Overview
ADHD is a common condition, usually recognised in childhood, in which a person has ongoing difficulty with attention, and often with restlessness and acting on impulse, to a degree that affects learning, relationships and daily life. It is not caused by bad parenting or laziness. Many children continue to have some symptoms as adults. With the right mix of behavioral support, help at school and, when needed, medicine, children and adults with ADHD can do very well.
Symptoms
- Difficulty paying attention or finishing tasks
- Being easily distracted and forgetful
- Restlessness or constant fidgeting
- Acting without thinking and interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting or sitting still, affecting school or work
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if attention, restlessness or impulsive behaviour is affecting a child's learning or relationships, or your own daily life as an adult.
Causes
A mix of genetic and brain-development factors; it runs in families and is not caused by parenting or diet alone.