What is ADHD?

• ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

• It is a brain-related condition that affects how a person pays attention, controls actions, and stays still.

• It often begins in childhood, but many adults have it too.

  
  

Types of ADHD

• Hyperactive-impulsive type: Mainly restlessness and acting without thinking.

• Combined type: A mix of both inattention and hyperactivity.

• Inattentive type: Mainly trouble focusing or staying organized.

  
  

Symptoms

Inattention

• Easily distracted or forgetful

• Struggles to stay focused on tasks

• Often loses things or skips steps

• Has trouble listening or finishing work

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Constant movement or fidgeting

• Talks a lot or interrupts often

• Trouble sitting still or waiting turns

• Acts quickly without thinking

  
  

Diagnosis

• A doctor looks at a person’s behavior over time and in different places (like school and home).

• There is no single test; it is based on checklists, reports, and sometimes rating scales.

  
  

Treatment

• Medicines (like stimulants) can help control symptoms.

• Therapy helps with behavior, planning, and feelings.

• Good routines, enough sleep, and support at school also make a big difference.

  
  

Important to Know

• ADHD is not caused by laziness or bad parenting.

• With the right help, people with ADHD can do very well in school, work, and life.

• Many people with ADHD are very creative, energetic, and full of ideas.

Causes of ADHD

Genetics (Family History)

• ADHD often runs in families.

• If a parent or close relative has it, the child is more likely to have it too.

2. Brain Differences

• People with ADHD have small differences in how certain parts of their brain grow and work.

• These areas control attention, planning, and self-control.

3. Chemicals in the Brain (Neurotransmitters)

• The brain uses special chemicals (like dopamine) to send messages.

• In ADHD, these chemicals may not work properly.

4. Other Possible Factors (but not proven causes)

• Being born early (premature birth)

• Low birth weight

• Brain injury

• Exposure to smoking, alcohol, or lead before birth

People with ADHD can be:

• Fast-thinking minds: People with ADHD often think quickly and jump between ideas. That can lead to original and creative thoughts.

• Out-of-the-box thinking: They may see things in a different way, which helps in art, music, storytelling, or problem-solving.

• Strong imagination: Many with ADHD have powerful daydreams and visual ideas — great for drawing, inventing, or designing.

These are people who achived things with ADHD

• Michael Phelps – Olympic swimmer

   → Diagnosed with ADHD as a child; swimming helped him focus.

• Simone Biles – Olympic gymnast

   → She openly talked about having ADHD and taking medicine for it.

• Justin Timberlake – Musician and actor

   → Said he has both OCD and ADHD in interviews.

• Will.i.am – Music producer (from Black Eyed Peas)

   → Has ADHD and says it helps his creativity in music.

• Adam Levine – Singer (Maroon 5)

   → Diagnosed as a teenager and again as an adult; talks about how it affects his work.

Note/summary— People with ADHD can be equally talented and creative as people without ADHD. ADHD is not a disease it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder. People can get it genetically, chemical differences in brain etc…, ADHD can be treated through medicines, therapy and good routines.