ADHD stands for Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that makes it difficult for children to control their impulses and/or pay attention. The symptoms of ADHD are chronic and often last into adulthood. Although the symptoms usually first appear in childhood, a person may not be diagnosed with ADHD until they are an adolescent or sometimes even an adult.

The main behavioral problems that can occur with ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A child does not necessarily need to have all of these to be diagnosed with ADHD. Both children and adults with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty performing at school or work and are more likely to have low self-esteem and problems maintaining relationships.

Treatments for ADHD include medication and behavioral treatment. They can be very effective at reducing the symptoms of ADHD, especially when used in combination. These treatments can help children focus better and be more successful at school and can reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Treatment can also help kids avoid negative experiences early in life and so may actually help prevent emotional problems later. However, treatment does not cure ADHD and there is some controversy over the use of using psychoactive drugs in children.

Some people may think that ADHD is a new disorder but it was actually first recognized in 1845. The fact that ADHD is now diagnosed much more frequently than 20 years ago probably has to do with changes in special education legislation in the early 1990s that increased awareness about ADHD and allowed diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in the schools. Far from being a “made up” disorder or an excuse for bad parents to medicate their unruly children, ADHD is a very real problem with a biological basis. ADHD is officially recognized as a major cause of childhood dysfunction by the National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Surgeon General, American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and many other organizations that deal with children’s health.

Researchers estimate that between 3 and 5 percent of children in the United States — around 2 million children - have ADHD; this means that at least one child in most every classroom probably has ADHD.