What Is ADHD? Signs, Symptoms, and How Therapy Can Help

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. While it’s often associated with difficulty paying attention or sitting still, ADHD is more complex than many people realize. It can impact focus, emotional regulation, organization, relationships, and self-esteem across the lifespan.

Understanding what ADHD is, how it shows up at different ages, and what treatment options are available can be an important first step toward effective support and management.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, activity level, and executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritizing, and follow-through. ADHD is not caused by laziness, lack of intelligence, or poor parenting. It is influenced by genetics and brain development, and many people with ADHD are highly creative, intuitive, and capable.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in one of three presentations:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Combined Presentation

Symptoms must be persistent, present in more than one setting, and interfere with daily functioning to meet diagnostic criteria.

Common Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

While ADHD can look different from person to person, common symptoms include challenges with attention, impulse control, and regulation of energy or emotions.

Inattentive Symptoms

Difficulty sustaining focus
Easily distracted by internal thoughts or external stimuli
Trouble following through on tasks
Disorganization or losing important items
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort

Hyperactive and Impulsive Symptoms

Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
Fidgeting or tapping
Talking excessively or interrupting others
Acting without thinking through consequences
Difficulty waiting or taking turns

Not everyone with ADHD experiences hyperactivity in obvious ways, especially as they get older.

How ADHD Can Look Different in Children vs. Adults

ADHD is often first identified in childhood, but many people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms can change over time and may look very different depending on age, environment, and expectations.

ADHD in Children

In children, ADHD symptoms are often more visible and externalized. Common signs include:

Difficulty sitting still in class
Trouble following instructions or completing schoolwork
Frequent interruptions or impulsive behavior
Emotional outbursts or frustration intolerance
Challenges with peer relationships

Children with ADHD may be labeled as “disruptive,” “unmotivated,” or “not trying hard enough,” which can negatively affect self-esteem if the condition goes unrecognized.

ADHD in Adults

In adults, hyperactivity often becomes more internal. Instead of constant movement, adults may experience:

Racing thoughts or mental restlessness
Chronic disorganization or time management difficulties
Procrastination despite good intentions
Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
Forgetting appointments or deadlines
Emotional sensitivity or irritability

Adults with ADHD may struggle at work, in relationships, or with maintaining routines. Many report long-standing feelings of shame or frustration due to years of feeling misunderstood.

Learn more about late diagnosis of adult ADHD on our blog.

ADHD and Emotional Regulation

ADHD doesn’t only affect attention—it also impacts emotional regulation. Many individuals experience:

Strong emotional reactions
Difficulty calming down once upset
Low frustration tolerance
Sensitivity to rejection or criticism

These challenges are often overlooked but can significantly affect relationships and mental health.

Treatment Options for ADHD

ADHD is highly treatable, and most people benefit from a combination of approaches rather than a single solution.

Medication

Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation for many individuals. Medication is not a cure, but it can reduce symptom intensity and make other strategies more effective. Medication decisions should always be made with a qualified medical provider.

Therapy for ADHD

Therapy plays a key role in helping both children and adults manage ADHD effectively.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and skills-based therapy can help individuals:

Develop organization and time management strategies
Improve task initiation and follow-through
Address negative self-talk and shame
Build emotional regulation skills
Learn coping tools for stress and overwhelm

For children, therapy often involves parent support and behavior strategies to create consistency and structure. For adults, therapy frequently focuses on practical skills, self-compassion, and reframing long-standing beliefs about failure or inadequacy.

Coaching and Skills Training

Some individuals benefit from ADHD coaching, which focuses on goal-setting, accountability, and day-to-day problem solving.

Lifestyle Supports

ADHD symptoms can also be influenced by:

Sleep quality
Nutrition
Physical activity
Consistent routines

While lifestyle changes alone are rarely sufficient, they can significantly support overall treatment.

How Therapy Helps Beyond Symptom Management

One of the most important roles of therapy is helping individuals understand that ADHD is not a character flaw. Therapy provides space to process years of frustration, build self-acceptance, and develop strategies that work with the ADHD brain rather than against it.

ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it does not have to define or limit a person’s potential. With accurate understanding, appropriate treatment, and supportive therapy, individuals with ADHD can build fulfilling, successful lives.

When to Seek Help

If ADHD symptoms are interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek an evaluation or speak with a mental health professional. Earlier support can prevent secondary issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

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