Everyone is inattentive or careless at times. How do you know if you have ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present at birth. In the past, it was considered a childhood disorder that people grew out of as they became older. However, it is now recognized that most people with ADHD continue to experience functional impairment into adulthood. Symptoms of adult ADHD may include difficulty handling stress well, inability to sit still, trouble focusing on tasks, difficulty getting tasks completed, trouble with time management, and difficulty staying organized.

There are three major categories of ADHD: inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD. Critical to the diagnosis is evidence of inattention or hyperactivity prior to the age of twelve. Due to the disruption they typically cause in class, most children with hyperactivity get diagnosed in elementary or middle school. Since symptoms of inattentive ADHD can be more subtle, it is possible that children with this type of ADHD may go undiagnosed.