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What is ADHD?

KoolMinds Team
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. It affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood.i The symptoms are usually first noticed and diagnosed in children but it is something that often continues into adulthood. Some adults that have ADHD have never been diagnosed with it and do not know they have it.

According to a national 2016 parent survey, the estimated number of children that have ever been diagnosed with ADHD is 6.1 million (9.4%).ii If you think that you or your child has ADHD, you are not alone! It is common. You can find so many articles and resources that can teach you about ADHD and there are lots of treatment options available to help you if you are struggling… including us here at KoolMinds!

What is a Neurodevelopmental disorder?

A neurodevelopmental disorder is any condition that affects how your brain functions.

The reason that ADHD is considered a neurological disorder is because brain images of people with ADHD are different than brain images of people without ADHD. Research shows that the areas of the brain involved in executive function take longer to develop in people with ADHD and it also shows differences in how the brain functions.

It is so interesting to read about the connections between ADHD and the brain. Here are a few articles that are fascinating if you want to learn more:

Causes of ADHD

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes ADHD however they have found that there are several things that may lead to it, including:
  • Genes. ADHD tends to run in families. A child with ADHD has a 1 in 4 chance of having a parent with ADHD.
  • Chemicals. Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance
  • A brain injury or a brain disorder. Damage to the front of the brain, called the frontal lobe, can cause problems controlling impulses and emotions
  • Brain changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD.
  • Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse during pregnancy. These things can affect a baby’s brain development and increase the risk of developing ADHD.
  • Toxins, such as lead. This is rare however it is something that might affect a child's brain development.
Check out these articles to learn more about the causes of ADHD:

Types of ADHD

In order to make ADHD diagnoses more consistent, the American Psychiatric Association grouped the condition into three categories, or types of ADHD.  These categories include: primarily hyperactivity-impulsive, primarily inattentive, and a combination of both. The DSM-5 lists the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and include these symptoms listed.iii

Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

People with primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD act “as if driven by a motor” with little impulse control. Symptoms of this type include:
  • Talks excessively
  • Has trouble playing quietly
  • Has trouble waiting for their turn
  • Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things
  • Tends to squirm, fidget, or bounce when sitting
  • Experiences feelings of restlessness
  • Doesn't stay seated when remaining seated is expected
  • Blurts out answers

Primarily Inattentive ADHD

People with primarily inattentive ADHD have difficulty with focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions. Symptoms of this type include:
  • Easily distracted
  • Often loses things
  • Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
  • Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
  • Doesn't pay attention
  • Tends to daydream
  •  Is forgetful in daily activities
  • Lacks attention to detail
  • Makes careless mistakes
  • Doesn't seem to be listening
  • Has problems organizing daily tasks

Primarily Combined Type ADHD

This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this type of ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These symptoms often include an inability to pay attention, a tendency toward impulsiveness, and above-normal levels of activity and energy.
  • Easily distracted
  • Often loses things
  • Tends to squirm, fidget, or bounce when sitting
  • Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
  • Blurts out answers
  •  Is forgetful in daily activities
  • Has trouble waiting for their turn
  • Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things
  • Talks excessively
  • Tends to daydream


The type of ADHD that you or your child has will determine how it’s treated. It's important to know that the type of ADHD that you have can change over time, so your treatment may also change.

Here is a great video from Understood about ADHD.
In this video, Thomas E. Brown, PhD, discusses
 ADHD symptoms and common causes of ADHD.

If you think that you or your child has ADHD, click the link below to learn more about how KoolMinds can help!

Sources:

[i] CDC- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 4/7/2021 “What is ADHD.” https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

[ii] Melissa L. Danielson, Rebecca H. Bitsko, Reem M. Ghandour, Joseph R. Holbrook, Michael D. Kogan & Stephen J. Blumberg (2018) Prevalence of Parent-Reported ADHD Diagnosis and Associated Treatment Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 2016, Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 47:2, 199-212, DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1417860

[iii] American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Arlington, VA., American Psychiatric Association, 2013.




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