaningful difference in daily life and lead to a healthy lifestyle.
Dietary and Nutritional Recommendations for ADHD
It is a well-established fact that nutritional factors play a major role in the development of the brain. Thus, various nutritional deficiencies have been associated with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, autism, and ADHD. Emerging evidence suggests that nutrition and diet may play a role in the management of ADHD.
To test this hypothesis, a study assessed hair trace element and mineral levels in 52 boys with ADHD to determine their potential impact on the disorder. The study discovered that children with ADHD showed significant deficiencies in several trace elements and minerals, with zinc and magnesium levels linked to symptom severity. Similarly, in another study that aimed to assess differences in serum vitamin D concentration levels between children and adolescents with ADHD and healthy controls, it was discovered that ADHD patients had markedly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy peers.
Large clinical trials and experimental studies are crucial to substantiating this hypothesis, even though these studies have noted these relationships.
Furthermore, dietary recommendations emphasize adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritionally balanced meals, not taking too much sugar, and maintaining overall lifestyle habits that support long-term health. These adjustments have been found to improve positive behaviors in ADHD patients.
Exercise and Physical Activity to Manage ADHD Symptoms
Exercise has been shown to improve mood and mental health, with growing evidence suggesting it can also reduce symptoms of ADHD. Regular physical activity has been linked to decreased impulsivity and hyperactivity, better attention, and improved executive function. These benefits are tied to neurophysiological effects, including heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex and increased release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin, the same chemicals targeted by ADHD medications.
Additionally, exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain development, plasticity, learning, and memory. Since ADHD is associated with dysregulated BDNF, this connection highlights exercise as a potential therapeutic aid. While most findings come from animal studies, further human research is needed to determine how exercise intensity, frequency, and duration influence outcomes. This could help define the optimal conditions for using exercise as a complementary strategy in managing ADHD.
The Role of Sleep in ADHD Management
According to reports, approximately 70% of children with ADHD suffer from sleep disorders, making them a significant symptom of the disorder. This is not surprising, as sleep deprivation is known to impair cognitive functions and other central nervous system functions, such as memory integration, brain information processing, and emotional regulation in children with ADHD; a lack of these functions becomes more pronounced, therefore impairing daily functioning.
Thus, researchers view optimal sleep as a possible therapeutic strategy in the management of ADHD. The severity of ADHD can be reduced by improving the sleep of children with behavioral sleep interventions or a sleep intervention extension, but using conventional sleeping routines without addressing the underlying ADHD component might exacerbate sleep-related challenges, which might lead to overall worsening of ADHD in such children. To illustrate this effect, a recent study was carried out from 2022 to 2023 to examine the effects of behavioral sleep intervention in reducing ADHD symptoms among 47 individuals, and it was discovered that this intervention significantly reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children.
Reducing Screen Time and Social Media Use
Over the past two decades, the rise of social media has significantly contributed to increased screen time. An average North American youth is estimated to spend seven to nine hours a day in front of a screen; some use multiple screens at once, increasing their total screen time. Unfortunately, many digital platforms are designed to harness natural human tendencies for attention, impulse, and reward processes, which can become habit-forming and lead to repeated use of these platforms.
Since attention, impulse control, and reward processing are human behaviors targeted by digital platforms, and given that ADHD has environmental components linked to its causes, emerging evidence suggests that excessive screen and social media use may negatively impact brain function and cognitive development. This includes impairment in attention, memory processing, impulse regulation, and reward processing, all of which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in adolescents.
Therefore, researchers are increasingly investigating the relationship between excessive screen exposure and ADHD symptom severity. Current studies suggest that prolonged engagement with digital platforms may reinforce short attention spans, heighten distractibility, and reduce the ability to delay gratification.
Stress Management Strategies for ADHD
Stress is a constant challenge for individuals with ADHD, as symptoms such as forgetfulness, poor time management, disorganization, and inattention often create stressful situations. Effectively managing these triggers can help reduce stress, improve ADHD symptoms, and improve overall well-being. Some of these stress reduction strategies include:
- Exercise;
- Meditation;
- Breathing exercise;
- Journaling;
- Self-care;
- Social skills training;
- Getting adequate sleep;
- Practice mindfulness;
- Listening to music.
