What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition identified by observing patterns of behaviour. Individuals with ADHD typically display ongoing inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that disrupts daily functioning and can affect their overall development.
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Understanding ADHD: Definition and Diagnosis
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. Diagnosis is based on behavioural observations and can only be made by a qualified medical professional. The criteria below are summarised from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for informational purposes.
Inattention Symptoms
For children up to 16 years, six or more symptoms must be present for at least six months. For adolescents 17 years and older and adults, five or more symptoms are needed. These behaviours must be inappropriate for the individual’s developmental level:
- Frequently makes careless mistakes or overlooks details in schoolwork, work tasks, or other activities.
- Struggles to maintain focus on tasks or play activities.
- Appears not to listen when spoken to directly.
- Fails to follow through on instructions or finish tasks, schoolwork, or duties.
- Has difficulty organising tasks and activities.
- Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
- Often loses items necessary for tasks (e.g., books, keys, mobile phones).
- Is easily distracted by external stimuli.
- Forgets daily activities and routines.
Types of ADHD
ADHD does not always involve hyperactivity. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, there are three main presentations, which may change over time as symptoms evolve:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation – difficulties with focus and organisation without prominent hyperactive behaviour.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation – primarily symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation – a mix of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Symptoms
For children up to 16 years, six or more symptoms must be present; for adolescents 17 years and older and adults, five or more symptoms are required. These behaviours must be disruptive and developmentally inappropriate:
- Fidgets or taps hands/feet, or squirms in seat.
- Leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected.
- Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations (in adults, may present as restlessness).
- Struggles to engage in leisure activities quietly.
- Appears constantly “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.”
- Talks excessively.
- Blurts out answers before questions are completed.
- Has difficulty waiting their turn.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations or activities.
Additional Diagnostic Criteria
- Symptoms must be present before the age of 12.
- Symptoms occur in two or more settings (e.g., home, school, work, social environments).
- Symptoms clearly interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- Symptoms are not better explained by another mental health disorder and do not occur only during psychotic episodes.
Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD can persist into adulthood. For adults and adolescents 17 years and older, only five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity are required.
Symptom presentation may differ from childhood; for example, hyperactivity may appear as restlessness or an inability to relax.
Adults concerned about ADHD can use screening tools such as the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale.
ADHD Prevalence and Incidence
Childhood ADHD
In the UK, research indicates that approximately 5% of children are affected by ADHD, with boys more commonly diagnosed than girls. A survey of 10,438 children aged 5–15 years found that 3.62% of boys and 0.85% of girls met diagnostic criteria [Journal of Attention Disorders]. Global prevalence estimates range from 2–7%, averaging around 5% [The Lancet].
Estimating exact prevalence can be challenging due to differences in how impairment is defined across studies and countries. Research from Newcastle found 11% of children reported ADHD symptoms; when considering impairment: 6.7% had mild impairment, 4.2% moderate impairment, and 1.4% severe pervasive impairment [European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry].
The gender difference, roughly 4:1 boys to girls, may reflect under-diagnosis in females, an area of ongoing research and discussion.
Adult ADHD
ADHD often persists into adulthood, although its presentation can change with age. Approximately 65% of children with ADHD continue to experience some level of impairment as adults. Prevalence studies estimate adult ADHD affects 3–4% of the UK population, with a commonly used mid-point of 3.5% [American Journal of Psychiatry; NICE Guidelines].
How ADHD Changes Over the Lifespan
The impact of ADHD evolves as individuals age. Children with hyperactivity may display overt, high-energy behaviours, which often become more subtle (e.g., fidgeting or restlessness) during adolescence and adulthood. Inattention typically improves with age, but attention span often remains below expected levels for daily functioning [NICE Guidelines; Disorders of Attention and Activity].
Causes of ADHD
ADHD does not have a single cause. It is generally considered to result from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, with genetics accounting for approximately 70–80% of the risk [Journal of Learning Disabilities]. Environmental influences, prenatal exposures, and early childhood experiences may also play a role.
Treatment Approaches
Effective treatment for ADHD is individualised and may include a combination of the following:
Psychological Therapies
- Psychoeducation
- Behavioural therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), individual or group
Interpersonal and Social Skills Support
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Social skills training
- Family therapy and school-based interventions (for children)
- Parent or carer management training
Occupational and Communication Support
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
Medication
- Prescribed where appropriate, tailored to the patient’s needs
Treatment plans are developed in consultation with healthcare professionals to address the unique needs of each individual, taking into account age, symptom profile, and functional impairment.
Do I Have ADHD?
Start Your Journey Today
ADHD affects more people than you think. And now the stigma attached to ADHD is changing. More people are becoming open about living with ADHD, and there is a new influx of people coming forward for an ADHD assessment later in life. This is especially the case for females, as females are thought to be better at masking their symptoms.
It’s estimated that 1 in 20 people in the UK have ADHD, and due to the rise in people requesting an ADHD assessment, the NHS is becoming slower with ADHD diagnosis.
Getting treatment for ADHD quickly is important to help with any adverse effects of this mental health disorder on studies or work, which is why we are proud to offer quick and thorough ADHD assessments online with our ADHD doctors.
Getting treatment for ADHD quickly is important to help with any adverse effects of this mental health disorder on studies or work, which is why we are proud to offer quick and thorough ADHD assessments online with our ADHD doctors.
We offer appointments for ADHD titration too (treatment dosage) and autism appointments.
If you are wondering if you have ADHD, please use our free symptom checker. Research the ‘ ASRS symptoms checker’ and insert statics about the sensitivity and specificity of the symptom checker test.
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