ADHD is a disorder that can affect individuals across the lifespan. It is characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This infographic lists some of the key issues that individuals with ADHD typically face at different phases of life.

Evidence from research studies continue to dispel the myths and misunderstandings about ADHD. Here are some of the misconceptions and recent research available to address them:   Myth # 1: ADHD is Not a Real Disorder ADHD cases have been described as far back as the textbook published in 1775 by Adam Weikard in German.…

Health Information Specialists at the National Resource Center on ADHD, a Program of CHADD, receive thousands of inquiries each year about ADHD. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers, as well as links for more information.   General Questions about ADHD What is ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental…

Because ADHD can pervade almost every aspect of an individual’s life, many systems can come into play in the life of a person or family affected by the disorder.   The Insurance System The majority of Americans who have health insurance receive this coverage through employer-provided health insurance plans. Millions of Americans, however, do not…

When seeking an evaluation or treatment for ADHD, it is important to see a qualified, licensed healthcare professional. In addition to ensuring that a particular professional has the required training, it is also important to work with a professional who has experience in dealing with this disorder. There are several types of professionals who typically…

Executive function refers to brain functions that activate, organize, integrate and manage other functions. It enables individuals to account for short- and long-term consequences of their actions and to plan for those results. It also allows individuals to make real-time evaluations of their actions and make necessary adjustments if those actions are not achieving the…

Tourette Syndrome and ADHD frequently co-occur. More than half of children with TS also have ADHD. About one in five children with ADHD also have TS or persistent tic disorders. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and tics can affect children’s lives at home, at school, or with friends. When a child has both ADHD symptoms…

Having ADHD along with a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder (ODD/CD) can complicate diagnosis and treatment and also worsen the prognosis. Even though many children with ADHD ultimately adjust, some (especially those with an associated conduct or oppositional defiant disorder) are more likely to drop out of school, have fewer years of overall education, have less…

Everybody experiences feelings of depression or sadness on occasion. However, when these feelings are so overwhelming that the individual cannot function, they may be diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Depressive disorders are characterized by the presence of sad, empty or irritable mood that interferes with the individual’s ability to engage in everyday activities.   Incidence…

More than two-thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one other coexisting condition. The symptoms of ADHD—constant motion and fidgetiness, interrupting and blurting out, difficulty sitting still and need for constant reminders, etc.—may overshadow these other disorders. But just as untreated ADHD can present challenges in everyday life, other disorders can also cause unnecessary…