ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which emerges in childhood and persists into adolescence and adulthood.  ADHD is characterized by inattention and/or excessive activity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD often have challenges with paying attention and sustaining attention, inhibiting their impulses, and delaying enjoyable activities. At school, children with ADHD may often forget or lose their belongings, display poor handwriting, talk out of turn, or have difficulty keeping up with classroom activities. At home, they tend to appear uncooperative or struggle with following multi-step instructions. Children with ADHD often exhibit ability to hyperfocus during an activity they find interesting or stimulating (e.g. engaging in a hobby, watching a movie, or playing video games). However, they tend to be less motivated to start or focus on a task if they find it uninteresting.  hey also tend to give up easily on a difficult task, as they may find it frustrating to complete such a task. Some, though not all, may seem restless, overly active, talkative, or fidgety.

 

College students or adults with ADHD often find it challenging to initiate activities, complete projects on time, organize their work, and manage their time effectively. These challenges may lead to emotional difficulties, poor school or work performance, or relationship challenges. Individuals with ADHD may find it difficult to regulate their impulses, such that they may have difficulty tolerating waiting in line or driving in traffic, experience frequent outbursts of anger, or develop substance use problems.