Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders Awareness: Symptoms · Attention Deficit Disorder Association · Additude Magazine · Children and Adults with ADHD.org · New Jersey Specialists
Source: Additude Magazine
Then: ADHD is a behavioral disorder.
Now: “ADHD is a cognitive disorder, a developmental impairment of executive functions.” — Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.
Then: ADHD is hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Now: ADHD is emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction. — Russell Barkley, Ph.D.
Then: ADHD is deficient attention.
Now: “The hallmark of the ADHD nervous system is not attention deficit, but inconsistent attention.” — William Dodson, M.D.
Then: Adult women can’t have ADHD.
Now: ADHD is a highly impairing and potentially dangerous condition for girls and women. — Ellen Littman, Ph.D.
Today, everything is different — and dramatically better for pediatric and adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But much more work remains.
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s 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.