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What is ADHD?
ADHD is a difference in how the brain develops, particularly in the systems that manage attention, planning and self-control. Symptoms begin in childhood — usually before the age of 12 — and appear in more than one setting, such as at home and at school.
- Inattentive type — difficulty focusing, careless mistakes, losing things, forgetfulness, not finishing tasks. Often missed in girls and quiet children.
- Hyperactive-impulsive type — constant movement, fidgeting, talking excessively, interrupting, difficulty waiting.
- Combined type — features of both.
ADHD symptoms in children and adults
In children
Cannot sit through class, runs around, does not follow instructions, makes careless mistakes, loses books and pencils, frequent complaints from school, homework takes hours, accidents from impulsive behaviour.
In adults
Chronic procrastination, missed deadlines, disorganisation, restlessness, impulsive spending or decisions, frequent job changes, losing focus in meetings, forgetting appointments, quick temper.
Many adults are diagnosed only when their own child is assessed, or after years of being called lazy or careless. ADHD often comes with anxiety, low mood, learning difficulties or sleep problems.
What causes ADHD?
- Genes — ADHD is strongly inherited and often runs in families.
- Brain development — differences in brain networks that control attention and self-regulation.
- Early factors — premature birth, low birth weight and exposure to tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy increase the risk.
How ADHD is assessed
- 1
Detailed history
Development, behaviour at home and school or work, and how long symptoms have been present — with parents, teachers or a partner where possible.
- 2
Rating scales and reports
Standard questionnaires for parents, teachers or adults (such as the adult ADHD self-report scale), plus school reports and notebooks.
- 3
Ruling out look-alikes
Hearing and vision problems, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, thyroid disorders and stressful situations can all affect attention.
- 4
A clear plan
An explanation for the family, school recommendations and a treatment plan.
Treatment for ADHD
For children
Parent training (clear routines, praise for effort, consistent consequences), classroom strategies (front-row seating, short tasks, frequent breaks, extra exam time where available) and, for moderate to severe ADHD, medicines. Medicines help the brain focus — they do not sedate a child or change their personality.
For adults
Medicines, CBT focused on ADHD (planning, organisation, managing procrastination), and practical tools such as reminders, planners and breaking work into steps.
About ADHD medicines
Options include stimulant medicines (such as methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medicines (such as atomoxetine). They are started at a low dose and adjusted, with monitoring of appetite, sleep, growth, heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD in Gujarati & Hindi
In Gujaratiગુજરાતીમાં
ADHD (ધ્યાનની ખામી અને અતિસક્રિયતા) એટલે શું?
ADHD મગજના વિકાસ સાથે જોડાયેલી સ્થિતિ છે, જેમાં બાળક કે મોટી વ્યક્તિને ધ્યાન આપવામાં, એક જગ્યાએ શાંત બેસવામાં અને આવેગ પર કાબૂ રાખવામાં તકલીફ પડે છે. આ ખરાબ ઉછેરને કારણે નથી થતું. યોગ્ય માર્ગદર્શન, શાળાનો સહકાર અને દવાઓથી બાળકો અને મોટા સારી પ્રગતિ કરી શકે છે.
- ભણવામાં ધ્યાન ન રહેવું, વારંવાર ભૂલો
- સતત દોડધામ, ચંચળતા, વધુ પડતું બોલવું
- વસ્તુઓ ખોવાઈ જવી, કામ અધૂરું છોડવું
- મોટામાં: કામ ટાળવું, અવ્યવસ્થા અને ઉતાવળા નિર્ણયો
ગુજરાતીમાં પરામર્શ માટે કૉલ કરો: +91 78610 24557
In Hindiहिंदी में
ADHD (ध्यान की कमी और अतिसक्रियता) क्या है?
ADHD दिमाग के विकास से जुड़ी स्थिति है, जिसमें बच्चे या बड़े को ध्यान लगाने, एक जगह शांत बैठने और आवेग पर काबू रखने में परेशानी होती है। यह खराब परवरिश की वजह से नहीं होता। सही मार्गदर्शन, स्कूल के सहयोग और दवाओं से बच्चे और बड़े अच्छी प्रगति कर सकते हैं।
- पढ़ाई में ध्यान न लगना, बार-बार गलतियाँ
- लगातार भाग-दौड़, चंचलता, ज़्यादा बोलना
- चीज़ें खो देना, काम अधूरा छोड़ना
- बड़ों में: काम टालना, अव्यवस्था और जल्दबाज़ी में फ़ैसले
हिंदी में परामर्श के लिए कॉल करें: +91 78610 24557
Consultations are available in English, Hindi and Gujarati.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults have ADHD?
Yes. ADHD starts in childhood, but symptoms continue into adulthood for many people. Adults often show it as disorganisation, procrastination, restlessness and impulsive decisions rather than obvious hyperactivity. It can be assessed and treated at any age.
Do children outgrow ADHD?
Hyperactivity often reduces with age, but attention and organisation difficulties frequently continue. Early support helps children develop skills that serve them for life.
Are ADHD medicines safe for children?
When prescribed and monitored by a specialist, ADHD medicines are well studied and generally safe. Common side effects such as reduced appetite or sleep changes are managed by adjusting the dose or timing. They do not cause addiction when taken as prescribed.
Which doctor should I see for ADHD?
A psychiatrist (or a child psychiatrist for children) can assess ADHD, rule out other causes and prescribe medicines. Paediatricians and psychologists are often involved too. See child & adolescent psychiatry.
Is ADHD the same as autism or a learning disability?
No, but they can occur together. Autism mainly affects social communication and involves restricted interests; learning disabilities affect specific skills such as reading or maths. A careful assessment identifies which apply.