Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is ADHD

ADHD belongs to the group of neurological disorders in the neurobehavioral sphere. It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that go beyond age-appropriate norms. The first signs usually become noticeable in childhood — most often at school, when a child is faced with the need for prolonged concentration and adherence to rules.

This disorder is not related to intelligence level but may affect academic achievement and social adaptation. With proper diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis is favorable, especially if intervention begins early.

Causes of ADHD

Genetic predisposition

Specialists increasingly emphasize that ADHD is not the result of “poor parenting” or lack of discipline, but largely an inherited feature of brain function. If parents or close relatives experienced similar difficulties, the likelihood of ADHD in a child increases several times.

A large review published in The Lancet (UK, 2016) showed the strong role of genetic factors. International studies in Molecular Psychiatry (USA–Sweden, 2019) confirmed that certain genes influence brain regions responsible for attention and behavior control. Similar conclusions were drawn by researchers in Germany and the Netherlands in 2018 (European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).

Biological and environmental factors

In addition to heredity, several factors may contribute to the development of ADHD:

• complications during pregnancy and childbirth;

• prematurity;

• exposure to toxins (e.g., lead);

• brain injuries;

• unfavorable environmental conditions.

These factors can affect nervous system development and increase manifestations of inattention or hyperactivity.

Classification of ADHD

According to diagnostic systems, three types are distinguished:

• Predominantly inattentive type — the main symptoms are related to difficulties with concentration, forgetfulness, and disorganization.

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type — motor restlessness, excessive activity, and impulsive actions prevail.

• Combined type — combines features of both types and is the most common.

Classification helps doctors select treatment approaches and predict how the disorder will manifest in the future.

Symptoms and Signs of ADHD

ADHD manifests in three main domains:

• Inattention — difficulty maintaining focus, completing tasks, organizing activities; frequent careless mistakes, losing items, problems following instructions.

• Hyperactivity — inability to remain calm for long, constant motor activity, need to stand up during tasks, interrupting others. Stronger in children but may persist in adults as inner restlessness.

• Impulsivity — hasty actions, interrupting conversations, impatience when waiting for one’s turn. This complicates social contacts and affects family, school, and work relationships.

In children

In childhood, symptoms are most noticeable and often lead parents to seek help:

• Inattention appears as difficulty completing homework, forgetfulness, unstable focus.

• Hyperactivity shows through constant movement, restlessness, inability to sit still.

• Impulsivity is expressed as impatience, sharp reactions, breaking communication rules.

These traits often lead to reduced academic performance, difficulties in groups, and problematic self-esteem.

In adults

With age, outward manifestations of hyperactivity decrease, but internal and cognitive difficulties remain:

• chronic procrastination and difficulty starting tasks;

• time management problems, frequent lateness and missed deadlines;

• high vulnerability to stress and overload;

• difficulty maintaining stable interpersonal relationships;

• constant inner restlessness and inability to relax.

Adults often use compensatory strategies such as strict schedules, planners, and artificially created deadlines, but these only partially reduce ADHD’s impact.

Difference Between ADHD and Reduced Attention Span

A common modern problem is a shortened attention span, caused by constant exposure to digital stimuli.

Reduced attention span due to environment

• Difficulties occur mainly in the presence of many distractions;

• With favorable conditions, attention can be maintained for a long time;

• The cause lies in behavioral habits of rapid switching and seeking novelty.

ADHD

• Difficulties persist in many areas of life, even in quiet environments without stimuli;

• Problems are consistent and not limited to specific circumstances;

• The root cause lies in neurobiological features of dopamine regulation.

“Fast” Dopamine: Habit or Biological Necessity

For people without ADHD, the craving for frequent stimuli (social media, notifications, short videos) develops as a behavioral habit.

In ADHD, the need for frequent reinforcement is physiologically based. Frequent stimuli help maintain motivation and compensate for deficits in internal reward. Thus, the search for “fast dopamine” is not only a social phenomenon but also a manifestation of a neurobiological feature.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, ICD-10)

The diagnosis is made according to international criteria:

• presence of symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity;

• symptoms last longer than six months;

• onset of symptoms in childhood;

• significant impact on learning, work, or social contacts.

Diagnostic methods

Clinical interviews, psychological testing, behavioral observation, and questionnaires for parents and teachers are used. Sometimes neuropsychological studies are applied to assess brain function.

Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD

Is ADHD only in children?

No. Symptoms appear in childhood, but for most people they persist into adulthood, though their form and intensity may change.

Can someone “outgrow” ADHD?

Some symptoms may indeed decrease over time, especially hyperactivity. However, difficulties with attention, organization, and impulsivity can persist throughout life.

How to distinguish ADHD from fatigue or stress?

In fatigue or stress, reduced concentration is temporary and improves after rest. In ADHD, symptoms are constant and affect multiple areas of life — study, work, relationships.

Are medications the only treatment?

Medication is among the most effective treatments but is often combined with psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle adaptation.

Could ADHD be a “trendy diagnosis”?

The increase in ADHD discussions is due to greater awareness and diagnostic accessibility, not fashion. In the past, many adults did not receive a proper diagnosis, and their difficulties were dismissed as laziness or poor discipline.

Can ADHD be completely cured?

ADHD is a neurobiological disorder and cannot be fully eliminated. However, with the right approach, symptoms can be significantly reduced and quality of life improved.

Treatment of ADHD

Medication therapy

Drugs are prescribed to improve neurotransmitter function and help control attention and behavior. Medication is selected individually under the supervision of a neurologist.

Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy

Effective methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, parent training programs, and working with a psychologist on routine organization.

Lifestyle changes and behavior correction

Helpful strategies include structured daily routines, physical activity, and limiting distractions. It is important to consider age-related features and provide support in both family and school.