ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children and, over the past decade, has been increasingly diagnosed in adults. ADHD has biological origins that aren\'t yet clearly understood and is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines. ADHD may be suspected by a parent or caretaker or may go unnoticed until the child runs into problems at school. ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADHD can\'t be cured, but it can be successfully managed.

The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and some signs are feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated, running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected, blurting out answers before hearing the whole question, having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns.

Parents can ask their child’s pediatrician, or a child psychologist or psychiatrist, to assess whether their toddler has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or is, more likely at this age, just immature or unusually exuberant. Some knowledge of the structure of the brain is helpful in understanding the research scientists are doing in searching for a physical basis for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

ADHD is common, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children and 4% of adults. ADHD can be a life-long condition, and many children who have it continue to have symptoms in adolescence and adulthood. ADHD is a common neuro-psychiatric condition. ADHD usually starts at about 18 months, but might not be diagnosed until later, even until adulthood.

This website provides information about ADD and ADHD.