Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem that starts in young children with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be greater than normally seen in a child of that age and development. ADHD affects millions of children and is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in childhood.
ADHD includes some combination of problems such as difficulty
sustaining attention, over-activity and impulsive behavior. Children
with ADHD struggle with school performance, social relationships,
emotional problems and low self-esteem.
Learn more about ADHD 
TreatmentADHD treatment requires close cooperation among the child, their parents and the doctor. Regular follow-ups with the doctor are necessary to monitor medication. The doctor will want regular reports on the child's progress as well as to watch for possible side effects of medication.
Learn more about ADHD treatment
These medications are often used to treat ADHD. While we have tried to
include most of the drugs used, there may be some that we have missed.
Also, this list and any information related to drugs and medications
on this website should ONLY be used as supplemental information, and
should in no way be used in place of the advice of your physician or
healthcare practioner.
Learn more about medications for ADHD
Track your ADHD symptoms to identify patterns and help with your treatment plan. Our progress tracker can be printed or even shared with your healthcare professional electronically.
Progress tracking for ADHD
News & ResearchA new literature review by two researchers from Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, says a relatively simple diet low in fats and high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is one of the best alternatives to drug therapy for ADHD. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements have also been shown to help in some controlled studies, they noted. The authors reviewed nearly 70 publications on diet-based interventions in ADHD, emphasizing recent research and controlled trials and published the results in the online version of the journal Pediatrics.
Researchers in New York have reported that children born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy are twice as likely to develop ADHD by the time they are 6 years of age. Low socioeconomic status was also found to be a strong risk factor. It is theorized that the mother’s diabetes affects the fetus’ brain at a critical period of development. Over 200 children were studied and the results reported in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine online.
DiagnosisThese symptoms need to be so serious that they cause difficulties in a
variety of settings, such as at school, at home, and with their
friends. Some children have primarily inattentiveness symptoms. They
are less disruptive in school and are more likely to go undiagnosed.
Learn more about ADHD diagnosis
This simple questionnaire is designed to help you determine if your child has symptoms of ADHD and could benefit from professional help.
Doctor Discussion GuideTalking to your doctor or mental health professional about ADHD for you or your child can be difficult. Knowing what questions to ask can help. Our Doctor Discussion Guide includes a list of questions you may want to ask. You can even add questions of your own and then print out the list.
Doctor Discussion Guide
