Most people are aware that ADHD involves having trouble focusing, but may not be aware of the myriad of ways this can manifest, how it looks from the outside, and how it feels to the person experiencing it.
Mayo Clinic defines ADHD as:
“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.” – Mayo Clinic, (emphasis added)
Although ADHD is often thought of as a children’s condition, many adults have it as well. Many of them were never diagnosed or weren’t diagnosed until adulthood, so it’s crucial to understand how ADHD symptoms can present in both children and adults. While the different types of ADHD are distinct (discussed more below), they can also overlap. But the main thing to know about ADHD is that it involves difficulty paying attention for sustained periods.
ADHD Statistics
According to Healthline, the average age for a diagnosis is seven years old, and symptoms often start to recognizably appear between the ages of three and six. Along gender lines, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. It’s thought that 5-10% of American children have ADHD, and 4% of American adults have ADHD.
These statistics show us that ADHD is common, especially in the United States. And it’s encouraging to know that getting a diagnosis and understanding what’s wrong can make a big difference in quality of life. ADHD can be disruptive to one’s life and daily routine, but it can also be treated and managed.
ADHD sometimes coexists with other conditions. Some of the most common ones are learning disabilities, conduct disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disorders. Talk to your counselor or doctor about any other symptoms you’re experiencing.