Individuals with ADHD sometimes resort to maladaptive coping strategies, such as excessive use of alcohol or substance abuse, in an attempt to reduce stress. While these may provide temporary relief, they often worsen the condition over time.
Conclusion: Living with and Managing ADHD
Consequently, ADHD can be treated. Standard ADHD treatment approaches include medication to balance neurotransmitters, behavioural interventions to improve routines, and therapy to treat ADHD related issues. With the right support from families, schools, child healthcare providers, and mental health professionals, individuals with ADHD can thrive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children with an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t start ADHD medication right away. Instead, the agency recommends a stepwise approach, beginning with behavioral therapy.
- Parent training in behavior therapy.
- Behavior therapy with children.
- Behavioral intervention in the classroom.
For children aged 6 years and above, behavioral therapy may be combined with FDA-approved medications when symptoms remain severe or do not adequately improve with therapy alone. These medications include:
- Stimulants: They are the best known ADHD medications with a high effectiveness rate- relieving symptoms in 70-80% of children with ADHD.
- Nonstimulants: They do not work as fast as stimulants, but their effects can last up to 24 hours, which might improve compliance in patients.
Finally, for younger children and most children with ADHD, early interventions are critical to prevent school failure and address potential learning disabilities. Through special education services and school support, students can benefit from accommodations outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and protection under the Disabilities Act. These measures ensure that children with ADHD are not left behind academically.
Healthy sleep is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) levers for easing ADHD challenges—better rest supports attention, mood, impulse control, and stress resilience—making it worth exploring options that can give your child or yourself the best chance at restorative sleep.
If you need an additional sleep booster, check out our premium sleep supplement. Restore Sleep formula is the only formula of its kind on the market that combines the 7 most powerful forms of chelated magnesium as well as includes two additional nutrients, including L-Theanine, that boost the effectiveness of this supplement to help achieve deep restorative sleep, enhance cognitive function and improve the relaxation response.
Click here to learn more about Restore Sleep and how it can change your life for the better through providing your body with the best magnesium complex to improve your brain function, sleep quality and relaxation response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADHD a form of autism?
No, ADHD is not a form of autism, but the two are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that can share overlapping symptoms and may occur together.
What makes ADHD people happy?
People with ADHD often feel happiest when they are engaged in activities that stimulate their interest and allow creativity without being restrictive. Such activities give them a sense of accomplishment, connection, and positive reinforcement.
How do people with ADHD sleep?
People with ADHD often struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested, due to differences in brain activity and circadian rhythm.
What are people with ADHD best at?
People with ADHD are often best at creative problem-solving, thinking outside the box, or high-energy tasks. They thrive in fast-paced or stimulating environments where quick thinking is valued.
What does no one tell you about ADHD?
It is not common knowledge that ADHD is just about distractions. It affects the child’s behavior, emotions, sleep, relationships, and even self-esteem. Many people spend years masking their troubles before realizing that it is shaping their daily lives.
REFERENCES
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
NIH Researchers Identify Brain Connections Associated With ADHD in Youth
ADHD Symptoms in Children vs. Adults
ADHD in children and young people
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (APA)
Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research
Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research
Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review
Managing Sleep in Adults with ADHD: From Science to Pragmatic Approaches
Sleep in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Navigating Stress and ADHD: Tips to Reduce Triggers and Relieve Stress
Case Study: Success Stories of Individuals Thriving with ADHD
The Americans with Disabilities Act: Protecting Those Who Suffer From ADHD
Your Rights to ADHD Accommodations at Work
We created ZONIA because we believe that everyone deserves to be empowered with the education and tools to be healthy and happy. Zonia's original videos and personalized transformation programs by our health & wellness experts will help you achieve this mission. Click on the button below to get started today:
join zonia now
We are about to change your life forever! By joining ZONIA you will get an instant access to 500+ original short-form videos across 25+ original shows that present groundbreaking information and practical daily actions that will empower you to transform your life. Join thousands others and become Zonia member today!
