ADHD in children and young people
Overview
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Children and young people with ADHD may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are ways to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive). A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as: being easily distractedfinding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructionsforgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including: having high energy levelsfidgeting or tapping their hands and feettalking noisilyfeeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit stillfinding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type. ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise. Many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if they’re under the age of 5. This does not mean they have ADHD. It could be a sign of something else, like being tired, anxious or stressed.
Causes
The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families. There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury or being autistic. Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.
Treatment
ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. This includes: medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, such asmethylphenidatemelatonin for problems sleeping, when other methods for improving sleep have not worked Children and teenagers may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for them. A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a “shared care agreement” between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP. Not everyone with ADHD needs to or wants to take medicine.