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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manifests in two primary clusters of behavioural issues:

Inattentiveness

Challenges with focusing and maintaining concentration.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Excessive energy and acting without thought.

Although many individuals experience symptoms across both categories, this isn't always the case. About 20% to 30% of people only struggle with inattentiveness, a subtype often referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD).

This can be more elusive to diagnose as the symptoms are less disruptive.

Interestingly, gender can play a role in diagnosis. ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in boys, but girls tend to predominantly show inattentive symptoms, making their condition less apparent and potentially leading to under diagnosis.

Symptoms in Children and Teens

ADHD symptoms generally become apparent before a child reaches six years old and manifest in multiple settings like home and school. Children may exhibit :

Inattentiveness

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

These symptoms can lead to academic underperformance, strained social interactions, and disciplinary issues.

Related Conditions In Children And Teens

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension.

More About Anxiety Disorders

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioural condition marked by persistent negativity, disobedience, and hostility towards authority figures.

Conduct Disorders

Conduct disorders involve persistent patterns of aggressive, deceitful, or destructive behaviour, violating societal norms and the rights of others.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition marked by , lack of interest in activities, and emotional numbness.

Explore Depression

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder affecting motor skills, causing difficulties in coordination, spatial awareness, and complex movement.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances refer to disruptions in sleep patterns, including insomnia, sleep apnea, or frequent waking, affecting overall sleep quality.

What Are Sleep Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, and behaviour, with a range of severity.

More About ASD

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures, affecting consciousness and muscle control, managed through medication or surgery.

Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary vocal and motor tics, often developing in childhood.

Learning Difficulties Like Dyslexia

Learning difficulties like dyslexia involve challenges in processing language, affecting reading, writing, and spelling skills.

Symptoms in Adults

While there's a scarcity of research on ADHD in adults, symptoms generally evolve from childhood. Hyperactivity usually diminishes, but inattentiveness often persists as adult responsibilities mount.

Inattentiveness

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

These behavioural challenges can lead to relationship strains and difficulties with social interaction.

Related Conditions In Adults

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, affecting mental and physical health.

What Is Depression?

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behaviour, cognition, and inner experience.

Personality Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterised by mood swings between extreme highs and lows.

Explore Bipolar

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviour.

Discover OCD